On our second day in Porto Empedocle, we decided to stay close to the apartment, exploring the immediate area.  The neighborhood was made up of private residences, some of which were used as summer houses, or as vacation rentals, like the one where we were staying. As we walked, we discovered a flight of fairly…

Our next destination was only 6 kilometers away, so we opted for the easy option, and took a taxi.  In less than fifteen minutes, we were in front of what would be our new home for the next three days.  We rented an apartment in a residential area, right across from the beach, halfway between…

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, …

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…