We took a train from Naples to Palermo, Sicily. This was exciting in that we never got off the train before arriving in Palermo, yet we had to cross to the island of Sicily on a ferry. 🤔 The train actually came onto the ferry!
Throughout our travels in Italy we've seen many beautiful ceramic tiles. In Palermo we had a real treat when we visited the Museum of Majolica Stanze-al Genio. This museum is a private home of a collector who collects hand-made majolica tiles made in the Italian regions of Campania (Naples) and Sicily between the 15th and 19th centuries.
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| Museum of Majolica Stanze-al Genio |
We had a guide who took us through each of the eight rooms (including the kitchen). He explained the significance of the different colors, shapes and designs in relation to their era and geographical provenance. We were then allowed time on our own to enjoy the collection. This is indeed a hidden gem! Reservations are a must as this is a private residence.
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| Museum of Majolica Stanze-al Genio |
We took a walking tour of Palermo to learn about the history and traditions. We enjoy doing these types of tours at the beginning of our stay so we can better appreciate the places we see later. Here are some of the places we saw!
The Palermo Cathedral was so big that I couldn't get it in 1 photo!
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| Palermo Cathedral |
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| Palermo Cathedral |
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| Praetorian Fountain |
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La Vucciria Open-Air Street Market
Boiled Octopus
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| Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandri |
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| Chiesa di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria |
We saw these next 2 places on our tour and made arrangements to return to see the inside!
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| Teatro Massimo Opera House |
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| Chiesa Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio |
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| Chiesa Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio |
Our Airbnb is near the Quattro Canti. This is an octagonal square at the crossroads of the two main roads of Palermo.
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| Quattro Canti |
Each of the four corners feature monuments with statues (top to bottom) of the virgin saints of Palermo, sovereigns of Palermo and fountains with statues representing the four seasons.
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Statues from top to bottom:
Santa Cristina, Charles V , Spring
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Statues from top to bottom:
Santa Ninfa, Philip II, Summer |
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Statues from top to bottom:
Sant'Oliva, Philip III, Autumn |
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Statues from top to bottom:
Sant'Agata, Philip IV, Winter |
We're saying arrivederci to Italy! Join us next in the island nation of Malta!
