La RosaWorks Sicily Tours & Travel

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La RosaWorks Sicily Tours & Travel

La RosaWorks creates custom & unique tours full of authentic experiences and Sicily's beating heart. Sicily is in many ways, still an island of the Gods.
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It is an island that repeatedly saw harmony followed by strife, and where fortunes and leadership were on a never ending roller coaster, and yet, the Sicilians are an embracing, generous, warm, and resilient people. A visit will unveil the contrasts in the spectacular, undulating landscapes, in the freshest food prepared with reverent care, and rich, indigenous wines, and even in the faces of the

people evolving from so many different ancestries. It is harshly wild and fragrantly beautiful. It is this and more I hope to share with you. Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/bMuCUj

06/21/2024

Flying high as the Calabria tour comes to a close. Calabria is another region of Italy with it’s own wonderful personality, wonderful food, wine and beauty.
Here is an overview!

06/19/2024

The table was bare when we arrived, and like artists with a paintbrush, they filled it with color.
We started off with a delicious beer of their own small production. 6 appetizers, and many other plates later, we had experienced the intensity, professionalism and passion of the Michelin Star restaurant Hyle in San Giovanni in Fiore at the . We tasted wonderful wines from all around the region. We were 12 and filled the restaurant.
For days we heard about traditions and Calabrian history. These dedicated souls are part of the here and now, creating a new history, from which we mightily benefitted. Yum.

06/18/2024

We went into Sila National Park where you can walk among the Gigantes - the Calabrian Black Pine trees that can grow to 15 stories high and are about 400 years old. It was like forest bathing being there. The birds, the sound of pine needles underfoot, and apparently some of the cleanest air in Europe, was food for the soul. Leaving this area protected from any sort of development has allowed nature to find itself again and there has been a return of certain birds, insects and plants. It was so peaceful.

The last photo is the view from the hotel - the Calabria coastline on the Ionian seaside.

06/17/2024

The word codex literally means a block of wood or bark, but as we know it, it refers to an ancient manuscript done on parchment or similar, often illuminated, that is bound into a book. The small town of Rossano on the Ionian coast of Calabria has one of the most important Codex in the world. It was created in the 6th century and is the 188-page gospel of Matthew and Mark, illuminated with a rare style of images. There are only 5 in the world it arrived to Rossano is somewhat of a dispute, but most say it arrived with monks coming from the eastern Roman empire. The colors are rich and the book is open to a different page every 3 months. Thanks to UNESCO’s recognition of the Codex as a “Memory of the World,” there is a fabulous display on a large screen that enables you to see the entire book, scrolling through and zooming in.
Rossano is an enchanting town and we could have spent much more time there with our terrific guide.

06/14/2024

Today we had an immersion in Calabrian peasant culture and the baking of bread - the food that unites us all. The farm of Franca Crudo at is perfect. We kneaded and shaped the dough while she sang traditional Calabrian songs. We danced and ate while her 24 year old mother yeast worked its magic. The loaves were warm and delicious sprinkled with olive oil and everything we ate came from her gardens (Tropea onions, sun dried tomatoes, olives and frittata (made from the eggs of the happy chickens) as well as her property including the wheat they harvest (5 kinds of ancient grains), the olive oil, the wine and all of the pork products (including ’nduja of course). In a way we felt one with the earth that provides us so much. It connected us all, and reminded us (with some tears!) of the important things in life. It was a lovely day.

06/12/2024

Bova is part of Grecanica, one of the early Greek hill towns on the toe of Italy’s boot, settled in the 8th century BC as part of Magna Grecia. There are many in these small places, perched on hills that are a challenge to ascend, even in an automatic vehicle. The reward is incredible vistas, terrain to sea. This was vitally important for protection back in those days. In these towns they still speak the ancient Greek, here known as Greco-Calabrese. Most everything is translated into the old language. We strolled around and then visited an artisan who builds lyres and violas in the style of medieval instruments, which are sold worldwide. His wife paints icons, the likes of which would have been or be in Eastern orthodox churches.
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06/10/2024

Reggio Calabria is just a short hydrofoil ride from Messina. From the hotel room, it didn’t seem like far at all! What a stunning coastline.

The Lungomare here is said to be the most beautiful mile in Italy. The views across the shimmering sea, the public art, and so many tree and plant varieties make for a wonderful stroll in the warm breezes, and as evening approached there were so many people doing just that.

Then there was our new best friend - on her perch, watching all the goings on like a good Italian Grandma.

06/07/2024

The end of the Crossroads of Western Sicily tour. I could have posted 1000 photos!
Palermo is a perfect end to the days spent in the countryside and by the sea. There is so much contrast and variety on this small island!
In Palermo everything converges. There is Punic writing at the top of what once was an arch, now paved over.
There are traditions like i Pupi that always charm and delight. A private collection of ceramic tiles that simply always amazes. Terrific food, both from Grandma’s kitchen and with new twists. And a never ending supply of beauty and wonder. Thank you to all of our fabulous hosts for the warm welcome.
Tomorrow - on to Calabria for tour #3!

06/05/2024

Around the Island of Sicily in 5 wines plus surprises - - like a visit and wine talk with Giuseppe Tasca from Tasca D’Almerita.
The Cygnus wine, (Cygnus means swan) was named for the swans that swim around the beautiful pond at the Villa Tasca. They were loved by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa and inspired him, we were told.
Wine pairings are important. The right pairing can be like magic when tasting a wine. It works, it completes the story.
Grazie Giorgio!

06/04/2024

In the evening, before dinner, we looked toward Favignana at sunset. It is one of the beautiful Egadi Islands and is shaped like a butterfly. The next day we took the hydrofoil and we arrived.
The water is always stunning, changing colors with the depth and the views are of the other islands, Marettimo and Levanzo make one stand silent and breathe deep. (Levanzo has no natural water, so the population is very small).
We visited the Tonnara Museum, the Florio Tonnara, which is very evocative. It is a museum that is growing, adding new exhibits each year, including a new exhibit with large-scale videos of people giving oral histories. It’s so interesting to learn about the Mattanza, or traditional tuna catch, that took place just 50 days each year until not that long ago.
We ate a lunch of specialties that included smoked and salted fish. Afterwards, we visited an appropriately named Impossible Garden. Built by a visionary who saw abandoned stone quarries (Favignana is famous for stone as well as fish), paid to have them cleaned and emptied, and over many years, installed an incredible place which we only enjoyed part of in an hour. It is a gift that photos can’t capture.
A full day!

06/01/2024

We walked down the Zig Zag steps to the port of Sciacca to watch the fishermen come in with their haul. We weren’t the only ones! The gulls were waiting, friends of the fishermen were waiting, restaurant owners and customers were waiting. Sardines and anchovies were the catch to dole out. This ritual is very hard work and constant. They go out very early, come back with only a little time to relax and sleep, before it starts all over again.

05/30/2024

Walking on the street in Sciacca, I spotted a Bottega and the sign said ‘dal 1900’. I was curious and so we went inside. I asked to hear the history of the shop and they were so happy to do so, showing us old photos, and telling us stories. They told us about being 4th generation, and how the American soldiers used to come into the place during the war. All the while he was cutting up salami and cheeses and pouring some wine to offer to us.
We were there for awhile and they were so touched by our interest. What fabulous cheeses and salami and a wonderful experience. Thank you !

05/29/2024

It’s all so dramatic and evocative and impressive. The main temple at Selinunte, Temple E, was reconstructed, which was very controversial, but it does enable you to experience the enormity and extent of this Classic Temple. The other temples toppled, not from being sacked by the Carthaginians, but by earthquakes that have occurred over time. The residential areas, that were in the older section, (Archaic) were destroyed by the sacking in just 9 days. Gone. It’s mind boggling, all of it. It was a perfect location to build this colony (which had 60,000 inhabitants between 650 and 409 BC) and a perfect location it still is.

05/28/2024

There are no words for the beauty on the coastline near Castellamare del Golfo - Cala Bianca, Cala Rosso, Cala Mu**hi and the Tonnara di Scopello.
A relaxing start to tour #2 - Crossroads of the Mediterranean, Western Sicily.

05/24/2024

We went from Ortigia to Palermo, with a stop at Piazza Armerina’s Villa Romana del Casale, where a new section has been recently re-opened after restoration. The ’triclinium’ was a place for entertaining and parties. There would have been tables and reclining chaises on top of the beautiful carpet of mosaics, the grandeur of which is difficult to capture in photos. My good friend and guide, Serena, awakens the imagination and brings this amazing place place to life, every time!

For lunch, we ate at my favorite place in town, and Paolo Bellone arrived from Valguarnera to hand to me in person the award I won last week recognizing my years of work to promote Sicily. I was moved all over again.

After settling into our hotel in Palermo, we met for drinks and a talk by author Lou Mendola. His new, expanded addition of “The Peoples of Sicily” is just out, and I gifted our tour members with a copy. This terrific book is on my recommended reading list, but let me tell you, it’s hard to encapsulate all of Sicily’s history over one glass of wine!

A terrific day.

05/22/2024

Such a spectacle to see Sophocles where he was meant to be performed, in the Greek Theater in Ortigia. “Aiace” is a tragedy and it met expectations. It was dark and tense. The moon was full, which was the icing on the cake.

05/21/2024

It was a perfect island day, the island of Ortigia. It was windy and warm and the air smelled of the sea. On the roof it was quiet and removed. A few of us stood on the Lungomare, listening to the lapping water, talking about world religions, world problems, but also the things for which we are grateful.

05/20/2024

Security lines at the airport were the longest I’d ever seen, but I had left plenty of time. The plane had a problem though, so we had a long wait and missed the connection in Rome, which resulted in another wait. It’s all part of travel sometimes. You just have to roll with the punches and be resilient. And it was all made worthwhile by the first meal, at 10:00 pm. Just what the doctor ordered!

05/16/2024

I am a Dottoressa!
I was not able to be present but I was awarded in absentia. The American flag was up for me and Michael Cavalieri, in honor of the work we have done for years to promote Sicily not only as a travel destination but on a deeper level. (Michael has made 2 films that speak about the sulphur miners and much more.)

I am very moved by this honor and look forward to picking it up in person soon and placing on my shelf.
Grazie di cuore Paolo Totò Bellone, Salvatore Augello e tutti.

Karen La Rosa

05/14/2024

Fish is part of Sicily’s culture. It is an island in the middle of the warm waters of the southern Mediterranean and is a perfect habitat for fish. Particularly around Sicily's coast, it is a daily ritual of boats, fishing lines, and markets. It is prepared simply to celebrate its fresh deliciousness and always amazes at just how delicious it is.

05/08/2024

There are many passages I could have quoted from this terrific article by Amy Kazmin in the Financial Times entitled "Return to Palermo," https://www.ft.com/content/f37bc774-46ef-4f6d-a6a7-bba72fe3b5b9

"While other Italian urban centres wrestle with overtourism and related housing shortages, Sicily’s faded but compelling capital is re-emerging as one of Italy’s most vibrant cities, a dramatic turnabout. Art historian Claudio Gulli, 37, who returned in 2016 after 11 years away, says “Europe rediscovered that there was a forgotten — or sleeping — capital, where you can still find affordable foods, houses, works of art . . . dynamism, enthusiasm that is completely different from all other cities in Italy.”"

There is a renaissance, an enthusiasm, and a hope in Palermo. Money from the travel industry helps. Palermo has a newly renovated waterfront, things are cleaner, and there are some new accommodation options opening, but balance is very important and that’s the most challenging part. We all hope Palermo is able to manage all of the changes and not become a victim of overtourism so they can retain what has always made this city unique and fabulous. Read the article. It will make you want to go.

05/06/2024

This year, if you are in Noto between now and November, you can go to one of my favorite exhibit spaces at Corso Vittorio Emanuele 91 for a show called “La Sicilia di Caravaggio.”
Caravaggio was such a complicated character. He was in Sicily at the turn of the 17th century while he was on the run for crimes committed, and painted to earn money. Two of his major works are in the Regional Museum in Messina, one in Siracusa’s Santa Lucia al Sepolcro church, the church for which it was commissioned. His life was dark and lived in the shadows. His art reflected that place.

In spite of the small number of paintings completed on the Island of Sicily (which are not movable at this point), his influence on other artists was huge. The school is called Caravaggism and this exhibit contains 30 works that demonstrate that influence well. You may have never heard of some of the artists who knew and worked with Caravaggio in Sicily, names like Giovanni Bernardo Azzolino, Mario Minniti, Alonzo Rodriguez, Fabrizio Santafede, Carlo Sellitto, Battistello Caracciolo, Hendrick de Somer. (Notice some of the Spanish sounding names…) Included in this exhibit is a rare copy of the Nativity of Palermo, painted by Paolo Geraci, coming from the Castell'Ursino Museum in Catania, and the St. John, coming from the National Museum of Valletta in Malta, that is attributed to Caravaggio but study is still a work in progress.

05/03/2024

Every town in Sicily bears testimony to a rich history and visiting them is full of evocative moments, from the Middle Ages to the Spanish domination, to jeans hanging on the clothesline. In the Madonie there are many of these towns. By car, you can reach them on winding roads, up and around the hills.

The scenery is a beautiful gift before arriving to the cobblestoned streets, the mixture of old and new, reflections of their time. Polizzi Generosa is one of many, a beautiful one, for sure.

Time is what you need in Sicily. Time to meander and live slowly.

05/01/2024

Today is the Festa del Lavoro in Italy. We call it Labor Day. It’s a chance to celebrate workers! It is beyond a pleasure to honor the people who work closely with me as professionals and those who serve us in so many ways everyday. Let’s say thank you. It’s the little things…

04/29/2024

We are at the end of April but still in the early stages of the Sicily travel season (historically). This year, already we have so many private clients back from Sicily! The season is off to a hopping start.
I love receiving the photos to match faces with names. It’s a way to bridge the distance that email and texting creates. Thanks everyone for sending!

And thank you, as always,

04/25/2024

Liberation Day is the day that commemorates a collective sigh, the day that Italy was rid of Fascism and dictators. The 20th century saw so many fights for freedom; political freedoms, personal freedoms, and human rights, voting rights, and more. There were countless and immeasurable sacrifices in those fights. They deserve a day to be honored and respected, and the meaning of this day should always be remembered as a gift to be treasured. Life would be so very different without it.

04/24/2024

Many years ago I was in Ragusa Alta and I went to visit Maestro Giuseppe Leone, a photographer that I had become aware of. He seemed like an older man (because I was younger), charming and so excited to show me his work. He was excited by my love for Sicily and that I had come from NYC to embrace my ancestral heritage (15 years ago there were fewer visitors!) We spent a long while together and I looked at many photos. Before I left, he gifted me one of his favorites, an amazing and valuable gift. It is framed and I look at it every day with very fond memories.
He passed away this week and Ragusa lost an important man. One who chronicled, mostly in black and white, the Sicilians, their traditions, the feasts and festivals, the stark and rural places. I have all of his books and his photos inside of them will document a time and place in our Sicily, a land that is larger than life, as Diego Mormorio points out.
Photos by Giuseppe Leone
Words from Diego Mormorio

04/23/2024

Sicilians are not afraid of color. Nature inspires. Aesthetics matter. Chromotherapy helps!

04/19/2024

I don’t like it when everyone agrees with me. The world of wine drinkers are really starting to notice and drink the wonderful Grillo wines of Sicily. Formerly a blending wine used in making Marsala, it is now outpacing sales of other whites as a single varietal, and even outpacing sales of reds. Grillo is not a white wine for those who want to sip without taking notice. Grillo is transporting. It is lemons and freshness. It is sunshine and blue skies. It is together time and laughter on a warm and relaxing day. Put it on your list for your next trip to your favorite wine shop.

04/16/2024

Montgomery AL is the perfect place for a Civil Rights tour and our had a terrific, rich week.
It began in the where we met Dr. Doug Chambers, Acting President of Tuskegee University; Morris Dees, of the SPLC; and Joe Caver, author and ASU professor. We visited Horseshoe Bend and its battlefield, where the Creek Indians were forced from their land (23 million acres!) by Andrew Jackson to make way for cotton plantation owners. We picnicked under the trees.. Our National Park System is such a gift to the citizens of the USA. Ranger Matt was exceptional.
We then visited Moton Field, home to the Tuskegee Airmen, who, BTW flew in Sicily in 1943 - an amazing story of amazing, brave, Black men who fought hard just for the right to defend our country.
We toured sites in Downtown Montgomery that included MLK’s Dexter Avenue Church where Wanda Battle gave us a talk, sang with us, and gave us a lot to think about as we stood touching the podium MLK used to address a crowd with a speech he wrote impromptu that is heralded as one of his best. We visited the 3 Equal Justice Initiative Museums that could not be more well done and powerful. The information they provide in a myriad of ways makes them 3 world class museums that everyone should visit. We finished the tour with a walk over the Edmund Pettus Bridge, much like the Freedom Riders did hoping for voting rights. We drove along their route and paused in front of the jail some of them landed in.
In the midst of all of this, I interviewed John Keahey at a book event/signing for his recently published book “Following Caesar,” we broke bread together each night, and bonded over discussion and shared emotions. It is always an unforgettable experience.

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Videos

Mount Etna late Monday night.

Isola di Conigli or Rabbit Island, sits off of the Island of Lampedusa, which lies about 110 miles off Sicily's coast. It is a paradise of crystal clear waters and beautiful, warm, white sand in hidden coves....some of the most beautiful beaches. Thank you to my good friend, Giusi, for sending me this video a few days ago. The colors are breathtaking. A perfect weekend escape. Snorkeling anyone?

Not a Rossellini film, but I like this one minute of footage anyway. Come have a caffe and cornetto with me. For E1.80 it is the best bargain and you become one of the locals. Buongiorno! Palma Cassara

Una "Ruota"

In the 17th century, infant abandonment was not uncommon. Poverty was very high and an unwanted pregnancy was a disgrace to the entire family. The Church did what it could to spare the pain and protect the children, installing what was known as a "ruota" or wheel, inside or outside the church. Using this wheel would enable a person to abandon a child anonymously. By turning it, the child would be delivered to the nuns on the other side of the wall. Then there was a bell to ring and this alerted them to the delivery. If the foundling was healthy, survived the initial years, and all went well, it might hope to obtain a menial job later on. This was less often the case, however, than the more unfortunate outcome. Eventually this custom evolved, and abandoned children went into an orphanage. The adjacent convent became such a place but then closed, like many others. (Turn the sound on to bring you closer.)