The main altar area, of the Cattedrale di San Gerlando, is rich in baroque decorations. The concept for the apse was created by Francesco Traina, with individual artists and craftsmen carrying out the separate details. The episcopal chair you see on the left, in the photo below, was commissioned in the mid-1800s by the bishop, …
Author: rchabala
I am 56 years old. I live in New York City and for the last 11 years, have been traveling to Italy at least twice every year. I love everything Italian. From the art and museums to the people, to the incredible food, my heart skips a beat when I think of Italy, and the many places and things that I've been lucky enough to experience. Now, I want to share my excitement and passion with the world. I will take you to both major Italian cities, and small mountain villages. I will talk about things to do in these places, and places to explore which are off of the beaten path. I will also talk about the restaurants that I've dined in, and the places that I lay my head down in, while staying in each of these locations.
Agrigento – Day 4 – Part 4 – The Cattedrale di San Gerlando, and Much More!
The Palazzo Vescovile, or the Bishop’s Palace, dates from the 11th century. In the mid 18th century, the palace was given a makeover by the architect, Domenico Dolcemascolo. The coat of arms, visible near the windows, is that of the Lucchesi Palli. A section of the palace houses the Museo Diocesano, which we had just…
Agrigento – Day 4 – Part 3 – The Diocesan Museum
At Via Duomo, #94, you will find the Biblioteca Lucchesiana. The library was founded in 1765, by the then bishop of Agrigento, Andrea Lucchesi Palli. It contains more than 60,000 books, illuminated manuscripts, and pieces of art. Unfortunately for us, it was closed at the time of our visit, but has since reopened to the…
Agrigento – Day 4 – Part 2 – Climbing to the Top of the Town
The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso, also known as Badiola, can be found at Via San Girolamo, #1, and dates from 1529. As we made our way along Via San Girolamo, we passed what seemed to be the entrance to the Presepe del Centro Storico, or the Nativity Scene of the Old Town. Unfortunately,…
Agrigento – Day 4 – Part 1 – Climbing Painted Stairs
After a nice breakfast in the apartment, we headed out to begin our last day in Agrigento. Just off the main road, leading into the city, you will find the Piazzetta San Calogero, and the Santuario di San Calogero. The church dates from between the 13th and 14th centuries, and according to legend, it was…
Agrigento – Day 3 – Part 5 – The Garden of the Righteous, More Temples, and Stray Dogs
The Temple of Olympian Zeus dates from 480 BC, and was built to celebrate Agrigento’s victory over the Carthaginians. The temple is now mostly in ruins. A nearby display shows the visitors to the park how the columns were erected in ancient times. The remains of the Temple of the Dioscuri, also known as the…
Agrigento – Day 3 – Part 4 – Ancient Temples
As we made our way through the Valley of the Temples, the modern city of Agrigento seemed to get further and further away. After an approximately 20 to 30 minute walk, we came upon our first temple, the Temple of Concordia. Built around 430 BC, the temple is a very beautiful sight, and is considered…
Agrigento – Day 3 – Part 3 – The Hellenistic-Roman Quarter of the Valley
The archaeological park, known as the Valley of the Temples, is huge! If you intend to visit this site, expect to walk a lot! Also, plan realistically, and accordingly! Do not attempt to see the entire park in one day! See what you can at a leisurely pace, and then, when you have had enough,…
Agrigento – Day 3 – Part 2 – A Colossal Telamon and More
For me, one of the highlights of visiting the Archeological Museum was seeing the Olympian Telamon. The Telamon is one of the colossal statues that adorned the Temple of Zeus, and dates back to between 480 and 470 BC. It was discovered during excavations, and was reassembled in 1825. The statue is the largest surviving…
Agrigento – Day 2 and Part 1 of Day 3 – Exploring History at the Archaeological Museum
Our second day in Agrigento was a complete washout. A storm had come in from the sea and, in all honesty, we had never seen such rain and lightning. We managed to run out for a brief walk between downpours, but we basically spent the day relaxing in the apartment. Later, not long after we…
Agrigento – Day 1 – Part 6 – A Surprising End to A Fun Day
It was difficult to focus on the old radios that were on display at the Chiesa di San Lorenzo, when we were surrounded by such lovely paintings and stucco work. Even though it is now deconsecrated, the church is still a place that is well worth visiting in Agrigento. The Palazzo della Camera di Commercio,…
Agrigento – Day 1 – Part 5 – Exploring the Town
On Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi, you will find the Basilica della Beata Maria Vergine Immacolata, which dates from before 1295. This is one of the largest churches in the city, and is definitely worth a visit. Badly damaged by bombings in World War II, the church has since been renovated, and has now been restored…