#arte siculo-normanna

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Al via il restauro dei mosaici della Cappella Palatina di Palermo: entro un anno torneranno a splendere [VIDEO]

Al via il restauro dei mosaici della Cappella Palatina di Palermo: entro un anno torneranno a splendere [VIDEO]

Mario Galloni Sono iniziati ufficialmente i lavori di restauro della Cappella Palatina, uno dei gioielli più celebri del patrimonio storico-artistico siciliano e sito Unesco. La consegna dei lavori è avvenuta presso il Palazzo Reale di Palermo, alla presenza delle autorità locali e degli esperti della Soprintendenza dei beni culturali di Palermo, che guidati da Selima Giuliano, e in accordo con…

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Rotary International – An association of Friends

A 4-day visit to Palermo, capital city of Sicily and largest city of Rotary District 2110, gave me the clear vision of the meaning of ‘Rotary Friendship’. Never was I left on my own, but Rotarians were always there to keep me company, to reveal the secrets of their incredible city so rich in history and works of art and to make me feel as one with them in their projects. 

Rotarian Eugenio Labisi accompanied me to visit ‘la Zisa’, Siculo Arab architecture at its best, which I had seen many years ago when it was undergoing restoration. The very name of this place links it to our Maltese Language, ‘l-ghaziza’ meaning ‘the precious, the beloved’, in Arabic and in Maltese.

I was treated like Royalty, as the incoming Prefect for District. This gave me a deep insight as to the wonderful work that clubs perform in Palermo, their collaboration with other entities like The Red Cross and the Archbishop’s Curia to provide food and shelter for the needy. I was invited to assist to the Governor’s visit to Rotary Club Palermo Monreale when a new Rotarian was chartered. In his informal and cheerful way, the Governor delivered his official speech to the club and we were entertained to a buffet meal when I was presented with the club banner by Pres. Beppe Cumia.

On Saturday, Rotarian Roberto Tristano, who was an instrumental link in the Sarria Santa Rosalia project, together with his lovely wife Rosellina accompanied me to visit la Chiesa Professa – a breathtakingly beautiful church the second most important Jesuit church in Italy – decorated floor to ceiling in multi-coloured marble sculpture. They also revealed a little treasure, which few people know of – The Oratorio delle Dame – a little place of worship, dedicated to the Virgin, expectant mother, where the ladies of the Sicilian Nobility since at least the 19th Century, have been providing for and preparing baskets of clothing for the new born babies of the poor.

On Sunday, I was taken to Santa Rosalia’s hermitage, the cave where she is venerated at Palermo’s patron Saint. Here RC Palermo Montepellegrino who are a relatively new club were having their banner blessed in great pomp and fanfare. President Nino Morisco sends his greetings to RC la Valette.

On Sunday evening, Governor Nunzio very kindly accompanied me to a Jazz Concert organised by Inner Wheel Club Palermo Normanna, President Angela Fundaro. This was held in one of the halls of Palermo’s Teatro Massimo and I count myself really fortunate for having assisted to the most incredible duo – Mro. Giuseppe Milici on mouth organ and singer/pianist Anita Vitale. This Inner wheel club was celebrating its 5th anniversary and were honoured by the presence of the city Mayor- Leoluca Orlando and his wife, who has childhood memories of Malta.

I encourage you all to find time to listen to Milici and Vitale on U-Tube as they are really world class artists.

I wish to thank Governor Nunzio Scibilia, Rotarians Eugenio Labisi, Roberto Tristano, Beppe Cumia and Nino Morisco as well as Inner Wheel President Angela Fundaro and her lovely ladies for making me feel so welcome.

Rtn Patricia Salomone