Monday, October 2, 2023
Mark and I went on a guided tour of Palermo. Among the churches and other buildings we saw, we explored the Maxim Theater. It was very interesting and made me wish we had such a facility in Nevada County. The stage is 38m wide, 50m deep and 70m high. The orchestra pit raises and lowers to stage level when needed. The theater holds 1700 people. We learned there are 5 million people on Sicily and 1 million in Palermo. A large earthquake in 1693 damaged much of Palermo and reconstruction was done in the Neo-classical style. In 1943 Palermo was bombed and 50 % of the city was destroyed. Today there are many new buildings that retain the look of the old styles but are completely new inside. There are 5000 illegal immigrants living and working in Sicily. They are composed mostly of Indians and Africans. There are 160 churches in Palermo.
Then we walked the streets looking at buildings and the insides of churches. It all becoming a bit muddled as the day progressed. But the art works were beautiful.
Some exquisite side alters, built for wealthy patrons and Grand Masters of the knights of St John. These were in the church of Santa Maria de Ammirragleo. The front half was Norman from 11th century done in gold leaf. The back half was baroque from the 17th century.
After our day in Palermo, we flew to Valetta, Malta and checked into our digs overlooking the Grand Harbour. It was hard to remember Palermo after moving to Malta. There were so many new things to see and absorb in Malta. Mimi and Phil joined us for most of our activities there.
A parting shot of Mt Etna from Catania. Not sure who sent this to me. Anyway, it is a lovely image by which to remember Sicily.
Adventures with Julia 