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The Garden Party

A long cruise - Palermo, Sicily - part 4

jim_1 (Zone 5B)

9 years ago

Palermo Cathedral was erected in 1185 by the minister of William II (the person responsible for the Monreale Cathedral). It was built on the remains of a Byzantine basilica that was converted into a mosque in the 9th century. There are several styles of architecture due to additions and restorations with the last of those ending in 1801. There was some damage during an air assault in 1943, but that has been repaired.

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jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
A view of the bell tower, which dates from the 14th century.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
A closer view of the bell tower from a different angle. I had never seen wind vanes like this on a church.
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I consider myself a good researcher; however, I could not locate much information either. I believe that they are called north African beetles and they are also evident in Spain. Both of those countries are not that far from Africa. I searched many names of beetles, but could not make all the information come together in one place. Next step for me would be to contact an entomologist over there and get clarification.
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To sets of poles at the top. One for skiers (yep, they ski this here volcano) and one for gondolas to take visitors to the top. We did not go up any higher. Not really a great photo, you need to look close. And, yes, that is the peak (or it was when we were there - it changes a lot). Darn it, is was cold and windy. This was in November, I shutter to think what it might be like in January. Etna, like Teide in the Canary Islands, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Evidently there a many places on planet Earth that would like to be declared with that honor, but miss out. Etna is one that made in 2013.
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Here is part of one of the most interesting things at Palermo Cathedral. Traversing the floor in a perfect north/south orientation is a Heliometer (solar observatory). Each day at solar noon, a hole in one of the domes will allow sunlight to enter and shine on this long line. It has all the zodiac signs so that each will be highlighted at the correct time/date throughout the year. Created in 1690, it allows the people of the church to know when the solstice is and when the equinox occurs. The latter is important as it establishes the date of Easter (first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox). I took lots of pictures of this unique thing; however most did not turn out good enough to share.
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I took a 42-day cruise October - December of last year. I took thousands of photos and decided to share. I began my travelog on May 9, and I am working my way through all the ports (Ft. Lauderdale to Caribbean to Africa to Europe, back to Africa to Bahamas and back to Ft. Lauderdale). You can read my thoughts and see my photos beginning with the below link. It is on page 8 of the Garden Web's The Garden Party. You should be able to follow them without too much trouble. The cruise began on October 25 and I am up to November 22, still a long way to go. Many days were at sea and not much to show, however I do have some interesting posts about what to do when you have 6 days at sea in a row! I will continue on The Garden Party until sometime in mid-August. Here is a link that might be useful: The beginning of A Long Cruise
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jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
This float is used in parades for special occasions. That information was according to our guide, however he did not know who would be on the float. It is stored on the piazza next to the cathedral.

The building at the rear is the cathedral's museum. We did not enter.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
This is a view of the rear of the float.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
There is a large plaza next to the cathedral and this small garden area was about the only things growing there. You can see the float in the background.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
This is the bronze door at the west end of the cathedral. As I attempted to discover more information online about this entrance, I was repeatedly referred to the doors at the Monreale Cathedral. Currently, this entrance is not used.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
On the piazza that is adjacent to the cathedral, there is a high school Liceo Classico Vittorio Emanuele II. Established in 1549, it is the oldest in Sicily.
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
9 years ago
It was mid-day and many of the students were on the piazza. Typical high school students.

Part 5 of our Palermo visit will include the inside of the cathedral.
anneliese_32
9 years ago
The cathedral is interesting. I have never seen a church with such a mix of styles. I am trying to figure out what part belongs to what century.

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