Posts

Showing posts from May, 2021
Instagram

Italy off the beaten path: Donnafugata Castle

Image
The Donnafugata Castle is a sumptuous noble residence located 15 kilometers from Ragusa .  Donnafugata Castle The name of this castle probably derives from the Arabic "ayn as-jafaiat" which means source of health, referring to the presence of a source of pure water. Donnafugata Castle According to others, however, the title Donnafugata is linked to the legend of Bianca of Navarre, widow of the king of Sicily, that was imprisoned within the walls of the castle by the perfidious Bernardo Cabrera, lord of the County of Modica. The queen managed to escape through the tunnels, thus becoming the escaped woman (literally translated as 'donna fugata') for all. Donnafugata Castle Originally the fiefdom included a hunting estate, and an ancient Arab-Norman watchtower, but it was the baron of Donnafugata Corrado Arezzo de Spuches, who gave the structure its present appearance: a unique mix of sumptuous halls, elegant bedrooms and playful and original architectural details. Donna...

Villages of Italy: Mazara del Vallo

Image
Overlooking the Mediterranean sea, just 200km from the Tunisian coast, Mazara del Vallo , in the province of Trapani , is one of the most interesting destinations in western Sicily . Every corner of this enchanting city tells pieces of its history and its dominations, and its historic center, rich in monuments, enchanting courtyards and squares, is enclosed within Norman walls dating back to the 11th century. Mazara del Vallo Mazara del Vallo Thanks to its strategic position, Mazara was one of the most important cities in Sicily throughout the Middle Ages and was largely influenced by the many invaders that arrived here.  Despite the transformation work carried out by the Normans , the city retains many distinctive characteristics of the Arab-Berber culture: the most evident sign is the winding road layout, which starts from a central axis and leads to numerous colourful courtyards. The district of San Francesco, is probably the most peculiar part presenting the singular features o...