abbey, Castle, History, Home page, kings and queens, Travel

Château de Chantilly, France

The Château de Chantilly is one of the finest jewels in the crown of France’s cultural heritage. It is the work of a man with an extraordinary destiny: Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe. This historic French château located in the town of Chantilly, Oise, about 50 kilometres north of Paris. The site comprises two attached buildings: the Petit Château built around 1560 … Continue reading Château de Chantilly, France

RED RIDING HOODSeptember 17, 2022March 31, 20232 Comments

Castle, cathedrals, food and drink, fortress, History, Home page, kings and queens, Life in Sicilyt, monastery, Travel

Cefalù

From its dramatic natural surroundings to its historic churches, Sicily has something to offer every traveler. The island of Sicily is a unique part of Italy. Its craggy mountains, wild vegetation, and omnipresent sea have fired the imagination of poets, wayfarers, and visitors alike. Though it is one of 20 Italian regions, its history under the yoke of endless conquerors –especially the Normans – has … Continue reading Cefalù

RED RIDING HOODSeptember 11, 2022September 11, 2022Leave a comment

Castle, cathedrals, food and drink, fortress, History, Home page, kings and queens, Life in Sicilyt, monastery, Travel

Taormina

This is city is one of my favourite places in Sicily. Let me show you its magic! Taormina has been a tourist destination since the 19th century. Its beaches on the Ionian sea, including that of Isola Bella, are accessible via an aerial tramway built in 1992, and via highways from Messina in the north and Catania in the south. In 2017 Taormina hosted the 43rd G7 summit. The history of Taormina dates back … Continue reading Taormina

RED RIDING HOODSeptember 5, 2022October 1, 2022Leave a comment

abbey, Castle, cathedrals, food and drink, fortress, History, Home page, kings and queens, Life in Sicilyt, Travel

Noto

According to legend, Daedalus stayed in the city after his flight over the Ionian Sea, as did Hercules after his seventh task – Capture the Cretan Bull. 🙂 In 9th century it was conquered by the Muslims, who elevated the city to become a capital of one of the three districts of the island (the Val di Noto). In 11th century, it became the last Islamic stronghold in Sicily to fall to the … Continue reading Noto

RED RIDING HOODSeptember 4, 2022Leave a comment

food and drink, History, Life in Sicilyt

Carlentini

The city’s name has its origins in the neighboring town of Lentini. In 16th century, Vice-King Giovanni De Vega founded a new city in honour of Habsburg Emperor Karlo V, naming it in Latin Carleontini, or Leontini of Carlo. In Italian, it became Carlentini, and in the various Sicilian dialects, Carrintini or Carruntini. They say in Sicily, you can recognise the flavour of the city by its bar. So my first decision was … Continue reading Carlentini

RED RIDING HOODSeptember 4, 2022Leave a comment

abbey, cathedrals, History, Home page, kings and queens, Life in Sicilyt, monastery, Travel

Monreale

It is located on the slope of Monte Caputo, overlooking the very fertile valley called “La Conca d’oro” (the Golden Shell), a production area of orange, olive and almond trees, the produce of which is exported in large quantities. The town, which has a population of approximately 39,000, is about 7 kilometers inland (south) of Palermo, the regional capital. Monreale forms its own archdiocese and is home to Monreale Cathedral, a … Continue reading Monreale

RED RIDING HOODSeptember 4, 2022March 21, 2023Leave a comment

abbey, Castle, cathedrals, food and drink, fortress, History, Home page, kings and queens, Life in Sicilyt, monastery, Travel

Palermo

Long time ago, my first visit to Sicily in 2012 was accompanied by visit to Palermo. I had a day only to visit so the story to tell was shorter. Now I am blessed to live on the Island of Sicily for a more extended time so I have more to tell. For the beginning, when driving to Palermo from Catania, you have to pass … Continue reading Palermo

RED RIDING HOODSeptember 4, 2022September 10, 20222 Comments

Castle, cathedrals, food and drink, fortress, History, Home page, kings and queens, Life in Sicilyt, Travel

Syracusa – Ortigia

When I discovered this city – I was driving quite often towards the south to hang around and be away from Catanian trash and dirt. This historical city has much to offer and makes you come back again and again. Where to start? Syracuse is mentioned in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles book at 28:12 as Paul stayed there. Good start? The city was founded by Ancient … Continue reading Syracusa – Ortigia

RED RIDING HOODAugust 28, 2022March 21, 20231 Comment

cathedrals, fortress, History, Home page, kings and queens, Life in Sicilyt, monastery, Travel

Aci Reale

And just above Santa Maria La Scala is home to numerous churches of neo-gothic and typical Sicilian baroque style. Sicilian dialect calls it Jaciriali. I am trying to understand the rules of a dialect here too. Wish me good luck 😛 In Sicily, I found so far three nymphe’s that were born here. One of them is Galatea – the sea-nymph. According to tradition, the … Continue reading Aci Reale

RED RIDING HOODAugust 28, 2022September 10, 2022Leave a comment

Castle, cathedrals, food and drink, History, Home page, kings and queens, monastery, Travel

Under the Tuscan rain🍕 Firenze e Siena – follow along the Medici and chianti

Some rain, more rain and some more more rain and the hail one afternoon in Siena. O sole mio, dov’e sei? Otherwise, lots of fun, good food, chianti, lots of art and medieval history 🙂 So besides the sun that I haven’t found, Tuscany is best known for its rolling hills, which are populated by golden vineyards and can often be found on postcards and … Continue reading Under the Tuscan rain🍕 Firenze e Siena – follow along the Medici and chianti

RED RIDING HOODApril 5, 2022April 6, 20226 Comments