Orlando: “Do the marathon!”
Palermo (gro) Sicily’s regional parliament meets in true royal fashion, in Palazzo Reale. It was built by Roger II on the foundations of the summer residence that the Emir of Palermo had built for himself at the end of the 9th century. The military command of Sicily resides not far from it in Palazzo Sclafano, a splendid building commissioned in 1330 to duplicate a certain Manfredi Chiaramonte, an aristocrat who had realized a much admired palace in today’s Piazza Marina. The most important art museum in Sicily in terms of regional history is housed in Palazzo Abatellis, built at the end of the 15th century by a high dignitary in the entourage of King Ferdinand II. And so on and so forth… There is no question that Palermo is a treasure chest, and recently cultural officials have been trying to raise awareness of these treasures again, under the slogan “Do the Marathon!” (“Faimarathon”/”FAI”).
Third weekend of the action initiated by Orlando.
“FAI” was initiated and realized by Leoluca Orlando, Palermo’s city leader, elected for the fourth time in a row. “FAI” is aimed primarily at the “natives”. Therefore, it was registered with all the more pleasure that the participation of local culture seekers has once again increased vigorously. It was the third time that such an art and culture weekend was proclaimed to open and explore the treasures of the city. Once again, a weekend was deliberately chosen that did not fall during European vacation periods. While the first weekend attracted 15,000 curious visitors, the number increased to more than 20,000 during the second weekend, to now reach a good 50,000. There are now two more weekends to explore the “Vie dei Tesori” (the “Streets of Treasures”).
Tastings at the Teatro Massimo.
Also fueling the popularity at the third “cultural marathon” was the offer of the Teatro Massimo, Italy’s largest opera and drama house (and the third largest in Europe, after Vienna and Paris). For the rather symbolic admission price of 5 euros, one could enjoy particularly bravura segments of the ongoing program in the Massimo’s Great House.
Santa Caterina reopened after two years.
Particularly in demand this past weekend was also the magnificent baroque church of Santa Caterina in Piazza Bellini (opposite the famous Byzantine-designed Martorana and the Arab-domed church of San Cataldo). The Santa Caterina was originally intended to remain closed for only two months. The exuberant crowds after two years of renovation have shown how strongly anchored the church is among the old town population. Mayor Orlando was particularly pleased that this time a lot of young people were on the road to visit the cultural treasures of the city.