Martin M. Miles' photos

Caponata is a Sicilian dish consisting of cooked vegetables with sweet vinegar, capers, olives, pine nuts and raisins. There are numerous local variations all over Sicily. I had this in Palermo. Here is a recipe www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2220689/caponata

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. - The building for the "Vigili del Fuoco" was comissioned during at the Fascist era in the 1930s. It was inaugurated in August 1937 by Mussolini himself, who liked this kind of oversized, futuristic art-deco architecture.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. - The "Teatro al Massimo" is a building neighbouring the "Teatro Massimo", Palermos opera house. Compared to the huge opera house, which is the biggest in Italy, this building, completed in 1924 as "CineTeatro Massimoa" looks humble. www.teatroalmassimo.it/

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. "Santissima Trinità della Magione" (= "La Magione") was one of the last churches built under Normannic rule. Foundation took place 1140/50 by Matthew of Ajello, William II of Sicily´s chancellor. It was completed in 1192 by Matthew´s son Archbishop Nikolaus of Salerno. Built on the place of an older mosque it was entrusted the Cistercians und was used as a burial place. Tancred of Sicily and his son Roger III of Sicily were buried in this church. In 1197, after Emperor Henry VI, husband of Constance daughter and heiress of King Roger II of Sicily, had taken over the kingdom the church and the adjoined monastery were given to the Teutonic Knights. Like the very most churches in Palermo "La Magione" is locked over noon time. In case you come to early for the reopenig in the afternoon: in the left wing of the building behind the open gate is a room with a coffee machine and as well a spotless restroom.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. "Santissima Trinità della Magione" (= "La Magione") was one of the last churches built under Normannic rule. Foundation took place 1140/50 by Matthew of Ajello, William II of Sicily´s chancellor. It was completed in 1192 by Matthew´s son Archbishop Nikolaus of Salerno. Built on the place of an older mosque it was entrusted the Cistercians und was used as a burial place. Tancred of Sicily and his son Roger III of Sicily were buried in this church. In 1197, after Emperor Henry VI, husband of Constance daughter and heiress of King Roger II of Sicily, had taken over the kingdom the church and the adjoined monastery were given to the Teutonic Knights. The church got altered a couple of times, but the restoration of the late 12th and early 20th century "cleaned" the structure from baroque and classisistic addons. Severely damaged during WWII the church another restoration was realized. Adjoining the church is the cloister and the Cappella di San Luca, where this "Madonna della Gracie", can be found, a fresco of the 15th century. The "Nursing Madonna" (= "Maria lactans") was a popular icon from the 14th century on.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. "Santissima Trinità della Magione" (= "La Magione") was one of the last churches built under Normannic rule. Foundation took place 1140/50 by Matthew of Ajello, William II of Sicily´s chancellor. It was completed in 1192 by Matthew´s son Archbishop Nikolaus of Salerno. Built on the place of an older mosque it was entrusted the Cistercians und was used as a burial place. Tancred of Sicily and his son Roger III of Sicily were buried in this church. In 1197, after Emperor Henry VI, husband of Constance daughter and heiress of King Roger II of Sicily, had taken over the kingdom the church and the adjoined monastery were given to the Teutonic Knights. The church got altered a couple of times, but the restoration of the late 12th and early 20th century "cleaned" the structure from baroque and classisistic addons. Severely damaged during WWII the church another restoration was realized. Adjoining the church is the cloister of the former monastery. Some parts of this cloister are crumbling.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. "Santissima Trinità della Magione" (= "La Magione") was one of the last churches built under Normannic rule. Foundation took place 1140/50 by Matthew of Ajello, William II of Sicily´s chancellor. It was completed in 1192 by Matthew´s son Archbishop Nikolaus of Salerno. Built on the place of an older mosque it was entrusted the Cistercians und was used as a burial place. Tancred of Sicily and his son Roger III of Sicily were buried in this church. In 1197, after Emperor Henry VI, husband of Constance daughter and heiress of King Roger II of Sicily, had taken over the kingdom the church and the adjoined monastery were given to the Teutonic Knights. The church got altered a couple of times, but the restoration of the late 12th and early 20th century "cleaned" the structure from baroque and classisistic addons. Severely damaged during WWII the church another restoration was realized. Adjoining the church is the cloister of the former monastery.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. "Santissima Trinità della Magione" (= "La Magione") was one of the last churches built under Normannic rule. Foundation took place 1140/50 by Matthew of Ajello, William II of Sicily´s chancellor. It was completed in 1192 by Matthew´s son Archbishop Nikolaus of Salerno. Built on the place of an older mosque it was entrusted the Cistercians und was used as a burial place. Tancred of Sicily and his son Roger III of Sicily were buried in this church. In 1197, after Emperor Henry VI, husband of Constance daughter and heiress of King Roger II of Sicily, had taken over the kingdom the church and the adjoined monastery were given to the Teutonic Knights. The church got altered a couple of times, but the restoration of the late 12th and early 20th century "cleaned" the structure from baroque and classisistic addons. Severely damaged during WWII the church another restoration was realized. Adjoining the church is the cloister of the former monastery.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. "Santissima Trinità della Magione" (= "La Magione") was one of the last churches built under Normannic rule. Foundation took place 1140/50 by Matthew of Ajello, William II of Sicily´s chancellor. It was completed in 1192 by Matthew´s son Archbishop Nikolaus of Salerno. Built on the place of an older mosque it was entrusted the Cistercians und was used as a burial place. Tancred of Sicily and his son Roger III of Sicily were buried in this church. In 1197, after Emperor Henry VI, husband of Constance daughter and heiress of King Roger II of Sicily, had taken over the kingdom the church and the adjoined monastery were given to the Teutonic Knights. The church got altered a couple of times, but the restoration of the late 12th and early 20th century "cleaned" the structure from baroque and classisistic addons. Severely damaged during WWII the church another restoration was realized.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. "Santissima Trinità della Magione" (= "La Magione") was one of the last churches built under Normannic rule. Foundation took place 1140/50 by Matthew of Ajello, William II of Sicily´s chancellor. It was completed in 1192 by Matthew´s son Archbishop Nikolaus of Salerno. Built on the place of an older mosque it was entrusted the Cistercians und was used as a burial place. Tancred of Sicily and his son Roger III of Sicily were buried in this church. In 1197, after Emperor Henry VI, husband of Constance daughter and heiress of King Roger II of Sicily, had taken over the kingdom the church and the adjoined monastery were given to the Teutonic Knights. The church got altered a couple of times, but the restoration of the late 12th and early 20th century "cleaned" the structure from baroque and classisistic addons. Severely damaged during WWII the church another restoration was realized.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. "Santissima Trinità della Magione" (= "La Magione") was one of the last churches built under Normannic rule. Foundation took place 1140/50 by Matthew of Ajello, William II of Sicily´s chancellor. It was completed in 1192 by Matthew´s son Archbishop Nikolaus of Salerno. Built on the place of an older mosque it was entrusted the Cistercians und was used as a burial place. Tancred of Sicily and his son Roger III of Sicily were buried in this church. In 1197, after Emperor Henry VI, husband of Constance daughter and heiress of King Roger II of Sicily, had taken over the kingdom the church and the adjoined monastery were given to the Teutonic Knights. The church got altered a couple of times, but the restoration of the late 12th and early 20th century "cleaned" the structure from baroque and classisistic addons. Severely damaged during WWII the church another restoration was realized.

Every day Palermo has many interesting markets, where not only fruits and vegetables but as well fresh seafood is offered. Here are octopuses waiting for the chefs.

Bisso Bistro, next to the "Quattro Canto" in the center of Palermo, is a perfect place to have an evening dinner. The place is not a posh restaurant, but more a bit rough. It is small and narrow, so you will share the table with other guests, what can be nice, in case they are talkative. The food is sicilian, the housewine is good and very affordable. Around 8 in the evening stand in line on the street and wait to get seated. Don´t get puzzled by the large sign "LIBRERIA DANTE", as before this became a bar and restaurant, it was a bookstore. bissobistrot.it/chi-siamo/ Antipasto del giorno Tuna with beans

Every day Palerma has many interesting markets, where not only fruits and vegetables but as well fresh seafood is offered. Here are "totani" (squids) waiting for the chefs.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. Extensive parks, used for leisure and hunting, existed already before the Normanns took over Palermo. Roger II extended the existing parks, known as "Genoardo" (Arabic: Jannat al-arḍ, literally "Paradise on Earth"). Within this large park were castles, pavilions and even artificial lakes. Still existing is the "Castello della Zisa" (= La Zisa). Neighbouring La Zisa is "Chiesa della Santissima Trinità", aka "Cappella palatina della Zisa" as it did serve the palace as a chapel. The Capella may be the oldest still existing church in Palerma, as it is way older than La Zisa. It is claimed, that it is based on a refectory of a Byzantine monastery, which was converted into a mosque during Arab rule. When William I decided to build a palace on the neighbouring site, the mosque became a chapel. Reaching the top floor of the adjoining chapel - the window opened and there is La Zisa.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. Extensive parks, used for leisure and hunting, existed already before the Normanns took over Palermo. Roger II extended the existing parks, known as "Genoardo" (Arabic: Jannat al-arḍ, literally "Paradise on Earth"). Within this large park were castles, pavilions and even artificial lakes. Still existing is the "Castello della Zisa" (= La Zisa). Neighbouring La Zisa is "Chiesa della Santissima Trinità", aka "Cappella palatina della Zisa" as it did serve the palace as a chapel. The Capella may be the oldest still existing church in Palerma, as it is way older than La Zisa. It is claimed, that it is based on a refectory of a Byzantine monastery, which was converted into a mosque during Arab rule. When William I decided to build a palace on the neighbouring site, the mosque became a chapel. Standing on the roof the dome looks small. Left is the chapel that was added in thw 18th century, when the old capella was "downgraded" to a sacristy.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. Extensive parks, used for leisure and hunting, existed already before the Normanns took over Palermo. Roger II extended the existing parks, known as "Genoardo" (Arabic: Jannat al-arḍ, literally "Paradise on Earth"). Within this large park were castles, pavilions and even artificial lakes. Still existing is the "Castello della Zisa" (= La Zisa). Neighbouring La Zisa is "Chiesa della Santissima Trinità", aka "Cappella palatina della Zisa" as it did serve the palace as a chapel. The Capella may be the oldest still existing church in Palerma, as it is way older than La Zisa. It is claimed, that it is based on a refectory of a Byzantine monastery, which was converted into a mosque during Arab rule. When William I decided to build a pleasure palace on the neighbouring site, the mosque became a chapel.

Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, has a long history, that starts around 8000 BC, but later there were Phoenician, Carthaginian, Greek and Roman periods. After the Roman Empire had fallen apart the Vandals tried to take over the island but failed. Finally, the Ostrogoths took possession. Mid of the 6th century Sicily was conquered by troops of the Byzantine Empire. After the advent of Islam, Sicily got attacked by the Arab forces. Raids seeking loot continued until the mid-8th century. A Muslim army was sent to the island in 827 but met with much resistance. So it took a century to conquer it and even later revolts constantly occurred In 1038 the Byzantines invaded the island supported by Norman mercenaries, led by Roger. In 1072, after the siege of Palermo, most of Sicily was under Norman control. Roger´s son Roger II raised the status +of the island to a kingdom in 1130. During this period, the Kingdom of Sicily was prosperous and powerful, The court of Roger II became melting out of culture from Europe and the Middle East. This attracted scholars, scientists, artists, and artisans. Muslims, Jews, Greeks, Lombards, and Normans cooperated and created some extraordinary buildings. In 1186 the last descendant of Roger, Constance of Sicily married Emperor Henry VI, the second son of Barbarossa. So the crown of Sicily was passed on to the Hohenstaufen Dynasty. Frederick II, the only son of Constance, was crowned King of Sicily at the age of four in 1198. He became "Stupor Mundi", one of the greatest and most cultured men of the Middle Ages. Palermo, founded in 734 BC by the Phoenicians, became a possession of Carthage and later was part of the Roman Empire. From 831 to 1072 the city was under Arab rule. Following the Norman conquest, Palermo became the capital of a new Kingdom of Sicily and the capital of the Holy Roman Empire under Emperor Frederick II and King Conrad IV. Extensive parks, used for leisure and hunting, existed already before the Normanns took over Palermo. Roger II extended the existing parks, known as "Genoardo" (Arabic: Jannat al-arḍ, literally "Paradise on Earth"). Within this large park were castles, pavilions and even artificial lakes. Still existing is the "Castello della Zisa" (= La Zisa). Neighbouring La Zisa is "Chiesa della Santissima Trinità", aka "Cappella palatina della Zisa" as it did serve the palace as a chapel. The Capella may be the oldest still existing church in Palerma, as it is way older than La Zisa. It is claimed, that it is based on a refectory of a Byzantine monastery, which was converted into a mosque during Arab rule. When William I decided to build a pleasure palace on the neighbouring site, the mosque became a chapel.