Cefalu was founded in the 4th century BC by the Greeks, who named it Cephaloedium. The city sits at the base of an imposing outcrop, that looks like a big rock was just plunked here. This gave the city a ready-made fortress look and of course those cultures who came him later, namely the Normans, the Spanish and the Arabs, all contributed architecturally and culturally to the city. Here is a photo from the web so you can see the entire city:
With the school, we had a little walkabout. It was interesting. Of course, the city was once completely enclosed by a wall and there are ports at strategic and practical points. It was a city of fishermen, and so here is the Porta Pescari:
There is also a wee outdoor museum that features old fashioned fishing gear. Nets and floats and spears and things:
Many buildings from the Normans still exist. The main church, which I'll visit soon, is known for its mosaics.
And here is a medieval laundry area that was used all the way up to the 70s!
The "bastion" is one of the palazzos on the tip of the peninsula. From here you get a sweeping view of the Tyrrhenian Sea, which I have been swimming in, by the way. So marvelous!
Cramped but lovely, Cefalu's old town has some interesting alleys and vicoli:
No comments:
Post a Comment