Tag Archive for: the best of sicily

Historical Sicily - Dominique Rizzo

The Best of Sicily – Why Sicily Offers More Than Most Small Islands

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a captivating destination that offers a wealth of experiences and attractions. While it may be classified as a small island in terms of geographical size, Sicily boasts an impressive array of historical, cultural, natural, and culinary treasures. Here are some reasons why Sicily stands out and offers more than most small islands

Sicilian food is insanely good.

I’m sure this is why I fell in love with Sicily even at an early age, but I know for a fact that every time I sit down and had yet another perfect meal, I knew there was something special about this island. Between the expertly prepared restaurant meals, and the fresh and authentic street food, you’ll never go hungry in Sicily.

While there’s a lot of crossover between Italian and Sicilian food, Sicilian dishes have some unique elements that set them apart. Due to Sicily’s geographical location at the southernmost tip of Italy, it has historically seen a lot of Mediterranean, Arab and North African influences. Because of this, in Sicilian cuisine you’ll find a lot of seafood, pistachios, fresh produce and more varied spices than you might in mainland Italian food.

That being said, Sicilian cuisine still quite similar to Italian food, so don’t feel like you’ll be out of your depth when looking at a menu! Think of it as similar, but different. Sicily is a very rich and diverse culture, so there isn’t one particular food that is able to be identified as the most famous Sicilian food. However, I have a few that I want to recommend very highlyGranita, Arancini, Panelle, Pasta alla Norma, Pasta con Le Sarde and  Cannoli are just a few of the top Sicilian foods to try and which really encapsulate  encapsulate the food that Sicily is famous for—and for good reason. They’re life changing.

The Aeolian Islands

If you’re wanting to soak up the sun and have an ideal beach holiday, Sicily can absolutely deliver for you.

Being an island, Sicily obviously has endless coastline, and there are beautiful, well kept beaches on basically every part of the coast!

Sicily surrounded on all sides by three different sea and the water temperature is ideal during the high season. One of the best parts about Sicily, though, is that being located just about as far south in Europe as it is possible to get, the realistic swimming season is much longer than in other parts of Europe. The water begins warming up a the end of April or May, and you can realistically expect to be able to take a dip well into November.

The endless opportunities for beach space means that you can have the exact kind of beach holiday you want. Whether you’re looking for a crowded party beach, a more secluded nature reserve, a luxurious beach club, or something family friendly—Sicily has something for you.

I have travelled so many times to the little islands around the coast of Sicily and they don’t disappoint, in fact they are a must to tag onto your Sicilian holiday and Sicily has made it very easy to travel to them all.  You can even do day trips out to these little paradises if you want!  Click here for details on my Aeolian Islands Tour 2024

Cefalù and Mondello are the most famous options on the northwest side of the Island, while Isola Bella, Calamosche and Portopalo di Capo Passero are the best options for the east side. There’s also the stunning and famous Scala dei Turchi, which is a bit out of the way of a lot of other things, but if you’ll be near the Valley of the Temples, is absolutely worth it.

Wine lovers, this one’s for you!

Sicily is a wine lovers’ paradise (which shouldn’t be a huge shock to anyone, given that it’s a part of Italy), but Sicily boasts so many of its own incredible wines.

Probably the two most well known and popular Sicilian wines are Marsala and Nero d’Avola – both of which are excellent. We also fell in love with Cerasuolo di Vittoria the last time we were in Sicily.

However, there’s actually a huge variety of Sicilian wines, including FrappatoZibibboCataratto Bianco, and even the very widely known (but not usually from Sicily!) Chardonnay.

Another great thing to do in Sicily is a wine tasting, so you can be sure to really get a wide sampling. The beauty of this is that almost all regions of Sicily produce wine, so you’ll find excellent tours whether you plan to visit the foothill vineyards of Mt. Etna, the stunning Val di Noto wineries (near Syracuse, Modica and Ragusa), the famed Marsala wine region, or the more off-the-beaten-track vineyards of the north coast and Madonie Park. Actually, you can even sample a range of Sicilian wines and cheeses without leaving Palermo

Dominique Rizzo _ Italy Tour

Now, most of us associate Greek ruins with, well, Greece of course. However, you can find a ton of ancient Greek history all over Sicily!

The Valley of the Temples site is probably the most famous in Sicily, and is one of the world’s best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. I’ve been to Athens, and I have been to The Valley of the Temples while in Sicily, and I have to say that it was completely on par with the things I saw in Greece, and in some ways a bit cooler because way less people come to see it!

There’s also Segesta, which is easiest to visit if you’ll be in and around Palermo—another really impressive ancient city with a well-preserved temple, and Selinunte, which has the added bonus of being right on the coast, which makes for quite the view.

Last but not least, there are a number of Greek theatres across Sicily, the most famous probably being in Taormina, but there are similar experiences in Syracuse and Palazzolo Acreide, to name a few!

If you want to dip your toes into some ancient history, Sicily is the perfect destination

Sicily really is the type of place to leave you in awe no matter where you look.

The east coast is an unbelievable display of baroque architecture, from Catania, to Ortigia, to Noto, there is no shortage of opulent and impressive baroque structures to marvel at.

The reason for such an abundance of baroque buildings on the east coast is a devastating earthquake in the late 1600s, which led to most of the east needing to be rebuilt from the ground up! Today, it’s an impressive and unique aesthetic that makes for the perfect backdrop to any vacation.

On the other hand, cities like Palermo showcase the many phases of domination that Sicily has experienced, and you’ll see Arab, Norman and Spanish influence all in one city.

I feel like architecture is really taken for granted when considering a vacation, but personally, I love nothing more than looking at some pretty buildings while sipping on an aperol spritz in the late afternoon, and Sicily delivers this dream ten-fold.

Like so many places in the Mediterranean, Sicilian culture is a breath of fresh air while on vacation.

Stereotypically, Mediterranean culture emphasizes hospitality, neighbourliness, relaxation, and connection—and in my experience, Sicily embodies these all perfectly.

Everyone we have come across in Sicily is so unbelievably friendly and helpful, which totally adds to the already amazing experiences we’ve had there. Even when it has been difficult to communicate due to language barriers (which are very real in Sicily!) I’ve found people to be patient and so kind while I struggle through my Italian and even harder… the Sicilian dialect.

Not only that, but the entire laid back atmosphere of Sicily is just ideal for a vacation. While it can be nice to fit a ton of things into your trip, sometimes it’s optimal to spend a day doing nothing but sitting at a cafe with a book, and Sicily makes that doable and acceptable.

The culture in Sicily is unmatched, and is definitely a top answer to the question “Why visit Sicily?”

Sicily is obviously mostly known as a summer destination, and with good reason—considering the beautiful sun and endless coast, but one amazing perk of Sicily is that the weather is never truly bad.

Even in the worst parts of the year, the average temperatures are around 53 F / 12 C, which is certainly not ideal for a beach vacation, but hardly too cold to still have a nice time traveling!

In the summer on average you’ll see temperatures up to  83 F / 28 C give or take, and I’ll be honest the heat can be brutal. But the coast and pristine sea water make it all worth it.

Because there’s really never a bad time to visit, why visit Sicily only in the summer? I went to Sicily this past March, and had a really lovely time. Honestly in some ways it was a nicer trip than when I went in August last year. I love the versatility that the weather lends to your planning, and it definitely makes for a great reason to visit Sicily.

No matter what kind of traveler you are or what kind of vacation you’re after, there’s something in Sicily for you.

If you’re going for the backpacking, city-break traveler vibe, Palermo and Catania have the perfect alternative vibes for you.  If you’re looking for adventure and nature, Mount Etna and the surrounding park is perfect, as are all of the ruins you can find across the island.

If you want to explore small towns and enjoy the charms off the beaten path, Savoca, Noto, Ortigia and Cefalu are ready and waiting.  If you want to sit on the beach and not move until it’s time to fly home, you have endless coastline to choose from.

And if you’re a foodie then it’s genuinely not possible for you to be disappointed.  Even the fussiest traveler can find their perfect vacation experience in Sicily.

 

Want to learn more about this stunning and evocative Island of Sicily?

Join me on tour in 2024 travelling in June and September

 

Sicily your perfect holiday - Dominique Rizzo

5 Reasons Sicily Should Be Your Next Destination for 2024

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a captivating destination that should be at the top of any traveler’s list.

With its rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers an unforgettable experience for all who visit.  Let me take you on a virtual journey to discover why Sicily is a must-visit destination.

1. Sicily boasts a history that spans over thousands of years, making it a treasure trove of archaeological wonders.

From ancient Greek temples in Agrigento and Segesta to the remarkably preserved Roman mosaics of Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily is a living museum of civilizations past. The island’s strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean has attracted numerous conquerors throughout history, resulting in a diverse cultural heritage that is visible in its architecture, art, and traditions.

2. Beyond its historical significance, Sicily’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring.

The island is blessed with breathtaking landscapes that range from picturesque coastal villages to rugged mountain ranges. The majestic Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, dominates the eastern skyline, offering a thrilling backdrop for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. The azure waters that surround the island provide excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, with idyllic beaches such as San Vito Lo Capo and Taormina attracting sunseekers from around the world.

3. Sicily’s unique culture is deeply rooted in its Mediterranean heritage and is celebrated through its vibrant festivals, lively markets, and warm-hearted people.

The island’s cities, such as Palermo, Catania, and Syracuse, showcase a blend of architectural styles, reflecting the influences of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish. Strolling through the narrow streets of these cities, you’ll encounter bustling markets, ornate cathedrals, and charming piazzas that come alive with the lively spirit of the locals.

4. No visit to Sicily would be complete without indulging in its gastronomic delights.

Sicilian cuisine is renowned for its robust flavours and fresh ingredients, showcasing the island’s fertile land and bountiful sea. From arancini (stuffed rice balls) and pasta alla Norma to cannoli and granita, each bite tells a story of Sicily’s culinary heritage. Exploring local markets and trattorias is a must to experience the authentic flavours of Sicilian cuisine.

Arancini

5. The warmth and hospitality of the Sicilian people leave a lasting impression on visitors.

They take great pride in their traditions and are eager to share their love for their island with travellers. Whether it’s striking up a conversation with a local shopkeeper, participating in a village festival, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the coast, the genuine warmth and friendliness of the Sicilians make every moment in Sicily unforgettable.

Want to learn more about this stunning and evocative Island of Sicily?

Join me on tour in 2024 travelling in June and September

 

Discover the Beauty of Sicily in June

Five reasons why June is the best month to Visit Sicily

“Are you looking for a vacation destination that combines stunning beaches, delicious food, rich culture, and beautiful weather?” Look no further than Sicily in June! The island of Sicily, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is a treasure trove of history, art, and natural beauty. June is the perfect month to visit as the weather is warm and sunny, the crowds are smaller, and the island is bursting with vibrant colours and flavours. From the ancient ruins of Agrigento to the crystal-clear waters of the Aeolian Islands, there is something for everyone in Sicily. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable June vacation in the heart of the Mediterranean! 

Here are 5 reasons why June is the best month to experience all that Sicily has to offer:

The weather is perfect for outdoor activities:

With temperatures averaging between 25-30°C, June is the perfect time to take advantage of the warm weather and explore this breathtaking island . Whether you’re looking to hike through the island’s natural beauty, visit the many historical sites, swim in its crystal-clear waters, or lounge on its beaches, June is the ideal time to experience the beauty and diversity of Sicily.

Enjoy longer days

June is the start of the summer solstice, which means the days are at their longest. You’ll have more time to explore the island’s many sights and attractions. From the ancient ruins at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, to the sandy beaches of Cefalu, or the stunning baroque architecture of Noto and Modica, there is something for everyone.

 

Festivals and events:

June is a month packed with festivals and events celebrating Sicily’s rich cultural heritage. To name a few, there is the famous “Infiorata” flower festival in Noto, or the “Fiera di San Giovanni” market in Trapani featuring a colourful parade of floats and fireworks, or the vibrant markets in the capital Palermo. These are just some of the opportunities available to experience traditional Sicilian life and culture.

 Low crowds:

As June is considered the shoulder season, there are fewer crowds in Sicily compared to July and August. This means you can explore the island’s many historical and cultural sites at a more leisurely pace. It’s the ideal time to visit Sicily’s famed active volcano Mt Etna, which is a popular destination with travellers during peak times.

Local Cuisine:

No list is complete without mentioning the culinary delights on offer!

The favourable weather conditions mean June is peak season for local produce. There is an abundance of the tastiest seasonal fruits and vegetables, and of course locally caught seafood. Enjoy Sicily’s traditional dishes such as arancini or caponata, made with the freshest ingredients or sample mouth-watering seafood, there is no doubt that Sicily’s food will be the highlight of your visit.

 

Whether you are fascinated by Sicily’s rich and varied history, are wanting a gastronomic experience like no other, or simply looking for a relaxing beach vacation, June is the ideal time to experience the beauty and culture of Sicily. Don’t miss out on this amazing destination – plan your trip now and discover for yourself why June is the best month to visit this Mediterranean paradise.

Why not join me on my Savouring Sicily – A Tour for the Senses Travelling in June. For more information and to view the itinerary visit  https://dominiquerizzo.com/sicily-food-tour/

Don’t Go It Alone: Why Organized Tours are Perfect for Solo Travelers

Don't Go It Alone: Why Organized Tours are Perfect for Solo Travelers

Traveling on your own can be an exhilarating and liberating experience. The freedom to go where you want, when you want, and do what you want. As much as we may love the idea of solo travel, it also comes with its own set of challenges.

What if I told you that there’s a way to enjoy the best of both worlds?

The answer is simple: book an organized tour!

Here is 8 reasons why booking an organised tour will save you more

and ensure a more enjoyable trip for solo travellers. 

 

You’ll feel safe and secure:

Organized tours prioritize the safety of their guests. We have established protocols in place to ensure that you feel secure throughout your trip.

You’ll save time and energy:

Let the tour operator/me handle the logistics of transportation and accommodation, while you relax and enjoy your trip. With our local knowledge and connections, we can help you make the most of your time in a new destination.

You’ll have a stress-free itinerary:

Planning an itinerary can be a daunting task, but booking into an organized tour means all the details and every details can be organised for you. Enjoy a comprehensive itinerary that highlights the best of your destination without having to worry about where to go or what to see.

You’ll save money:

Organized tours often offer an all-in-one package at a lower cost than if you were to plan everything independently.

You’ll make new friends:

Traveling with a group of like-minded individuals on an organized tour is a great way to make new friends and create lasting memories.

You’ll make the most of your time:

Organized tours are ideal for those with limited time who want to see and do as much as possible. With a pre-arranged itinerary, you can make the most of your trip.

You’ll gain a unique local perspective:

Local guides often accompany organized tours. They provide a unique and valuable perspective on your destination. They will take you to places that you may not have discovered on your own and give you a deeper understanding of the local culture.

You’ll have peace of mind:

With an organized tour, you can rely on the tour operator/me to fix any issues that may arise, ensuring you have peace of mind throughout your trip.

Chef Dominique Guided Tours

So, if you’re considering traveling on your own, then booking an organized tour is a great way to make the most of your solo travel experience.  With all the details taken care of, you can focus on what really matters – enjoying your well-deserved time off! I would love for you join me on one (or more) of my bespoke Food and Wine Tours.

Head over to  https://dominiquerizzo.com/food-tours/ for more information.

You can select an itinerary and immerse yourself in the experience. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at info@dominquerizzo.com.

A Brief History of Sicily Starting with the Greeks

When Sicily was Greek

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The island was originally inhabited by the Sicani and Siculi tribes, who were later conquered by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. During this time, Sicily became a major center of Greek culture and civilization, with cities such as Syracuse and Akragas thriving. In the 3rd century BC, Sicily was conquered by the Romans and became an important province of the Roman Empire.  After the fall of Rome, Sicily was ruled by a succession of different powers, including the Byzantine Empire, the Arabs, the Normans, the Swabians, the Angevins, the Aragonese, and the Bourbon monarchy.

In the 19th century, Sicily became a key center of the Italian Risorgimento and was eventually unified with the rest of Italy in 1861. Today, Sicily is an autonomous region of Italy with a unique culture and history.

The Greeks In Early Sicily

Sicily’s entwined history, culture and food is about settlers and invaders – 

650 B.C. – 850 200 years The Siculi – who the island is named after were in the East, the Sicani in the West, and the Elymi coming from Asia Minor and escaping from Troy are the first known inhabitants of Sicily.

·        Then came the Greeks – arriving on the fertile shores of Eastern Sicily establishing such popular provinces  such as Giardini Naxos and Taormina,  Siracusa , Catania and Agrigento which display some of the most noted and extraordinary Greek ruins out side of Greece.

·        the Greeks began what is now considered the first mass colonization of Sicily and becomes “Magna Graecia”  or “ the Greater greece”

·        Thanks to the Greek invasion  many of the great minds of antiquity that we normally associate with Greece were actually born on Sicilian soil and lived on the island most of their lives.

·        Archimedes, the greatest scientific mind of antiquity

·        Gorgias of Lentini – a master of public speaking who brought the art of public speaking to Rome

·        Empedocles, naturalist, philosopher, orator, poet, physician, scientist and first volcanologist. He fell or jumped into Mt. Etna, was swallowed by the volcano, and legend has it that the mountain expelled one of his sandals intact. and regarded as a god to the people of Agrigento

·        Sicilians contributed substantial innovations to Greek theatre in the ruins of Segeste, Taormina and Siracusa elevating Greek comedy to a high level of drama

·       They introduced mime, laws , they developed poetry and treating mythological and epic Tales in a lyrical way

·        Most importantly was Archestratus – a famous Sicilian Cook credited for the first cook book “ The Sweet Taste” who later travelled to Greece giving lessons on cooking to the greeks.

·        The colonists introduced grapes, figs, pomegranates, wheat, walnuts, and hazelnuts. They planted vineyards, building a considerable reputation for Sicilian wines. Native bees were making honey that the Greeks used as offerings to their goddess Aphrodite. Fresh Fruit , dried figs and Honey

·        The Greeks sponsored the rearing of cattle to increase the manufacturing of dairy products.

·        They planted olive trees – Kalamata were the earliest domesticated olives and they produced some of the best olive oil preferring the Sicilian Olive oil to their own

·        They introduced horti: vegetable gardens fenced in with stone walls that were the predecessor of the present day kitchen gardens called orti. From here the local Sicilians employed by the wealthy aristocrat Greeks took the place of slaves in the kitchen and the ‘cook” was born – They made pickled vegetables, adding capers, olives, honey, spices and fried artichokes thus producing an archaic version of caponata.  

·        Writings from this period document sweets called dulcis in fundo, made of honey, nuts, milk, and flour, served with baskets of fresh fruit and sweet wine at the end of a meal.

·        The Greeks made a very sweet wine called Malvasia using dried and fresh grapes crushed together. They also made custard of ricotta; honey and eggs called tyropatinum, a sweet version of the modern Greek cheese pie known as tyropita. 

To be continued…

Love what you have read and want to experience Sicily? Click here for details of my 14 Day Sicilian Tour travelling in 2024

What’s so special about “Minni Di Virgini” from Catania

What are “Minni Di Virgini”

Minni di virgini, cassata di Sant’Agata, or minni di Sant’Agata typically are made of a round marzipan shell moulded into a smooth half sphere. Looking like the shape of a small breast they are often served with white porcelain sheen icing topped with candied cherries. There are a couple of varieties you will find particularly in Catania where they are celebrated on the 5th of February for St Agatha’s saint day. According to experts, there are a couple of versions of these little cakes most of them have an outer layer of short crust pastry but their fillings change, one is filled with pastry cream or a type of vanilla custard, covered in pink icing and topped with a candied cherry, the other is traditionally filled with sweet sheeps milk ricotta cheese, chocolate, and candied citron or candied squash. Not to be confused with the “Sicilian cassata” with is of a similar combination although using sponge cake and covered with marzipan. The other Minni di Virgini you will find is filled with a type of cream filling flavored with chocolate and candied orange peel. 

The story behind these pastries is that they were inspired by Saint Agatha,  who is embraced as the patron saint of Catania.  St. Agatha had her breasts cut off in martydom and is depicted forever carrying them on a plate.  The pastries called ‘virgin’s breasts’ were created in her honor by the sisters of the Monastero della Vergine in Palermo and later adapted by the Catalians who, in the interest of anatomical correctness, added the cherry on top.  For reasons of modesty, minni di virgini were called cassatine by the nuns.  At one time, minni di virgini were baked in monasteries, now they are available in the pasticcerie or pastry shops though out Sicily but particularly in Catania.

The Story of St Agatha

St. Agatha, also known as Agatha of Sicily, is one of the most highly venerated virgin martyrs of the Catholic Church. It is believed that she was born around 231 in either Catania or Palermo, Sicily to a rich and noble family.

From her very early years, the notably beautiful Agatha dedicated her life to God. She was living as a Christian in Catania during a period of intense religious persecution, she became a consecrated virgin, a state in life where young women choose to remain celibate and give themselves wholly to the Church in a life of prayer and service. That did not stop men from desiring her and making unwanted advances toward her.

One of the men who desired Agatha was Quintianus, a high diplomatic. He thought he could force her to turn away from her vow and force her to marry. His persistent proposals were consistently spurned by Agatha, so Quintianus, knowing she was a Christian during the persecution of Decius, had her arrested and brought before the judge. He was the Judge.

He expected her to give in to his demands when she was faced with torture and possible death, but she simply reaffirmed her belief in God by praying.

To force her to change her mind, Quintianus had her imprisoned in a brothel. Agatha never lost her confidence in God, even though she suffered a month of assaults and efforts to get her to abandon her vow to God and go against her virtue. Quintianus heard of her calm strength and ordered that she be brought before him once again. During her interrogation, she told him that to be a servant of Jesus Christ was her true freedom.

Enraged, Quintianus sent her off to prison instead of back to the brothel a move intended to make her even more afraid, but it was probably a great relief to her. Agatha continued to proclaim Jesus as her Savior, Lord, Life and Hope. Quintianus ordered her to be tortured. He had her stretched on a rack to be torn with iron hooks, burned with torches, and whipped. Noticing Agatha was enduring all the torture with a sense of cheer, he commanded she be subjected to a worse form of torture, that her breasts be cut off with pincers – often seen with her in painting and religious images of the saint.

He then sent her back to prison with an order of no food or medical attention. But the Lord gave her all the care she needed. He was her Sacred Physician and protector. Agatha had a vision of the apostle, St. Peter, who comforted her and healed her wounds through his prayers.

After four days, Quintianus ignored the miraculous cure of her wounds. He had her stripped naked and rolled over naked over hot coals and fragments of broken pottery. When she was returned to prison, Agatha prayed, tradition has it that, although her breasts were miraculously restored by Saint Peter, she died on February 5, 251,

She is commonly featured in religious art with shears, tongs, or breasts on a plate.

The History of the Nuns and Sicilian Sweets

Minni di virgini have been a specialty of Sicilian convents for hundreds of years, but in recent history, they’ve become associated with Catania’s celebrations. It might seem odd that convents or Catholic festivities would embrace breast-shaped cakes. In Giuseppe di Lampedusa’s 1958 novel The Leopard, the narrator recoils in horror as he beholds minni di virgini, which he calls “a profane caricature of St. Agatha.”

One of the easiest ways to access the saint is by eating minni di Sant’Agata, especially since they’re available year-round in Catania. It’s impossible to pinpoint when, exactly, these anatomical cakes went from pagan treat to saintly sweet, but Sicilian nuns are credited with popularizing them. Before they became associated with Agatha, early versions of the cakes were simply known as minni di virgini, which may imply that they were a specialty of the nuns of the Monastero di Vergini in Palermo.

Plato, plumbing, and pastry might not be around today if not for Italian monks and nuns, who are credited with saving Western culture in the tumultuous centuries known as the Dark Ages. As barbarian hordes conquered and reshaped western Europe, monasteries and convents became safe havens. Classical literature was protected, studied, and translated by scholar monks.

They preserved medicinal knowledge from the ancient world and used Roman plumbing systems to pull water through their cloister fountains. Nuns took in orphans and raised them. (Esposito, meaning “exposed,” is a common Italian surname given to babies left on the doorsteps of convents.) They also baked elaborate, labor-intensive pastries from ancient recipes that they sold to the public to support themselves.

Not only were the convents bastions of tradition; they were (and are, where they remain) the most authentic source for classic Sicilian sweets. Some monastries still producing sweets are monastery of Sant’Andrea in Palermo making cannoli. In Agrigento, the Santo Spirito monastery of cloistered Cistercian nuns, famed for the sweet couscous with crushed pistachios that’s made there. But perhaps the most famous baker is Maria Grammatico, in the mountain peak town of Erice. Grammatico’s life story has been recounted in the book Bitter Almonds, which she coauthored with Mary Taylor Simeti (William Morrow & Co., 1994). She was raised in an orphanage run by Franciscan sisters, where she helped in the preparation of sweets. Deciding against the nun’s life, Grammatico opened a modest pasticceria, which has since grown into one of the largest pastry businesses in Sicily.

Grammatico, who is now 70, makes an amazing assortment of traditional cookies and small pastries, but her true talent lies in frutta di Martorana (marzipan fruit, named after the Palermo convent where they originated) shaped from almonds she grinds into a paste daily and paints in realistic colors.

St Agatha. Her tomb was originally in Sicily in a cave, but then her body was taken to Constantinople for about nine years, before being brought back to Catania in 1126. It now rests in the Cathedral here in Catania The Cathedral also houses the tomb of Catania’s famous opera composer, Bellini.

     

Catania La Pescherio Markets Dominique Rizzo

Catania and “La Pescheria” Markets

One of my favourite Sicilian tours takes in the region of Eastern Sicily, the rich lands surrounding the famous Mount Etna, the provinces of Catania, Syracusa and Ragusa, the towns of chocolate-loving Modica and the island of Ortigia and the alluring Aeolian Islands. We welcome you to charming, lively Catania which is, after Palermo, the second-largest city in Sicily.

Sicily your perfect holiday - Dominique Rizzo

What’s So Special About Sicily Anyway?

Is it the food? Is it the people? Is it the culture? Is it the history?

Yes, it is all of these things in that wonderful interaction of the slow way of Sicilian life, where little old nonnas (grandmothers) sit outside their front door of the house they have lived in for 50 years; where older men gather in the afternoon to play bocce in the town square;  where the traditional ways of slow cooking are passed on from family to family.

Western Sicily for Food Wine and Culture

Tour Western Sicily, personally guided by Dominique Rizzo to take an in-depth look at of Sicily’s most historic cities and sights.

piazza-armerina-villa-romana-di-casale

Historical Sicily – Piazza Armerina, Villa Romana di Casale, Caltagirone

Learn all about Historical Sicily at Piazza Armerina, Villa Romana di Casale and Caltagirone on Dominique Rizzo’s Sicilian tours.