Stunning Sicily Programme - Stunning Sicily - Art History Abroad - Art History Abroad
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"They say there is no such thing as a perfect moment but when we stepped into the Sistine Chapel, deserted, standing empty just for us, it wasn't just a perfect moment but a mind-blowing, perfect hour. What more can I say other than, thank you with all my heart for a truly life-changing trip."
LF Gap Year Course 2007
Stunning Sicily Programme
| Sat | 18th | Arrival, rest and orientation in Palermo. Some will have taken an early morning flight from Stansted, others are coming from Rome, whilst others will be arriving in the afternoon with Easyjet. | |
| Sun | 19th | ALL DAY | An introduction to Sicily and a day trip to Segesta (1¼ hours) and Monreale. The Greek temple and theatre at Segesta are amongst the most magnificently situated remains from antiquity. Among wooded green hills, it is a sort of paradise. After a fishy lunch by the sea, return to Palermo via the Cathedral at Monreale where the Norman mosaics will come as a surprise to those of us brought up on the limitations of Norman dogtooth decoration. Return to Palermo (30 mins). |
| Mon | 20th | AM | Starting early at the under visited Archaeological Museum where there are some wonderful Greek metopes, havable Roman bronzes and even a golden laurel crown. Nearby is the Oratory of Santa Cita and of the Rosary where we can show you the genius plaster sculptor Giacomo Serpotta from the eighteenth century. He only worked in Palermo, but had he gone to Rome, we would certainly speak of him in the same breath as Bernini. Then on to the Martorana, an enchanting chapel with Mosaics paid for by a Norman admiral. |
| PM | After lunch by the Franciscan church, we should go to the Duomo and then beyond to the Palazzo Normani where, in the chapel, we are not allowed to teach, but your study of Norman mosaics will leave you well equipped to understand. | ||
| Tue | 21st | ALL DAY | Starting at 0900 we shall go to the Palazzo Abataliss, the picture gallery, to see Antonella da Messina before re-boarding the bus for the town Bagheria and the Villa Palagonia. Continue to the Villa Casale at Piazza Armerina in the centre of Sicily, where the Roman mosaics are amongst the best anywhere. In the cool of the afternoon, travel through the early evening to Syracuse where we stay in picturesque Ortigia. |
| Wed | 22nd | AM | Syracuse is Sicily's most picturesque town, with a Duomo that is literally a carved history of the island. Greek ruins lie at its heart. A look at the Duomo and the Temple of Mars before looking at 17th Century Baroque master - Caravaggio and his 'on the run' masterpiece - The Burial of St Lucy. The defence of Siracuse; overlooking the bay from a hotel rooftop we will re-enact the great defence of the city against the Athenians 400 BC! Our guide will be Thucydides the first 'modern' historian. |
| PM | Archaeological zone: theatre, the ear of Dionysius and the altar of Heiron II and the Archaeological Museum for a survey of Greek sculpture and pottery. We shall spend a morning at these fascinating ruins, that date back to the earliest Greek arrivals on the island, and the museum is a treasure trove of finds, but the Greek tomb paintings are the highlight and are unique examples of their kind. | ||
| Thu | 23rd | AM | Making an early start, we should have time to go south to the odd town of Noto, which is now a World heritage Site because it is a was built as a complete model Baroque city following an earthquake. It is an extraordinary place. We shall then set out for an agriturismo on the foothills of Etna, close to Catania. With good fortune we may be able to visit the gardens at Bivieri, owned by the Principessa Borghese. |
| PM | Travel by minibus up to our hideaway on the South side of Mount Etna. | ||
| Fri | 24th | ALL DAY | Some may choose to relax, enjoy the sunshine and the pool of Borgo Petra, others may like to go to Messina (1½hours) in search of Caravaggios and visit the somewhat touristy Taormina on the way back. |
| Sat | 25th | AM | To Catania to see probably the best fish market in the world and a private visit to the astonishing Palazzo Biscari with its fabulous ballroom. The musicians' staircase is the prettiest rococo imaginable. There is also a wonderful Duomo, built of pumice, part Norman, part baroque. Lunch at Mamma Maria, cheap and simple, right next to the fish market, perfect fish. |
| PM | Afternoon flights home. |
