Castelbuono has a castle. It was built in the 14th century. It is a good castle, but never used for strategic purposes. The city developed around it. We were a little disappointed that the castle wasn't open even though the hours indicated it should be.
 |
| Castelbuono - means good castle |
 |
| With Salvo and Marco |
Castelbuono is located in the mountains of Sicily. In the region is found a type of ash tree that produces a sap that is collected and named "manna." It is a sweet sap and only found in this area. But it is not the manna as described in the Bible. This manna is turned into dolce or medicine.
 |
| Manna is the sap that grows only in this region of Sicily |
 | |
| Castle gates to the city |
One of my favorite things about Italy is each little town has one or two or several churches to discover. Each church has so much beauty in its own right. Besides the cool columns, wondrous pictures, there is always a bell ringing to welcome you in. We wandered into the church of Matrice Vecchia.
 |
| Polyptych of the Coronation of the Virgin |
 |
| Betrothal of the Virgins |
 |
| Some of the columns had frescoes painted on them |
The villages are what we picture Italy to be; charming, small, piazze with fountains and old men. I propose we establish a piazza with a fountain in every city to gather around.
 |
| Town Center |
 |
| Fountain of Venere Ciprea |
 |
| Our companions for the day - Salvo and Marco |
 |
| This piazza is named Mina like Salvo's family name |
 |
| And narrow streets with stairs to complete the charm |
Sicily is truly to be discovered as you discover its villages.
Other small village posts - Bagheria to Porticello
Villafrati
Erice
Valledolmo
Mistretta
No comments:
Post a Comment