Andiamo! Citalia Magazine Autumn 2023

ART & ARCHITECTURE OF SICILY
Your book highlights that more Greek temples were
built in Sicily than in Greece in the 6th century.
Why was this? And what legacy have these temples
left on the island?
I’ve no idea…and I wish I knew. However, the architectural legacy is
very strong. During the Grand Tour of Europe, no one ventured to Sicily
until the late 18th century, when a couple of guidebooks praised the
Greek temples. It attracted wealthy tourists and inspired 19th century
artists and architects who measured the temples to recreate neoclassical
architecture across Italy and even Britain!
Are there any other must-see, but perhaps lesserknown
works of arts in Sicily that you recommend
to Citalia guests?
Absolutely! I suggest you stop by Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte Hotel in
Palermo for a drink. This palazzo was designed around 1900 by Ernesto
Basile, an award-winning architect and the pioneer of the Sicilian Liberty
movement, better known as art nouveau style to the rest of us. The
entire building is incredible but there’s one particular room, its hall of
mirrors that is completely intact with all the original furniture and light
fittings. It’s one of the best examples of art nouveau I’ve witnessed.
Your book also features works by Caravaggio. How did
Rome’s most famous painter find himself in Sicily?
Caravaggio arrived in Sicily towards the end of his life. After committing
murder, he escaped Rome and went to Malta where he got into further
trouble. That’s when he came to Sicily, where it appears the people
weren’t too bothered about his criminal behaviour and instead, he was
commissioned to paint.
If you visit the Interdisciplinary Regional Museum of Messina (MUME),
you’ll find two enormous paintings by the artist: The Adoration of the
Shepherds and the Raising of Lazarus, which are among his greatest
masterpieces. You’ll also find his painting Burial of Saint Lucy in a church
in Syracuse, not too far from Messina, so you can take a Caravaggio trail.
Front view of Syracuse cathedral showing
baroque frontage added 1728-1753
There was another great Caravaggio painting in Palermo, but it
was unfortunately stolen by the mafia in 1969 and has never been
recovered. It was a huge scandal, and you’ll still find stories in the local
media of someone saying they know where it is, however, it sadly may
no longer exist.
Also in Palermo is Palazzino Cinese, a Chinese palace that was built for
the royal family around 1800 and has wonderful, whimsical interiors,
including pagoda roofs, bells that tinkle, and richly-painted walls. One
room has been painted in the trompe-l'œil effect of creating an illusion
and looks like the roof has caved in, with moss and mould all over the
walls. It’s delightful. I could go on - there are plenty of suggestions in
my book!
Exclusive Reader Discount
Art and Architecture of Sicily by Julian Treuherz is available to purchase now.
Andiamo! readers are entitled to a 20% discount on the book when buying
direct from lundhumphries.com. Just scan this QR code and use the discount
code CITALIA at checkout. Valid until 31 December 2023.
A 4 night holiday in Sicily, staying at the Grand Hotel et des Palmes in Palermo, starts from £1,149 per person.
Speak to one of our ​Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765061
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