A Holiday In Sicily – LuceStellare

Destination Sicily ~ Magnolia Grove at Ortygia

Sicily is a fascinating vacation destination. Lovers of Greek mythology will be dazzled ancient temples all around the island. The people who had these structures built, mostly by forced labor, valued and honored a wide pantheon of gods and goddesses. Some of the sites command a spectacular view of the Mediterranean Sea.

On the Eastern side of Sicily is the island of Ortygia just a short walk from Siracusa. This old city dates back to 734 BC and is perhaps one of the most sacred places for the student of mythology or a modern pagan to plan a visit. There is so much to see here. One park not to miss is the grove of magnolia’s. This spot is located at the far end of the island to the right of Arethuse Fountain. On a hot day, wander into this oasis of green and be amazed.

These magnolia’s are enormous. This may be their ideal environment as the trees are so wide around the base it might take ten people holding hands to circle the trunk. How cool and peaceful this shady grove is on a warm sunny day. There are perhaps nine trees. This number would be sacred to the Goddess Artemis who watches over this place. Indeed, this is her and twin brother Apollo’s birthplace. Their mother Leto, goddess of the night, was transformed into a quail and came to this island to give birth. She was in labor nine days and nights. The Greek name for Ortygia is Ortyx which means quail.

The magnolia in bloom are exquisite fragrant flowers that resemble tulips. They are pure manna on earth. A fantastic idea would be to plan a visit when these trees blossom. As with many places in Sicily, the visitor will believe they are touching a bit of heaven on earth. Visit Ortygia! Honor Artemis and be reborn.

#sicily #ortygia

Destination Sicily: L ‘Infiorata di Noto

A prime destination in Sicily is the Baroque City of Noto. The best time to plan a visit is May. A city wide floral festival, L’Infiorata di Noto draws thousands upon thousands of visitors to celebrate the spring season. A grand floral display is created outside the Palace on Via Nicolaci. Every year presents a different theme with designs made entirely of flower petals. Visitors get in line and slowly walk up the avenue admiring the artwork.

The Sunday festival is also a city wide open house. Music and entertainment from the baroque era take place in many of the churches and public buildings along the main corso. In the afternoon, a grand costume parade winds around the city to the main plaza in front of Municipio di Noto (City Hall). A festival of music and dance from the Baroque period will entertain the crowd and Baron Nicolaci Family. It’s a great day to be in Sicily and be a part of the beauty of this Mediterranean island.

Destination Sicily ~ Planeta Winery

At this time of year, people may be making plans for travel in the next several months. A best destination for lovers of art, ancient history, food, and wine is Sicily. The island is a little Eden with mile upon mile of neatly cultivated fields. Farmers build dry mortar stone walls around their property. In the spring months, nature plants a live border of red poppies and broom. Both have a fine sense of order with straight lines curving over and around hills. There are delightful vistas of citrus and olive groves. It is not possible to visit Sicily and not drive by vineyards. Sicily is well-known for growing and bottling superb dry red wines. An excellent destination is Planeta Winery.

The Planeta family have several estates in Sicily. The winery near Noto is called Buonivini which means good wines. The grapes cultivated include: Nero d’ Avola, Frappato, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Grecanico, Chardonnay, Fiano, Viognier, Carricante, and Moscato Bianco. Besides wine they also have acres of olive and carob trees. Visitors can tour the underground wine making facilities at Noto. The family uses modern and traditional techniques. Buyers can purchase wines and olive oil during the tour. Of course, there will be a sampling to find the right one for the dinner table. My favorites are Santa Cecilia and Plumbago. The wood casks at Planeta are sealed with a large plug of beeswax. The entrance to the production areas are graced with enormous rosemary shrubs. The dry Sicilian air is sweet on the estate. The breezes mellow and pleasing. The eye enjoys a sweeping panorama of green. Every inch of this property feels special.

There are six Planeta cantina’s on the island. Cantina La Baronia near Messina. Cantina Feudo di Mezzo near Taormina. Cantina Buonivini near Noto. Cantina Dorilli near Vittoria. Cantina Dispensa and Cantina Ulmo near Marsalla. This travel route takes the visitor around the island through some of the most scenic landscapes of Sicily. There are wonderful Greek ruins to visit and baroque cities waiting to be seen.

Click on this link to the website Planeta family and plan a visit. Planeta wines are available at fine wine shops in the United States. Yankee Spirits in Sturbridge Massachusetts offers several varieties for sale. Enjoy good food with good wine.