a 19-year-old from Palermo’s Zen district has been arrested for the Monreale massacre He is accused of opening fire in a crowded square in Monreale killing three young men and injuring two others Charges include mass murder and illegal possession of a firearm The hunt for his accomplices is still ongoing: investigations suggest that at least four other young men also from Zen and Borgo Nuovo neighborhoods Prosecutors in Palermo are working to identify and bring them to justice initially tried to mislead investigators by reporting the scooter used that night as stolen his story quickly fell apart under the weight of the evidence he later chose to remain silent during questioning The tragedy reportedly began over a trivial reprimand Some young locals from Monreale allegedly scolded the newcomers from Palermo for dangerously speeding through the center on scooters This led to a violent altercation with insults and blows with helmets — before escalating to gunfire Amateur footage shared online captured the brutal scene Salvatore Calvaruso pulled out a pistol and fired about twenty shots at chest height into a street full of people including a 16-year-old who was shot in the head but miraculously survived Prosecutors noted that the massacre could have claimed even more lives: between 50 and 100 people were reportedly present at the time and only by chance was an even greater tragedy averted and a physical clue: a pair of glasses found at the scene identical to those he was seen wearing in a photo from social media A friend of Calvaruso told investigators that he lent him the scooter and was later asked to falsely report it stolen Calvaruso reportedly admitted to this friend that he had "made a mess," confessing to the shooting and the killings Initially defended by lawyer Giovanni Castronovo Calvaruso is now seeking a new attorney after Castronovo withdrew for professional reasons a judge will review the charges against him The grief of the victims’ families is overwhelming spoke emotionally outside the mortuary at Palermo’s Civico Hospital “My life ended yesterday,” he said He recounted his son's bravery — Andrea first ensured his girlfriend’s safety by locking her in a car before rushing to help his cousin Salvatore “They were killed while trying to help each other That’s how our boys were raised,” he added He also issued a heartfelt plea to the families of the attackers: “Convince your sons and their accomplices to turn themselves in I’ll never see their smiles again — partly because you failed to raise them right.” Outside the pub where the massacre occurred a banner now hangs in memory of the victims: "You can’t extinguish the sun by shooting at it," signed by the "Ultras Pioppo" fan group Carabinieri are searching for the other assailants and the firearm used in the attack has not yet been found The prosecution has ordered autopsies on the three victims to fully clarify the circumstances of the tragedy who was standing near the pub during the shooting "I'm alive by a miracle," he said from his hospital bed i paramenti sacri rivestono un ruolo di primaria importanza  Marsala perde un uomo brillante e generoso: si è spento all’età di 57 anni Giancarlo Casano colpito da un malore improvviso intorno alle 13 e 30.  Professionista stimato e conosciuto Mancano pochi giorni all'inizio del 72° Raduno Nazionale dei Bersaglieri che dall'8 all'11 maggio 2025 trasformerà Marsala in un palcoscenico di storia dedicato a uno dei corpi militari più rappresentativi.. Medievalists.net unveiling a remarkable new look thanks to an advanced lighting renovation renowned for its intricate gold mosaics and biblical artistry offering visitors a fresh perspective on its architectural and artistic grandeur This marks the first major restoration of the Cathedral of Monreale since 1978 an effort that involved meticulously cleaning its iconic mosaics and installing a state-of-the-art lighting system stands as one of the most remarkable examples of medieval architecture in Italy and Norman influences into a singularly breathtaking design The year-long project was led by Zumtobel an Austrian lighting specialist renowned for its expertise in illuminating cultural and historical landmarks Tasked with modernising the cathedral’s outdated lighting system Zumtobel developed a customised LED solution designed to enhance the brilliance of the mosaics while preserving the sacred and historical atmosphere of the space Their innovative system ensures both energy efficiency and flexibility adapting seamlessly to the diverse uses of the cathedral from religious ceremonies to art history tours “There was a very old system,” explains Matteo Cundari, Country Manager of Zumtobel to the BBC the energy costs were through the roof and in no way it made justice to the beauty of the mosaics The main challenge was to make sure we’d highlight the mosaics and we’d create something that answers to the various needs of the cathedral We also wanted to create a completely reversible system something that could be replaced in 10 or 15 years without damaging the building.” The new lighting system is powered by LITECOM technology enabling precise control of each luminaire to create a variety of tailored lighting scenarios The system offers multiple user-friendly interfaces ensuring seamless operation for the cathedral’s diverse needs Adjustable brackets ensure precise light direction enhancing the mosaics while maintaining the integrity of the space Zumtobel’s design prioritised both functionality and the preservation of the cathedral’s historic integrity adhering to UNESCO World Heritage Site guidelines mounted on the capitals of columns in the main nave use an innovative frame construction held in place by gravity avoiding any permanent attachment to the building These luminaires direct light downward into the church or upward toward the ceiling ensuring optimal illumination while remaining discreet and unobtrusive Complementing the wide-area lighting provided by the rectangular luminaires the project also incorporates round spotlights from the VIVO II family for targeted accent lighting These versatile fixtures highlight key features such as altars and crucifixes bringing attention to the cathedral’s most sacred and artistic elements reducing cooling requirements and ensuring sustainable and efficient performance “Our project luminaire is a customized lighting tool that brings out the unique character of the interior of sacred buildings in a particularly touching way installed out of sight in the background,” explains Holger Leibmann He adds that it will also allow for different uses: “This ranges from a festively illuminated nave for Easter or Christmas high mass to a prayer service But art history tours can also be perfectly illuminated.” a team of local experts from the Italian Ministry of Culture undertook extensive restoration work to revive the mosaics They began by carefully removing a thick layer of dust that had built up over the years where enamel and gold leaf had worn away and appeared as dark patches from below were meticulously restored to their former glory In areas where the tiles were detaching from the walls specialists secured them to ensure the mosaics’ long-term preservation The Cathedral of Monreale is one of the most magnificent achievements of Norman architecture in the 12th century reflecting the rich cultural fusion of Sicily during that time the cathedral was conceived as both a symbol of royal power and divine favour Its construction served to reinforce William’s authority while showcasing the artistic brilliance of Byzantine which were uniquely intertwined in Sicily’s medieval society the cathedral’s splendour lies in its unparalleled mosaic work covering an astounding 6,340 square metres depict vivid biblical scenes ranging from the creation of the world to the life of Christ rendered in shimmering gold and vibrant colours the mosaics are a testament to the extraordinary skill and devotion of medieval craftsmen Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 the cathedral remains a breathtaking landmark and a powerful reminder of Sicily’s historical and artistic legacy Top Image: Before and after views of the Cathedral of Monreale Photos: Allie_Caulfield / Flickr and Zumtobel We've created a Patreon for Medievalists.net as we want to transition to a more community-funded model We aim to be the leading content provider about all things medieval podcast and Youtube page offers news and resources about the Middle Ages We hope that are our audience wants to support us so that we can further develop our podcast and remove the advertising on our platforms This will also allow our fans to get more involved in what content we do produce Member Login returning the 12th century masterpieces to their original splendor involved meticulous cleaning and repair of the glass tiles as well as the installation of a state-of-the-art lighting system commissioned by the Norman King William II boasts one of the world's largest indoor mosaic collections the shimmering artwork depicts scenes from the Old and New Testaments crafted using an estimated 2.2 tons of pure gold "The church is unique in the world," said Father Nicola Gaglio creates passion and at the same time opens the heart." Among the most breathtaking mosaics is the imposing "Christ Pantocrator" ("ruler of all") in the apse is regarded as the most beautiful of the Norman churches in Sicily The mosaics were made with 2200 kg of pure gold Craftsmen from Constantinople were employed to expedite the work The Byzantine mosaics are among the most magnificent in the world Years of water damage had taken a toll on the mosaics prompting a $1.23 million restoration effort Scaffolding erected during the project is expected to be removed by mid-October Adding to the revitalized magnificence is a new lighting system designed by Austrian company Zumtobel "A key focus is to highlight the rich colours of the mosaics especially the dominant golden tones," explained Zumtobel executive Matteo Cundari will be officially inaugurated in late November The Monreale Cathedral stands as a testament to King William II's vision said to have been inspired by a dream in which the Virgin Mary urged him to build a church on the very spot Legend has it that a treasure was unearthed from the roots of a carob tree where the king rested and the golden coins funded the cathedral's construction sito Patrimonio dell’Umanità dell’UNESCO in Sicilia ha svelato i suoi mosaici appena restaurati riportando i capolavori del XII secolo al loro splendore originale ha coinvolto una pulizia meticolosa e la riparazione delle tessere di vetro oltre all’installazione di un sistema di illuminazione all'avanguardia commissionata dal re normanno Guglielmo II vanta una delle più grandi collezioni di mosaici indoor al mondo gli scintillanti mosaici raffigurano scene dell’Antico e del Nuovo Testamento realizzati utilizzando circa 2,2 tonnellate di oro puro "La chiesa è unica al mondo," ha detto padre Nicola Gaglio crea passione e allo stesso tempo apre il cuore." Tra i mosaici più straordinari spicca l’imponente "Cristo Pantocratore" nell’abside è considerata la più bella tra le chiese normanne della Sicilia I mosaici furono realizzati con 2200 kg di oro puro Artigiani di Costantinopoli furono impiegati per accelerare il lavoro I mosaici bizantini sono tra i più magnifici al mondo Anni di danni causati dall’acqua avevano deteriorato i mosaici portando a un progetto di restauro da 1,23 milioni di dollari I ponteggi eretti durante il restauro dovrebbero essere rimossi entro metà ottobre Aggiunge ulteriore magnificenza restaurata un nuovo sistema di illuminazione progettato dall’azienda austriaca Zumtobel "Un punto chiave è mettere in risalto i colori ricchi dei mosaici specialmente le tonalità dorate dominanti," ha spiegato Matteo Cundari sarà ufficialmente inaugurata a fine novembre La Cattedrale di Monreale è un testamento alla visione del re Guglielmo II che si dice sia stata ispirata da un sogno in cui la Vergine Maria lo esortava a costruire una chiesa proprio in quel luogo La leggenda narra che un tesoro venne dissotterrato dalle radici di un carrubo dove il re si riposava e che le monete d'oro trovarono impiego nella costruzione della cattedrale Discover all our subscription plans and become a member  There is now a suspect in the Monreale massacre: a 19-year-old from the Zen neighborhood of Palermo who has been interrogated for hours by the Carabinieri on orders from the Palermo Prosecutor’s Office The young man arrested by the Carabinieri is named Salvatore Calvaruso and he faces charges of mass murder for killing three young men during a brawl that erupted in the center of Monreale He is also charged with illegal possession and carrying of a firearm He is believed to be one of the individuals who The involvement of a second young man from Palermo is also under investigation coordinated by the Palermo Prosecutor’s Office led by Maurizio de Lucia with authorities reviewing surveillance footage and gathering numerous witness statements Turdo and Pirozzo died shortly after being transported to Ingrassia and Civico hospitals in Palermo Miceli succumbed to his injuries Sunday morning at the Civico Hospital The violence reportedly began over a complaint about reckless driving by youths from Palermo who were speeding through Monreale’s center on scooters A discussion and altercation near the "365" bar on Via Benedetto d’Acquisto escalated into a violent brawl It quickly turned into a "wild west" scene when at least 18–20 gunshots were fired by the Palermo group causing a tragedy in front of about a hundred witnesses the assailants fled the scene on scooters along Via Vescovado Some were later identified thanks to surveillance cameras and witness accounts The Carabinieri have been questioning several young people from Palermo’s Zen and Borgo Nuovo neighborhoods Authorities have already recovered the weapons used which include at least two real guns and one replica Ballistic analyses are expected to clarify further details the group from Zen included about ten people but the Carabinieri’s investigations—assisted by video evidence and testimonies—have already led to significant developments Work continues to identify all individuals involved and to determine the role each played in the tragic events of that night Andrea Miceli was shot while trying to reach his cousin who had already become involved in the fight Andrea secured his girlfriend inside a car she has provided testimony to investigators The scheduled match against Trappeto was postponed and the entire local sports community has rallied around his family Two people were injured: a 16-year-old boy now out of danger and hospitalized at the Policlinico of Palermo Some of the injured were not directly involved in the brawl but were simply spending an evening with friends The city council has canceled all celebrations for the 399th edition of the Feast of the Holy Crucifix and pledged to cover the funeral expenses 19-year-old Salvatore Calvaruso was arrested and charged with massacre The town mourns the tragedy and investigates the incident was shattered last Saturday night by a violent shooting that claimed the lives of three young men: Andrea Miceli has left the community reeling and sparked widespread grief and outrage At the center of the investigation is 19-year-old Salvatore Calvaruso The shooting erupted during a brawl between two groups of young people allegedly ignited by a seemingly trivial argument over reckless scooter driving Witnesses described chaotic scenes of panic as gunshots rang out leaving three young men dead and two others injured The incident has cast a dark shadow over Monreale a town already grappling with a history of violent incidents meticulously analyzing CCTV footage and interviewing numerous witnesses The Archbishop of Monreale expressed profound sorrow Mayor Alberto Arcidiacono declared a day of mourning canceling celebrations and covering funeral expenses for the victims The arrest of Salvatore Calvaruso marks a significant step in the investigation though inquiries continue to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy and the potential involvement of other individuals The loss of three young lives has sent shockwaves through the community highlighting the devastating consequences of violence The incident underscores the urgent need for addressing underlying issues that contribute to such tragedies and fostering a safer environment for all was arrested and charged with the triple homicide in Monreale Three young men were killed in the shooting that occurred in Monreale This tragic event has led to widespread grief in the community The location of the shooting is currently under investigation Salvatore Calvaruso is facing charges of massacre a serious crime carrying significant legal consequences in Italy for the deaths of three young men Authorities are actively investigating the Monreale shooting to determine the motive and circumstances surrounding the triple homicide Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses All trademarks are the property of their respective owners All rights reserved @ 2025 Nishtya Infotech (India) Ltd located on a hill with a view of Palermo in Sicily is a hidden treasure of Italian art constructed in the 12th century during Norman rule has recently been restored to its original beauty and condition It is home to the largest Byzantine-style mosaics in Italy second only to those in Hagia Sophia in Istanbul The mosaics in the Monreale Cathedral were created to have a strong emotional impact on visitors The mosaics cover an area of more than 6,400 square meters and are made with approximately 2.2 kilograms of solid gold the restoration took more than a year to complete during which the cathedral became a construction area Local experts from the Italian Ministry of Culture guided a series of restoration efforts beginning with the removal of a thick layer of dust said that working on the mosaics was both a difficult task and an important responsibility The team approached this work almost on their tiptoes there were some unforeseen issues and they had to pause the operations while they found a solution.” they realised that in the past it had been covered with a layer of varnish that had turned yellowish but this recent restoration had a much broader focus The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to protect and preserve World Heritage partnerships for conservation Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in today’s complex world where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development Our Partners Donate Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information Arab-Norman Palermo includes a series of nine civil and religious structures dating from the era of the Norman kingdom of Sicily (1130-1194): two palaces as well as the cathedrals of Cefalú and Monreale they are an example of a social-cultural syncretism between Western Islamic and Byzantine cultures on the island which gave rise to new concepts of space They also bear testimony to the fruitful coexistence of people of different origins and religions (Muslim une cathédrale et un pont) et les cathédrales de Cefalú et Monreale constituent une série de neuf structures civiles et religieuses datant de l’époque du royaume normand de Sicile (1130-1194) ils illustrent un syncrétisme socio-culturel entre les cultures occidentales islamique et byzantine de l’île qui fut à l’origine de nouveaux concepts d’espace Ils témoignent également de la coexistence fructueuse de peuples d’origines et de religions diverses (musulmanes تمثل باليرمو العربية النورمانية (قصران وثلاث كنائس وكاتدرائية وجسر) مع كاتدرائيتَي تشيفالو ومونريالي، على الساحل الشمالي لصقلية، موقعاً يشمل تسع منشآت مدنية ودينية يعود تاريخها إلى حقبة المملكة النورمانية في صقلية (1130-1194) وتجسد هذه المنشآت مجتمعةً التوافق الاجتماعي والثقافي بين الثقافات الغربية والإسلامية والبيزنطية في الجزيرة، وهو توافق انبثقت منه مفاهيم جديدة خاصة بتنظيم المساحات والبناء والديكور ويقف الموقع شاهداً على التعايش البنّاء بين عدد من الشعوب الأصلية والمجموعات الدينية (إسلامية وبيزنطية ولاتينية ويهودية ولومباردية وفرنسية) Arabisch-Normandisch Palermo is gelegen aan de noordkust van Sicilië en omvat een serie van negen religieuze en seculiere gebouwen daterend uit de tijd van het Normandische koninkrijk van Sicilië (1130-1194): twee paleizen evenals de kathedralen van Cefalù en Monreale Samen zijn zij een voorbeeld van een sociaal-culturele samensmelting tussen de westerse islamitische en Byzantijnse culturen op het eiland Het erfgoed getuigt ook van het vruchtbare samenleven van mensen van verschillende afkomst en religie (moslim Located on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sicily Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale is a series of nine religious and civic structures dating from the era of the Norman kingdom of Sicily (1130-1194) and two cathedrals are in the municipalities of Monreale and Cefalù they are an outstanding example of a socio-cultural syncretism between Western This interchange gave rise to an architectural and artistic expression based on novel concepts of space and decoration that spread widely throughout the Mediterranean region The monuments that comprise this 6.235-ha serial property include the Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel; Zisa Palace; Palermo Cathedral; Monreale Cathedral; Cefalù Cathedral; Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti; Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio; Church of San Cataldo; and Admiral’s Bridge Each illustrates important aspects of the multicultural Western-Islamic-Byzantine syncretism that characterized the Norman kingdom of Sicily during the 12th century The innovative re-elaboration of architectural forms and iconographic treatments – most conspicuously the rich and extensive tesserae mosaics and fittings – celebrate the fruitful coexistence of people of different origins Criterion (ii): Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale bears witness to a particular political and cultural condition characterized by the fruitful coexistence of people of different origins (Muslim This interchange generated a conscious and unique combination of elements derived from the architectural and artistic techniques of Byzantine This new style contributed to the developments in the architecture of the Tyrrhenian side of southern Italy and spread widely throughout the medieval Mediterranean region Criterion (iv): Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale is an outstanding example of stylistic synthesis that created new spatial and decorative concepts through the innovative and coherent re-elaboration of elements from different cultures The serial property includes all the elements necessary to express its proposed Outstanding Universal Value and is therefore of adequate size to ensure the complete representation of the features and processes that convey the property’s significance The property does not suffer unduly from adverse effects of development or neglect The cultural value of the property and of its individual components is truthfully and credibly expressed through attributes such as their locations and settings The authenticity of the mosaics in particular has been confirmed by experts in the field of Byzantine mosaics The nine components of the serial property are under the ownership of various governmental and religious bodies They have been given the highest level of protection established by national legislation under the 2004 Italian Code of the Cultural and Landscape Heritage Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (Church of the Martorana) and Monreale Cathedral have been designated individually as National Monuments The Level I and Level II buffer zones are protected by virtue of the regulations and planning directions in the territory’s current planning tools A management system and Management Plan for the serial property as a whole have been laid out in a Memorandum of Understanding The Memorandum establishes a Steering Committee comprised of representatives of the owners and institutions that are responsible for the nine components This Committee will specify the activities to be carried out annually and the Sicilian UNESCO Heritage Foundation will implement the Committee’s decisions The Management Plan includes a description of the serial property and its components; the system of protection and setting; existing planning at the civic and regional levels; the management system; the territorial context; and action plans Start of the restoration of the mosaics of Monreale Cathedral necessary to eliminate damage caused by water infiltration The Sicilian Region yesterday morning handed over restoration work on the decorated surfaces of the church of Santa Maria la Nuova (the Cathedral of Monreale) one of Sicily’s most precious monumental assets part of the Arab-Norman itinerary that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site according to the project drawn up by the Palermo Superintendency of Cultural Heritage are financed with resources from the Development and Cohesion Plan - Pact for Sicily will be carried out by the Venice-based company Lares srl and will last 270 days.The project aims to repair internal damage caused by water infiltration in past years a problem that was remedied with extraordinary maintenance work on the roofs the intervention includes the installation of scaffolding to allow inspection over the entire presbytery area in order to check the general condition of the mosaic surfaces that have obvious problems in the areas close to the eave line to improve the natural air exchange system which is compromised by the negative effects of condensation humidity due to the considerable flow of visitors there will be an intervention on the existing openings Explore the crossroads of the Mediterranean on this stellar 12-day small group journey.  Begin with Palermo’s impressive architecture and world-class street food.  Discover medieval Erice and stunning Monreale Cathedral.  Marvel at Agrigento’s remarkable Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale’s magnificent mosaics.  In Syracuse explore Neapolis’ Archaeological Park and take a Sicilian cooking class.  After a Mount Etna excursion enjoy lunch at a private farm.  The final destination is delightful Taormina the capital of Italy’s autonomous region of Sicily This evening we gather at our hotel for a briefing on the journey ahead we discover 2,700-year-old Palermo’s twin claims to fame: impressive architecture and world-class street food Highlights include Palermo Cathedral and Palazzo Reale a UNESCO site comprising nine civil and religious structures dating to Norman rule in Sicily (c We also see Massimo Vittorio Emanuele Theater one of Europe’s largest opera houses; and the Church of San Cataldo another of Palermo’s Arab-Norman treasures we pass through vibrant markets selling arancini we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then return to our hotel in the city center The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration perhaps a culinary adventure is in order – and thanks to Sicily’s strategic Mediterranean location that lured many invaders cuisine. Eurostars Centrale Palace (B,L) A full day of touring takes us first to the medieval walled town of Erice Perched atop a mountain nearly 2,500 feet above sea level Erice offers panoramic views of the valley below where we visit the region’s famed salt pans Though the area is a designated Nature Reserve Sicilians still harvest salt here using centuries-old methods; indeed the oldest of the area’s 60 working windmills dates to the island’s Arabic regime We tour the museum here then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Palermo or “the Golden Shell,” a richly fertile valley studded with groves of orange Here we visit the city’s celebrated cathedral another gem of ArabNorman Palermo and one of the finest examples of Norman architecture still in existence The imposing main façade and ornate outer cloister serve to prepare us for the cathedral’s breathtaking main sanctuary where every inch of wall and ceiling space is covered with painstakingly detailed mosaics Crafted by artisans from Constantinople (now Istanbul) the dazzling mosaics contain some 4,850 pounds of pure gold Next we visit a nearby family-owned winery Our journey then continues; late this afternoon we reach Agrigento and our hotel where we dine together tonight. Hotel Baia di Ulisse (B,L,D) This morning we visit the Valley of the Temples a UNESCO site and archaeological zone whose ruins of fallen Doric temples and sanctuaries date to Greek rule in the 5th century bce Known in its heyday as “the most beautiful city of mortals,” Agrigento was one of the leading cities during the Golden Age of ancient Greece where we see the beautifully preserved Temple of Concordia (c believed to be the largest Doric temple ever built we then move on to Agrigento’s archaeological museum with exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of this outpost of classical Greece Then we return to our hotel for a cooking lesson and dinner. Hotel Baia di Ulisse (B,D) We travel across Sicily’s southern reaches today to Syracuse (Siracusa) stopping along the way in Piazza Armerina to visit Villa Romana del Casale an elaborate 4th-century ce villa and UNESCO site boasting one of the richest Thanks to having been buried by landslides and the more than 3,200 square feet of mosaics survived the millennia in remarkably good shape Once the largest city in the ancient world Syracuse today is an alluring spot known for its superb archaeological sites and the relaxed seaside ambiance of its Baroque old town. Hotel Borgo Pantano (B,L,D) Today we discover what this city is best known for: the Archaeological Park of Neapolis a UNESCO site that comprises a range of ancient monuments We begin our explorations at the 5th-century bce Greek theatre the 16,000-seat amphitheatre where the tragedies of Aeschylus were staged – in his presence – and still in use today Next: Latomia del Paradiso (Paradise Quarry) the now overgrown shaft from which the white limestone used to build Syracuse was cut the quarry also is known as the Ear of Dionysius the 1st-century bce arena that once held gladiator spectacles; today it hosts musicals on its ancient stones This morning we embark on a cruise along Sicily’s Ionian coast dotted with tiny islands and caves and 13th-century Castello Maniace which served as a bulwark against invaders in the Middle Ages We have some time to explore Ortigia before returning to our hotel where we dine tonight. Hotel Borgo Pantano (B,D) a We depart Syracuse this morning and make our way up the coast to Mt The ancients believed conical snow-topped Etna to be the forge of Vulcan modern-day Sicilians have a very personal relationship with the volcano which frequently erupts but is seldom destructive we stop at a private farm set amidst acres of lemon and kiwi groves where we enjoy a small group highlight: a homemade lunch prepared by the family who lives here with dinner tonight on our own. Hotel NH Collection Taormina (B,L) This morning we embark on a walking tour of this delightful medieval town set on a rocky terrace overlooking the Ionian Sea Highlights include the 3rd-century bce Greek theatre where gladiators once battled; the 13th-century fortress-like Duomo; and grand Piazza Vittorio Emanuele site of the ancient agora and today an inviting plaza This afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Taormina as we wish; tonight we celebrate our Sicily adventure over a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Hotel NH Collection Taormina (B,D) We transfer today to the Catania airport for our return flight to the U.S Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes which are subject to change until final payment is made Land Only: $4,695  (transfers not included) Single Room Supplement: $1,095    This is a moderately active tour and participants must be able to keep up with an active group of travelers.  There is a considerable amount of walking on this trip.  For the safety and enjoyment of each participant and the group Hear from our expert local guide and tour director If a guest makes any changes to their reservation within 94 and 30 days prior to departure will apply a $100 per person administrative fee in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy for any reason No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport as well as your date of birth and gender In the event an airline ticket is issued 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All rights reserved. | Statement of Values The Italian island of Sicily is – perhaps more than any corner of Europe – a layer cake of civilizations visitors can marvel at a well-preserved Greek temple admire the glittering mosaics of a Norman cathedral wander through Carthaginian ruins and feast at a market that evokes an Arabian souk One of my favorite places to experience Sicily's rich stew of history and cultures is at the Norman cathedral of Monreale so does the point where Islam and Christianity meet which was sorted out as elegantly a thousand years ago as similar frictions are today When the Catholic Normans took Sicily from the Muslim Arabs they planted their sword firmly by tearing down mosques and building bold churches that stood like fortresses More: Rick Steves: 7 European souvenir ideas that won’t load down your luggage Monreale Cathedral is an amalgamation of Byzantine Norman and Arab elements in a Romanesque building slathered with gold-leaf mosaic Bible stories The cathedral is supported by about a dozen ancient pillars – shipped from Rome by Pope Lucius III who wanted to cement the Vatican's relationship with Sicily's new Norman overlords with an appropriate gift parts of Sicily were colonized by the Carthaginians – successors of the seafaring Phoenicians and great foes of the Sicilian Greeks and the Romans Few travelers are aware of the impact of Carthage in Europe (in part because losers don't get to write history) provides a glimpse at what a powerful force they'd been The Carthaginians came from modern-day Tunisia (in northern Africa) a major trading center of the Mediterranean they established a trade outpost on Mozia – just a day's sail away from their home A town with defensive walls and a port prospered on the island for centuries More: Rick Steves: Experiencing Italy’s Renaissance in person travelers can reach Mozia via a pleasant boat ride through salt flats and across a lagoon The island's ancient ruins include bits of mosaics from a wealthy home and the remains of a nearby pool – likely used for sacred bathing and religious rituals A small museum contains artifacts found on the island and surrounding area Around the time the Carthaginians came to Sicily settling primarily in the east (closer to Greece) and on the southern coast (with its good trade routes) The best Greek sight in Sicily is the Valley of the Temples on the southwest coast near the town of Agrigento Agrigento was the third-largest city in the Greek world Sicilian-Greeks displayed their prowess by building 15 grand temples in under 80 years rivaling the great temples of Greece itself Today the temples survive in various states – some partially rebuilt others in poetic ruins and one – the Temple of Concordia – in pristine condition The Temple of Olympian Zeus – built to thank the gods for their victory against the Carthaginians – was the largest Doric temple in the ancient world (longer than a football field and taller than a 10-story building) Between the columns holding up the roof were telamons – stone giants scant remains of three of these figures are scattered at the site melting into the earth like dissolving sugar cubes (a near-complete telamon is in the valley's archaeological museum) Arabs ruled Sicily for more than 200 years and had a profound influence here turning dry areas into farmland and enlarging the city by channeling two rivers underground Palermo became one of the largest and most modern cities in Europe More: Rick Steves: The pros and cons of cruising in Europe when Normans conquered and re-Christianized Sicily they were so impressed with its culture that they let the existing Arab community stay and called on their skills and know-how when building the new kingdom Arabian influence can still be found throughout the city the Norman Palace and other buildings incorporate Arab decoration and engineering Palermo's street markets also have an Arabian vibe with stands selling North African- and Middle Eastern-influenced food and vendors calling out to passersby in a traditional singsong way which is why so many Sicilian street food classics are served this way including its famous deep-fried rice balls I always find surprising charms and fascinating layers waiting to be discovered Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook. 2017Save this storySaveSave this storySave1 / 7ChevronChevronPhoto: Courtesy of Luke LeitchWhen the Virgin Mary appeared to William II in a dream 843 years ago and asked him to build a church the 20-year-old King of Sicily spared neither expense nor sinew in meeting her request was consecrated just eight years later in 1182 and is a wonder of the world a vision of beauty,” explained Domenico Dolce last night “He employed the greatest architects and artists from across the world: Istanbul Dolce was speaking in the cathedral’s adjoining cloisters shortly after a 116-look Alta Uomo menswear show that was both a spiritual and literal homage to William’s legacy Dolce & Gabbana’s 430-strong congregation of couture clients needed first to understand the cathedral This crowd is a broad church that includes Indian industrialists All were invited to meander through Monreale’s monumental jewel and contemplate the 6,500 square metres of mosaics that were pieced together with 2,200 kilograms of pure gold Benevolent sisters from Monreale’s convent looked on warmly as evening-dressed guests tried to digest the epic enormity of this incense-scented temple to Byzantine who are among the locals to benefit from Dolce & Gabbana’s donations to restore a fountain in the cloisters and provide new wheelchairs for physically impaired visitors were even keen to pose in selfies with guests for whom trying to absorb it all was too much Afterwards we took our benches in the piazza outside around a runway that encircled a statue of William and two new fruit-heaped lemon trees planted by the designers Monreale’s citizens leaned out of windows and lined balconies in the buildings above us the models started their fantasy masculine passeggiata by descending a palm flanked golden staircase from the convent As with the building this collection paid testament to Among the most extraordinary pieces were sweatshirts and bombers made in painted patchworks of treated crocodile skin that recreated details from Monreale’s mosaics and white crocodile pieces and sweatshirts of shaved mink To acknowledge the multicultural multiplicity of Monreale’s magnificence there were jewel hemmed djellabas and pants printed with romanticized mid-century-style tourist poster illustrations of the cathedral’s piously austere exterior Domenico Dolce often recounts cutting his first pair of pants before he was 10: He is a dedicated tailor and for the masculine side of Dolce & Gabbana at least Here there were scores of examples in brocade and fantastic silk patchwork that all recreated decorative elements from King William’s duomo A dressing gown and bomber jacket were cast in dimpled gold-stitched silk pressed to cast the same golden pattern as the cathedral’s soaring ceiling This show was a salute to the eternal legacy of William cast in the ephemeral medium that is the expertise of Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta ateliers It not only invited the clients to spend their money—you can’t take it with you after all—but also reinforced a credo expressed by Dolce in that cloister “William had a vision of beauty and a dedication to it but Stefano and I believe that this is what you need in fashion now If the immortality that Monreale cathedral has earned King William was somehow suddenly to be made miraculously literal a statue in the shadow of his creation next to two new lemon trees Paola Volleyball Club won the first edition of the International women's Tournament "Conca d'Oro" which was held in Monreale in Sicily last week The event was organised at the Antonio Veneziano Sport complex by ASD Primula a sports association that has been carrying out women's and men's volleyball activities for over 50 years Four teams participated in this tournament which were ASD Primula A had a great performance in this tournament as they won all three games Read full story on www.sportsdesk.com.mt To view comments, please register for free or log in to your account. Paola Volleyball Club won the first edition of the International women’s Tournament “Conca d’Oro” which was held in Monreale in Sicily last week. The event was organised at the Antonio Veneziano Sport complex by ASD Primula, of Monreale, a sports association that has been carrying out women’s and men’s volleyball activities for over 50 years. Four teams participated in this tournament which were ASD Primula A, ASD Primula B, Volley Asiago and Paola Volleyball Club. The Paola players, under the guidance of the coach, Mark Hili, had a great performance in this tournament as they won all three games. In the first match, Paola Volleyball Club won against Primula B 3-0, followed by a win over Volley Asiago by the same scoreline. In the final game the Paolites faced Primula A and the Maltese team won 3-0. Paola and Primula A met again in the tournament final and the Maltese team again prevailed, this time 3-1. After the match, Paola Volleyball captain Cynthia Duncan was presented with the winning trophy. Asked to comment about the team’s participation in this tournament, club president Dr Kenneth Vella stated that this international tournament was a great learning experience for the Paola team. “The event follows the successful training camp in Malta that was held a few days before this tournament and which was led by Italian agent Stefano Negrini with the participation of professional Italian coaches and players,” Dr Vella said. “The training camp and the participation in Sicily confirm also the committee’s present strategy to strengthen not only its nursery but also to provide its senior team with international experience. “This would not have been possible without the financial and logistical support of a number of companies and individuals like Executive Security, Dragonara Casino and Brasserie, Maypole and De Paola Pharmacy,” concluded DrVella. Dr Vella said that the Paola team will certainly benefit from these experiences in their upcoming league matches. Paola Volleyball club has already been mathematically promoted to the Super League next season. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, on Saturday opposed... The head of South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL called on FIFA to expand... UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said on Thursday it would be “a bad idea” for... The United States is the sole bidder for the 2031 Women’s World Cup, and... The Malta women’s volleyball national team are bidding for a place in the final... Swieqi Phoenix Nium overcame the challenge of Super League front runners Falcons 3-2 in... Champions Swieqi Phoenix Nium were back to winning ways as they brushed aside Birkirkara... Swieqi Phoenix Nium’s hopes of retaining their Super League title were rattled last weekend... Falcons eased past Birkirkara to strengthen their grip on top spot in the women’s... Paola Volleyball Club is organising a training camp for the club players between March... Falcons and Paola Executive Security booked their place in the National Cup final after... Falcons sent a title warning to their rivals with an impressive victory over current... one pasticcièra is keeping alive traditional biscuits once prepared there by Catholic nuns in the 16th Century.This Sicilian bakery is reviving historic biscuit recipes Bless'ed Are the Meek Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Year 6 pupils at the Gozo College Primary school visited Monreale Sicily as part of a student exchange with the Pietro Novelli Primary School the children took part in activities such as nature walks They also visited Palermo and Gole Alcantara The pupils were accompanied by school head Lelio Spiteri and teachers Francelle Sciberras and Marilyn Farrugia The visit was supported by the Student Services Department’s Projects and Initiatives Section please register for free or log in to your account Arts feature I looked out on the Cathedral of Monreale from the platform on which once stood the throne of William II From there nearly two acres of richly coloured mosaics were visible In the apse behind was the majestic figure of Christ Pantocrator — that is Already a subscriber? 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Log in Australia's best political analysis - straight to your inbox The Spectator Australia's Morning Double Shot delivers a hearty breakfast of news and views straight to your inbox Weekly round up of the best Flat White blogs - delivered straight to your inbox The community unites in memory of Salvatore The community of Monreale experienced a moment of deep emotion during the funerals of Salvatore Turdo and 26-year-olds Andrea Micheli and Massimo Pirozzo The exit of the coffins from the Cathedral was accompanied by a long applause and red heart-shaped balloons The tragedy that struck these families left an indelible mark on the hearts of all those present The three young people were shot dead on the night between April 26 and 27 following a fight over scooters with a group of young people from Zen in Palermo This episode of violence has shaken not only Monreale raising questions about security and youth The shooting took place in a context of tension that A 19-year-old has been arrested in connection with the incident but the community is left wondering how such incidents could happen Local authorities have promised to step up security and patrols The loss of three young lives has sparked a debate about how to prevent violence among young people and how to ensure a better future for the next generation Notizie.it is a newspaper registered with the Court of Milan n.68 on 01/03/2018 Impara come descrivere lo scopo dell'immagine (si apre in una nuova scheda) Lascia vuoto se l'immagine è puramente decorativa January 17 was a red-letter day for San Gwann council when it signed a twinning agreement with the council of Monreale and the rest of the delegation were officially welcomed by the mayor of Monreale in the Sala Rossa of the 18th century town hall where the aldermen and councillors were also present Closer relations were discussed as well as the possibility of student and artist exchanges High on the agenda was the support Monreale will be giving San Gwann Council in obtaining funds from the European Union to rehabilitate the neolithic cart ruts in the locality The participation of a Sicilian team in the forthcoming football tournament organised by the San Gwann nursery was also considered Monreale is famous for its sumptuous Norman cathedral as well as the breathtaking panorama of the Conca d'Oro plain An interesting programme of visits and activities was organised for the Maltese group including a tour of the cathedral with its 6,300 sq metres of mosaic and a visit to the historical Benedictine monastery at San Martino delle Scale founded by Pope Gregory the Great in the sixth century There they met the cheerful Maltese monk Fr Joseph Caruana who has been living in the monastery for 34 years Later they were invited to a special meal in the refectory and on Sunday attended a Gregorian sung Mass The Maltese visitors were received by the new Archbishop of Monreale They were also taken to a contemporary art museum with its imposing baroque-style staircase in Carrara and Billiemi marble Mayor Fenech was interviewed by a local radio station and journalists covered the signing ceremony the San Gwann delegation included the deputy mayor councillor Etienne Bonello DuPuis and the administrative secretary Emotion and pain on the day of the last farewell to the three young people killed on the night of April 27 today Monreale gave his last farewell to these three young boys killed on the night of April 27th during a shooting in the square An entire country wanted to gather around the family and friends of Salvatore, Andrea and Massimo, the three boys killed on the night of April 27th in the square in Monreale during a shooting The funeral was held this morning in the Cathedral and inside many friends with t-shirts with the photos of the boys A long applause accompanied the entrance of the coffins into the Cathedral These are the words of Archbishop Gualtiero Isacchi in his long homily: “Lord we ask you to welcome these children of yours and to console the hearts of their families and of all of us because only in you do we find hope brutally places us in front of the gravity of the social situation in which we are immersed too often characterized by violence: we no longer know how to speak we have to shout; we no longer know how to dialogue we have to rail; we don't know how to listen The families of the three boys are inconsolable killed Here are the words of Massimo's mother: “no mother should have to go through what we are going through The community unites in mourning for Andrea The Cathedral of Monreale welcomed thousands of people in an atmosphere of deep grief and emotion for the funerals of Andrea Miceli tragically killed on the night of April 26 saw a surreal silence interrupted only by the sobs of those mourning the loss of three young lives shattered by a senseless act of violence Archbishop Gualtiero Isacchi expressed his closeness to the families emphasizing that “all of Italy has cried over the massacre.” He highlighted the gravity of the current social situation we must shout; we no longer know how to dialogue highlighting how violence is becoming a constant in daily life His words resonated as a call to reflect on a problem that involves everyone "How can you forgive something like this?" Massimo's brother asked Andrea's sister-in-law urged the young people to reflect on the importance of life while Pirozzo's mother remembered her son as "as beautiful as the sun." Their words highlighted not only their personal pain but also the lack of security and protection from the authorities The funeral procession saw the friends of the three boys wearing white t-shirts with their photos while colored balloons and doves were released into the sky but also of protest against a violence that seems to have no end A teammate kicked a ball against the coffin a gesture that united sport and memory in a moment of great emotion President Guido de Marco was yesterday made honorary citizen of the Sicilian town of Monreale at the end of a week-long visit to Italy during which he was warmly received by political and religious leaders as the head of a country with exceptionally close ties to Italy and Sicily The Sicilian leg was a fitting conclusion to the trip - which included a state visit to Rome - as Prof which sits on a hilltop overlooking Palermo the President joins a select band of important writers The President's schedule yesterday had a strong religious and cultural flavour Before being bestowed with the honorary citizenship he was given a tour of the Duomo di Monreale the world's second most important example of Norman mosaic art and one of the island's historic gems He also saw the cloisters and then heard Mass at the Duomo and after Mass was conferred with a degree honoris causa by the Accademia Siculo-Normanna The President started the day with a meeting with the Cardinal of Palermo situated at the top of 571-metre high Monte San Giuliano The President returned to Malta yesterday evening experienced a moment of great emotional tension Arrested for the shooting that shook Monreale in which three young people lost their lives Calvaruso chose not to answer the investigators' questions His request for forgiveness from the families of the victims made clear the weight of his action a gesture that forever changed the course of the lives involved The young man reportedly said he was attacked by a group of people armed with helmets and bottles after an argument sparked by reckless driving Only after being hit did he say he fought back Autopsies performed on the victims' bodies confirmed the brutality of the event: Salvatore Turdo died from two shots to the chest and abdomen while Massimo Pirozzo suffered a fatal shot to the neck in addition to highlighting the violence of the shooting raise questions about the management of security and the prevention of such incidents the community of Monreale organized a silent torchlight procession in memory of the victims Starting from the church of the Santissimo Crocifisso the event saw the participation of numerous citizens united in grief and in commemoration of those who are no longer with us This gesture of solidarity represents not only a tribute to the lives lost but also a call to reflection on how to prevent similar events in the future The community gathers around the families affected trying to find meaning in a tragedy that has left an indelible mark A 19-year-old boy involved in a shooting that left three dead and two injured A tragic episode has shaken the community of Monreale causing the death of three people and wounding two others This event has raised questions about security and youth violence in the region already marked by similar episodes in the past the fight broke out in a context of tension between youth groups a phenomenon unfortunately not uncommon in the neighborhoods of Palermo but later chose to avail himself of the right not to answer the questions of the public prosecutor This behavior raised further concerns about his position and the reasons that pushed him to commit such an extreme act Law enforcement has launched a search operation in the Zen and Borgo Nuovo neighborhoods areas known for their social complexity and the presence of illicit activities Officers are looking for weapons and possible accomplices of the young man while the community is in a state of shock over the violence that has hit the area Local authorities are intensifying checks to prevent further episodes of violence and ensure the safety of citizens This tragic event brings to light the problem of youth violence which continues to be a challenge for institutions and society It is essential to start a dialogue between institutions families and young people to address the root causes of these behaviors and promote a culture of peace and respect The Monreale shooting must be a wake-up call for all of us so that effective policies can be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future