Les Trésors Cachés de Sicile – l’Île aux mille couleurs – Documentaire Voyage – AMP

Les Trésors Cachés de Sicile – l’Île aux mille couleurs – Documentaire Voyage – AMP

A sun-drenched volcanic island, Sicily is in the heart of the Mediterranean, as if hanging on the end of the Italian boot, the island with three summits is only 150 km from Tunisia. It is a mixed land where Europe and Africa come together and clash.

With its cultural wealth, the island combines natural beauties of astonishing diversity. An original cuisine resulting from the multiplicity of its origins, the strong character of its inhabitants, small secret villages and vestiges of a teeming past. In Sicily all trips are possible. The patina of history, good humor, warmth and sensuality never cease

To linger on the island to the point of coloring everyone’s experience. Capital of Sicily, Palermo escapes all definitions. It is a Mediterranean city, chaotic, undisciplined, full of contradictions and yet so seductive. We approach it with slight trepidation. And it’s not getting stuck in

The crazy traffic of Via Roma that will help dissipate it. After parking your vehicle, you discover a city full of surprises with unlimited resources. Piazza Pretoria is home to imposing churches and monuments, including a fountain, decorated with nymphs, tritons and river deities. Completed in 1573, its statues of

Marine deities in the simplest form shocked the conservative parishioners of the churches surrounding the square. Palermo, like all of Sicily, is not far from a paradox. The main attraction of the city lies in the personality of its inhabitants who provide the spectacle of the street. Like their city, they do not reveal themselves

Straight away. But we quickly discover their warm, epicurean and passionate character. More than the monuments, Palermo is an atmosphere, the unmitigated clash of contrasts. Magnificent churches sit alongside dilapidated streets. Palermo likes the confusion of genres, here history with a capital H mixes with the memory

Of families. Popular culture has as much importance in the hearts of Sicilians as the major works of their heritage. Life is deeply rich and vibrant. You shouldn’t miss Palermo. It alone deserves several days of discovery. And at the bend

Of an alley it is the songs of the popular Ditiramu theater which will seduce you. The more courageous can also choose to walk, an excellent way to discover Palermo. As in the East, the streets operate by theme,

Taking into account the traffic, the street dedicated to bicycles has a bright future ahead of it . Near Via Roma stands the San Domenico Cathedral. Designed by the architect Andrea Cirincione in 1640. Its facade was added in 1726. San Domenico serves as a pantheon for some famous Sicilians.

Formerly in the heart of miserable and disreputable Palermo, now rehabilitated, the Vecciria market is a very lively place, filled with the cries of merchants and overflowing with food products. There are also old craft workshops such as this knife sharpener. At the beginning of the afternoon Palermo is asleep. The cries of children

Who invent new games every day remain the dominant impression. It’s nap time, a sacred time. Most shops and offices close to open at 4 p.m. The art of living in Sicily, this offbeat way of seeing things, is the depths of its soul. This is also due to its history.

Arab emirate, then capital of a Norman kingdom, Palermo was the jewel of Europe in the 12th century, before experiencing a long phase of decline. From its ancient strategic position between East and West, Palermo retains unique monuments. Ambitious builders, the Normans converted mosques and palaces built before them by

The Muslims, giving birth to the Arab-Norman style characteristic of Sicily. From certain points of view, the cathedral offers an almost oriental image. Its construction began in 1184, at the instigation of the Archbishop of Palermo Gautier Offamilio. It was modified many times. Sometimes with joy, during the construction of the porch

With three arches of Catalan inspiration, the completion of which took two centuries. Inside, the cathedral houses the tombs of illustrious Sicilian sovereigns. In Palermo, the puppets have a museum. It is here that we preserve an old popular culture of pupi, once very widespread in the towns of Sicily.

This entertainment was introduced by the Spanish in the 18th century. At the time, it was the only entertainment accessible to ordinary people. The adventures of the heroes of the songs of gesture and the paladins of Charlemagne constitute the main subject of the opera dei pupi. The characters

Loved or hated were models who made it possible to interpret life experiences by projecting them into a dazzlingly glorious universe. The shows were presented in episodes for many months in working-class neighborhoods. More than 3000 puppets are kept here with all their costumes and accessories. Many talented craftsmen worked

On making the puppets. In Palermo, Gaetano Greco was the first in a long line of manufacturers. Today Mimmo Cuticchio is the heir of the tradition. I learned from my father to do the voices and to manipulate the puppets. My son Jacomo, who

Will be 26 years old, learned from me to recite and move the puppets, but we both inherited this tradition from my father and he- he even got it from the Greco family, it’s like this we moved and recited the puppets as the puppeteers did at the beginning of the 19th century

. An integral part of Sicilian folklore, the opera dei pupi survives today thanks to the desire to maintain living tradition. This Sicilian theater perpetuates an ancient lesson in perfection. After the hustle and bustle of Palermo, a city as stimulating as it is exhausting, we appreciate

Taking a little break. The surrounding area offers a multitude of possibilities for visits. Small charming villages, seaside resorts, monuments full of history. 8 km southwest of Palermo, the Montreal Cathedral is a pure gem of Norman architecture in Sicily. It testifies to the presence of Norman knights

In the south of the Italian peninsula at the beginning of the 11th century. Young adventurers, they put their sword at the service of the highest bidder in the conflicts between the Pope, the Lombard princes and Byzantium for control of the region. Very skillful builders, the Normans relied on the

Techniques of French Romanesque art in incorporating Byzantine and Arab influences . Monreal Cathedral is an unmissable gem from this period. We are in Cerasa, on the heights of Palermo at an altitude of 500 m. Lots of sunshine, and sometimes cool nights, these hillsides constitute an ideal terroir for the expression of quality vineyards.

Francesco Guccione is the owner of a family hazienda which cultivates ancient vines. Abandoned for a while, Francesco and his brother decided to replant and cultivate their vines dynamically organic. The vines are tied in the old-fashioned way with rope. The Guccione brothers don’t want to see

Plastic or wire here. Only the grape varieties, the terroir and the know-how make the taste of the wine. For white wine, we cultivate catarrato. This is the vine which has always been cultivated in this region and which best expresses the terroir in its entirety. And then in red we cultivate Neradavola

And Pericone which is a vine typical of this region and which is very little cultivated. The vine has always counted in the Sicilian economy. Long sold to spice up certain French wines, relatively little-known Sicilian wines are now making headway. The

Climatic conditions and the grape varieties allow us to make full-bodied and fruity red wines here. The whites benefiting from the freshness of the mountains are generally light, dry and floral. To the west of the island, we discover a Sicily of yesteryear, harsh and austere,

Burned by the sun, rich in its multiple historical and cultural heritages. A Sicily which is reminiscent of North Africa where the faces resemble those of the Tunisians, feature for feature. The street here belongs to the elders. Many young people have left for lack of work and prospects. This exodus remains problematic. Every year,

Around 10,000 Sicilians leave the island and try their luck towards new horizons. In these villages of Sicily, religion is of capital importance. In the south, the popularity and influence of the church remains particularly strong. Very often, the priest is considered the most important person in the village.

In the cosmopolitan environment of big cities, younger generations no longer show the same fervor as their elders. However, society as a whole remains very respectful towards religion. Many traditions, such as the one-year mourning worn by the widow upon the death of her husband,

Are only respected in the interior villages. But in these small communities, an age-old mix of superstition and faith continues to govern the lives of the inhabitants. The promontory stretching from Mount Cofano to Castellammare del Golfo is one of the most beautiful in all of Sicily.

For decades, this part of Sicily was brushed aside, asserting the lack of interest in this remote region, sensitive to earthquakes and mafia activities. As a result, the region has never experienced the tourist boom of Taormina or Syracuse. Yet the coast continues to display its charms.

The Zingaro nature reserve is the first in Sicily. The rocky coves and beaches are lapped by incredibly clear waters. Sicily offers visitors incredible sights. Perched on Mount Erix, Erice is a fortress-like city. In antiquity, an important cult was paid to Venus, goddess of fertility. Sacred prostitutes officiate in the sanctuary dedicated to her.

Completely destroyed by the Normans in the 12th century, a much more austere castle succeeded it. Of the various monuments and churches of this quiet little town, the most interesting remains the Chiesa Madre. Built in 1314, the church has attractive vaulted ceilings and side chapels.

For the rest, the interior was remodeled in a neo-Gothic style in 1865. The visit to the castle is especially interesting for the panoramic views of the surrounding area. To the west, towards the sea, we can see Trapani and its salt marshes. Located at the heart

Of the powerful trade network that stretched from Carthage to Venice, this sickle-shaped piece of land borders the port where Peter of Aragon landed in 1282 to launch the Spanish occupation of Sicily. The production of salt, wine and laundered money from the mafia made the town prosperous.

We let ourselves be taken in by the outdated appearance of what is essentially a large Arab fishing village. Embarkation point for the Egadi archipelago and the island of Panterralia, Trapani is also an excellent base for exploring the northwest of Sicily. From the end of the afternoon, residents take to

The streets of the city center for the passeggiata: the evening stroll. The maze of streets in the historic center of Trapani retains its Moorish character. However, its architecture dates back largely to the fabulous Spanish Baroque period of the 18th century. There are many examples on

Via Garibaldia and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the city’s main artery. At its end stands the Palazzo Senatorio, decorated with columns and clocks. The church of the Jesuit college, from the 17th century, has a splendid Baroque facade. One of the main characteristics of Sicilian Baroque is the

Completely inseparable link between architecture and sculpture. The San Lorenzo Cathedral is also typical of this period. The interiors feature colored marble and extremely sophisticated stucco decorations. In the 17th century, Sicily benefited from the presence of the Flemish painter Anthony Van Dyck. Some attribute this painting to him: the crucifiction.

Religious life has deeply marked the history of Sicily and the lives of its inhabitants until today. However, it is not an austere world. In a country where people celebrate at funerals, we appreciate life and good things. Sicily is a large producer of fruits and vegetables which are found in abundance on

The markets. The crossing of cultures has also enriched the island in its gastronomy. Oriental flavors spread to Italy through Sicily: stuffed vegetables, pistachios, raisins, pine nuts and almond paste. In the 17th century, coral artisans made Trapani famous throughout Europe before the coral beds off the town

Were decimated. Today a few artisans keep this tradition alive. Coral is a difficult material to work with and requires extreme precision. Platiniro Iorenza is one of the last coral goldsmiths. The most important thing is that the coral was inserted into sacred objects, such as chalices,

The monstrance because through its color the coral was attributed the color of the blood of Christ. Coral owes, among other things, its reputation to a Greek legend. When Perseus killed the gorgon, he placed her head on some seaweed. His blood petrified the algae and became coral. Used

By all Mediterranean civilizations, coral remains a good luck charm. Continuing a few kilometers south of Trapani towards the sea, we arrive at the Salines. In an old mill, traditional tools for salt exploitation are displayed. We are now heading towards the south of the island where the most

Rural of the Sicilian coasts are located. There are rolling fields, traditional villages and also magnificent beaches here. Among the oldest spa towns in Italy, Sciacca was already appreciated by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, long before the arrival of the Arabs. Sciacca enjoys a

Relaxed atmosphere. It is also one of the prettiest towns on the Mediterranean coast, with an elegant belvedere overlooking the port. Almost everywhere in the city, the eye is drawn to ceramic decorations. Against the steps of the stairs, frescoes in public spaces, the ceramists of sciacca are among the best in Sicily.

At the bottom of the town lies the old artisans’ quarter where there are many ceramics stores. Guisepé stéphano creates his creations here, which he exhibits and sells. Ceramics in Sciacca have always been there in the sense that it was transmitted to us

By the Greeks and afterwards until the Middle Ages there was always a tradition of ceramics. The art of ceramics is very popular with Italians. From everyday utilities abundantly decorated with floral motifs, to decorative objects, ceramics also reflect the multiple influences which over the centuries have shaped the exceptional history of this land.

Sicily is an island, but nothing here gives the feeling of isolation. In the heart of the Mediterranean, it occupies a strategic position at the center of trade and migration routes. The great powers of the region have never ceased to covet it, each leaving a more or less profound mark.

Agrigento in the south of the island bears traces of the Greek presence. The remains of five temples sit on a ridge. Vestiges of the city of Akragas, they give a fascinating insight into what great Greece was like, whose settlements extended as far as Italy. Founded in 581 BC,

Akragas is the last important city to be part of the Sicilian landscape. Further east we reach Noto, a city whose ancient history was completely buried in 1693 during an earthquake, then rebuilt. The earthquake, by wiping out the buildings, contributed to the emergence of Baroque on the island. Symmetry of space and abundance of

Decorative elements characterize a style conducive to fantasy and innovation. Seduced, the great families indulge in bidding wars to build the most sumptuous palaces. Noto is today the most beautiful and harmonious of the Baroque towns of Sicily. In the most graceful square of Noto stands the San Nicolo Cathedral. It was

Completely restored following the collapse of its dome. The result of decades of neglect and minor earthquakes, many buildings were threatened. The local authorities and the population seem to have taken stock of the problem. Today you can visit Noto without the risk of seeing a cornice collapse.

The new town of Noto put into practice a revolutionary idea based on the creation of two districts. One for political and religious administration, the other residential. These two districts were built with extreme care for symmetry and visual harmony. Located at the southeastern tip of the island, Syracuse was considered by Cicero

As the most beautiful city in the world, rivaling Athens in power and prestige. The spiritual and physical heart of Syracuse, Ortygia is a living museum where all the periods, Greek, Norman, Aragonese and Baroque intertwine in marvelous harmony.

Ortigia is in fact a small island accessible by the Ponte Nuovo which spans a charming little port. The Venetian palaces in ocher and rust tones overlook the boats rocked by the waves. Archimedes, the famous Greek scholar was born here in 287. After studying in Alexandria,

He returned to live in his hometown. The famous principle that bears his name also applies to these fans of canoe basketball. They have the chance to practice their activity in an exceptional setting. Despite its baroque veneer, the Greek essence of Syracuse is evident everywhere, both in

The great civility of its population and in its hidden architectural remains. Centuries of neglect have certainly taken away the luster of Ortygia’s beauty, but in recent years the town authorities have been working to remedy this. The extraordinary history of Sicily and the profound mixing that resulted from it are at

The origin of the many contradictions specific to the character of the island and its inhabitants. Conservative spirit, tendency to suspicion, stoicism are sometimes manifested. But signs of confidence, sociability, sensitivity, as well as a great sense of humor are also present.

In Syracuse, the magnificent Greek theater carved into the white rock on the hillside is a masterpiece of classical architecture. 15,000 spectators could attend performances of plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. Every summer the theater comes back to life with the representation of ancient tragedies.

But it is difficult to imagine the intensity of the representations of times gone by. During the festival of Dionysus, god of drunkenness and wine, performances held spectators from dawn to dusk. At the climax of the show, the crowd would go into a trance, experiencing what Aristotle called catharsis, after

Which they would laugh for a few more hours before sending the spectators home. In Sicily, pleasure is also on the plate. To be convinced, just go to the market. Holder of a rich gastronomic tradition, Homer located in Sicily the gardens of Alcinous

Which amazed Ulysses with their abundance. The profusion of fresh vegetables, combined with the numerous fish that populate this part of the Mediterranean, form the basis of a cuisine developed by the Arabs in the 12th century, combining spicy, sweet and sour flavors.

Cheeses are also part of this journey to the land of the senses. We find the same ones as in the rest of Southern Italy: provolone, cacciocavallo or ricotta. Sicily is also a wonderful orchard in which all Mediterranean fruits grow.

Sicilian cuisine was for a long time a cuisine of the poor. In this context, texture and freshness take on their importance. Fish with very bright eyes, shiny scales, and brightly colored gills. The shine of the eggplants and the scent of the tomatoes suggest the delight of their combination.

Herbs also enhance the taste. And one of them remains essential: oregano. Oregano branches in our tradition were offered to newlyweds and loved ones as a lucky charm, as a symbol of good fortune, it was hung in the kitchen because it

Was beautiful and it smelled good and it brought luck and when we needed it we used it and it was better because it was drier and lasted longer Catania is a city black as the lava of which it is built. It is Sicily’s second largest commercial city and a thriving business center.

The Piazza del Duomo is a sumptuous example of Baroque style specific to Catania, with its contrasts between lava and limestone. In its center stands an elephant from the Roman period, emblem of the city. Here he is credited with the power to appease the anger of Etna.

Opposite is the cathedral dedicated to Saint Agatha. It has an imposing two-story marble facade whose columns come from the Roman amphitheater. This monument watches over the relics of the city’s patron saint. The city’s largest artery, Via Etna, runs alongside the remains of a Roman amphitheater. And in the 2nd century BC, it was

The largest amphitheater after the Colosseum in Rome and could accommodate 16,000 spectators. The Ionian coast is the most popular tourist destination in Sicily. Several swimming sites extend north of Catania. Aci Trezza is also a legendary place.

These three basalt rocks which point out of the water are said to have been thrown by Polyphemus, the Cyclops blinded by Ulysses in an attempt to stop him in his escape. A few kilometers away, Aci Castello is popular with swimming and sunbathing enthusiasts. Its lava beach is unwelcoming. In summer,

Wooden platforms are installed for more comfortable basking in the sun. The town has a rather remarkable castle which overlooks the sea, perched on a basalt mound. The castle was built by the Byzantines in the 7th century on the foundations of a

Roman fortress. Under Arab domination, the castle was razed, then rebuilt by the caliph ‘al Mooz in 909. The Normans seized it in the 11th century and established a feudal regime. Acireale completes the “Aci” trilogy, the village occupies a magnificent site on

The Ionian side. The atmosphere is more upscale, people come from Catania to stroll around the baroque monuments or to enjoy the sulphurous thermal baths. Acireale has several religious buildings, as in the rest of the province of Catania

It is the baroque which dominates , whether it is the basilica, the cathedral, everything is in the image of the Baroque movement in Sicily and which sums up everything that can be found on the island. Etna remains one of the fascinating places in Sicily. To approach it, you take

A path which crosses birch forests in a fairly peaceful landscape. But this impression changes radically as we progress. Piano Provenzano has long been the main ski resort on Etna. But during the last eruptions in 2001 and 2002, a gigantic lava flow

Swept away everything. During the ascent you can see how the lava has crushed the trees. Since 1987, this extraordinary volcano and its flanks have been part of a natural park. The diversity of landscapes is staggering, from alpine forests to lava deserts. The highest point of Sicily, Etna is the largest active volcano

In Europe and one of the most active in the world. From a height of 3323 m, it dominates the entire Ionian coast. Its plume of smoke offers a thrilling and sometimes terrifying vision. In ancient times, the summit of Etna was frequently illuminated with spectacular

Pyrotechnic effects. Many writings attribute the eruptions to the monster Typhon struck down by Zeus and buried under Etna. Other ancient authors consider it to be Vulcan’s workshop. History has recorded a multitude of eruptions, that of 1699 lasted 122 days and destroyed sixteen surrounding towns and buried a good part of Catania. In 2001,

The most spectacular eruptions of the last forty years caused immense damage to the infrastructure located on the southern slope of the mountain. Spectacularly situated on a terrace of Mount Tauro, forming a balcony above the sea. Taormina is the most prestigious of

Sicily’s seaside resorts and no superlative is too good to describe its exceptional charm. Over the centuries, the city has sparked the enthusiasm of generations of writers, artists, aristocrats, bankers and crowned heads. His wealth is worth na not know the harsh economic realities of other Sicilian cities. Its splendor is nothing

Overrated. Capital of Byzantine Sicily in the 9th century, Taormina has preserved its medieval city almost intact. One of the greatest pleasures is strolling through its streets, taking a look at the craft, antique and designer shops. Randomly in the streets, we meet local people who meet up for games

Of Neapolitan cards, the scopa very practiced here. Away from the crowds, the lush Parco Duchi di Cesaro, commonly called Villa Communale, is one of the prettiest public gardens in Sicily. The view of the bay is extraordinary. It was created by Lady Florence Trevelyan Cacciola,

An Englishwoman who fell into disgrace after an affair with Edward VII. Near the cape, the tiny Isola Bella overlooks a sublime cove. Laurence Trevelyan bought this island for the modest sum of 5000 Lire and had a house built. Today, classified as a nature reserve,

The island is part of the World Wildlife Fund. Its steep approaches are a delight for divers. Today Taormina is the symbol of noble and snobbish tourism in Sicily. The coves around the city live up to their reputation, their difficult access protects them from the hustle and bustle of the nearby seaside resort.

Leaving Taormina the village of Castelmola finds a more authentic color, traditional music in Sicily is transmitted orally the group I Beddi is one of the heirs which we listen to around a pizza. We leave the Aeolian coast for the north of the island. On the Tyrrhenian Coast,

We board a hydrofoil for the Aeolian Islands. Vulcano is undoubtedly the most visited island in the archipelago. Hot water springs and mud baths with therapeutic properties make this island a popular place for the Italian jet-set. Despite the unpleasant odors given off by sulfurous gases, the baths are very popular.

For the Greeks, the island of Vulcano must have inspired respect, even terror. The volcanic activity of the island was a source of curiosity for many thinkers. In the Middle Ages, Christians considered it the antechamber of hell. The lunar landscapes of lacy volcanic rocks and the fields

Of sulfur rub shoulders with the plateaus which are adorned with multicolored flowers in spring. An incredible cobalt blue sea, wild windswept mountains splashed with flower spots, smoking volcanoes – that’s enough to explain the fascination with the Aeolian Islands. There are seven, magic number. All volcanic, different in size and appearance and feel,

Sometimes surrounded by islet dust. We arrive in Lipari, considered the capital of the Aeolian Islands. Its central position makes it a very practical base for traveling from island to island. The citadel cuts the gulf into two bays. Each has its port, marina Lunga for ferries and marina Corta for fishermen.

Lipari has been inhabited for around 6000 years. The Greeks made it a trading port located on their trade route between the Aegean Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The jet set and movie stars arrive in numbers in the summer to swim in the

Crystal clear waters, walk and party. The population is doubling and prices are soaring. In the fall we find a more authentic aspect of the islands. The 15,000 inhabitants find peace and the archipelago its millennial rhythm. Fish abound in the vicinity of the archipelago and very

Early on we try our hand at the pleasures of fishing. Tuna, red mullet, sole or cuttlefish caught in the morning are found the same evening on restaurant tables. Lovers of good things will not be disappointed, there is a tempting selection of Sicilian cakes like Canolli or Amaretto in the good pastry shops.

In Lipari, there are restaurants for all tastes. Some allow you to be at the heart of the action, others on the contrary are havens of peace. But for the taste buds, no worries, from simple pizza to tasty Aeolian cuisine, the range is rich.

The old town at the foot of the citadel offers a delicious little maze lined with houses in pastel tones. Only the venerable Fiat 500 finds a place on its streets. And like in the Nino Ferrer song, there is laundry hanging on the window and it’s pretty.

Speaking of Nino, it’s the first name of this former fisherman, now 80 years old, who peels the famous Nassa shrimp. They are shrimps, They are very good, they are caught with a troll net They have a very good flavor, they are full of life

The quiet airs of Lipari actually hide a turbulent history. The citadel was built to protect the port from repeated attacks by pirates eager to get their hands on the revenues from the exploitation of obsidian and pumice. To enter the citadel, you have to climb a few steps towards the

San Bartolomeo Cathedral. It was built in the 17th century to replace the original Norman cathedral destroyed by the formidable pirate Barbarossa. Going a little further inside, you discover another side of Sicily. The region has a nature that is more than favorable to crops, in particular

Thanks to fertile volcanic soil and sunshine that is almost always there. We are in Tusa, a village near Cefalu. Antonino continues to cultivate his vegetables the old-fashioned way while keeping an eye on his sheep. Barely disturbed by the firecrackers that

Resonate from the top of the village to the occasion of a religious festival The tradition in this region was to build towards the top of the hills and then to descend towards the sea where we discover Castel di Tusa,

Just below the village lie the ruins of the castle which gave its name instead. To the east of Céfalu, we find here the most beautiful beaches of the Tyrrhenian coast. They are clean, spared from pollution and relatively uncrowded. Sicily is a world turned towards the sea. The population is

Mainly concentrated on the fertile coastal plains, largely due to the importance of maritime trade throughout history. However, we must not neglect the interior of the land which offers the other face of Sicily. A remote and mountainous region, central Sicily offers a unique atmosphere and magnificent panoramas.

The mountains are dotted with small towns and farms. Today the splendid nature has not changed any more than the difficult living conditions. The hinterland of the north coast has two immense national parks punctuated by tiny mountain villages. The high pastures have always been home to rural communities raising

Cows and sheep. We still come across shepherds who during the summer lead their flocks to higher altitudes to find grazing areas. They live as in the past in small dry stone shelters. These shepherds continue to make, according to old ancestral recipes, a wonderful, very creamy ricotta intended for local consumption. No chance of

Finding these cheeses in a supermarket. It is necessary to make the trip to share for a few hours the lives of these men who preserve a part of Sicilian memory. Under the beams we refine the Provolas from the cow’s cheeses

The 4 blows of the stick given by the shepherd help to raise the ricota from the bottom of the pot The whey then escapes from the small pots It is the douma which becomes acidic afterwards we mix it with hot water and it becomes

Like spun dough and then with the hands we give it these shapes Seized by the almost supernatural beauty of the place, Ovid declared “nature is adorned here with all its colors “. The surrounding countryside blooms everywhere in spring. The windswept wheat fields are also an image of Sicily. Pasta

Is said to have been invented here. But some believe that their origin, much older, goes back to the Chinese. Very well preserved, the immense fortifications of Enna are the perfect illustration of these mountain villages closed in on themselves which keep their own identity.

The castle was originally built by the Saracens, then reinforced by the Normans. Shrouded in myths, the city of Enna dominates the center of the island and was for a long time the sanctuary of the cult of Demeter, goddess of fertility and agriculture. Back on the North coast we continue our journey.

Céfalu is a completely unique ancient medieval fishing port in Sicily. Stuck between an immense rock and the waves. A wonderful charm emanates from this old town, whose rich residences bear witness to the ancient prosperity. Cefalu Cathedral is the last jewel in the Arab-Norman crown. Built in the 12th

Century, Roger II wanted to stem the growing influence of the papacy in Sicily with this building . This fortress-like cathedral has been restored. Since 1015, it has been cleared of all the additions accumulated over the centuries. The architects had the courage to remove marble and woodwork to reveal the original stone.

Standing above the city, the Rocca seems to be a perfect landmark for the giants who according to legend were the first inhabitants of Sicily. The Arabs had their citadel built here. This spectacular setting, as well as the narrow streets that crisscross the town, have made Cefalu a favorite location for directors,

Notably Giuseppe Tornatore who filmed Cinema paradisio here. Cefalu is also renowned for its superb sandy beach, rightly considered one of the most beautiful in Sicily. Cefalu was for a time a complex opposite Taormina, but today the two seaside resorts attract a lot of people every summer.

Probably already inhabited in prehistoric times, Cefalu has seen the succession of several civilizations and in particular the Arabs, themselves driven out by the Normans, it has retained this cosmopolitan side today. Moreover, the city is renowned abroad for the quality of its Italian courses that many foreigners come to follow.

Our trip ends here on the shores of the largest island in the Mediterranean. A unique character, Sicily is still worth a detour. The Arabs saw paradise on earth here. The great medieval poet Ibn Hamdis described it as an island dressed in a peacock’s cloak with sumptuously colored feathers. He was not wrong.

Ile volcanique gorgée de soleil au cœur de la Méditerranée, la Sicile est comme accrochée à l’extrémité de la botte italienne et à seulement 150 kms de la Tunisie.
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C’est une terre métissée où l’Europe et l’Afrique se rejoignent.
A sa richesse culturelle, l’île allie des beautés naturelles d’une étonnante diversité ; une cuisine originale fruit de la multiplicité de ses origines ; des habitants au caractère bien trempé ; des petits villages secrets et les vestiges architecturaux d’un passé foisonnant. En Sicile, tous les voyages sont possibles.
La patine de l’histoire, la bonne humeur, la chaleur et la sensualité n’en finissent pas de s’attarder sur cette île au point de colorer l’expérience de chacun.

Sicile, une beauté volcanique
Un film réalisé par Eric Bacos
©Ananda
©Ampersand