Stories
Here you’ll find all of my stories categorized by region. Stories about major cities, including Rome, Milan and Naples, are grouped separately. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Try searching here or contact me.
Messina: a city that’s much more than just the ‘Gate of Sicily’
Messina, Sicily's third-largest city, was once a mere transit point for me. But after exploring, I realized I had missed quite a few interesting sights on my previous trips to Sicily. While earthquakes in 1783 and 1908, as well as WWII bombings, destroyed much of its historic center, the city still holds historical landmarks amidst modern architecture. Messina's unique blend of old and new makes it worth a visit.
Messina's Orologio Astronomico: one of the largest and most impressive clocks
In Messina, the Orologio Astronomico is a must-see! It’s one of the world’s largest astronomical clocks. Every day at noon, it performs a show with gilded figures reenacting historical and religious scenes. You’ll see a roaring lion and biblical scenes like the resurrection of Jesus. The other facade features a perpetual calendar as well as a planetarium, showing the solar system.
Train-ferry from Sicily to Calabria: crossing the Strait of Messina
Not too long ago, I shared the story of my first trip to Sicily and my experience of taking the overnight ferry from Naples to Palermo. Arriving on the island felt like stepping into a whole new world …
Poggioreale: Italy’s most charming ghost town
Italy counts several abandoned villages from which all life has disappeared. Most of them result from natural disasters or a lack of social-/economic perspective. Often these ghost towns are located in remarkable locations …
Erice: Sicily’s ancient hilltop town
From atop a 751 meters high plateau, Erice towers over western Sicily. The medieval village is characterized by charismatic narrow streets, gray stone houses, and many old churches …
Grotta Mangiapane: a hidden cave settlement frozen in time
Grotta Mangiapane, in Sicily's Mount Cofano Nature Reserve, is the largest of the Scurati Caves and once served as a prehistoric settlement. In 1819, the Mangiapane family turned it into a village, adding homes, stables, and workshops. Abandoned in the 1950s, it has since been restored. Today, Visitors can explore the cave and its original buildings, offering a glimpse into past daily life.
San Vito lo Capo: the Sicilian Caribbean
For me, Sicily has all the ingredients for a perfect holiday: a rich history, delicious food, beautiful nature, and some of Italy's most beautiful beaches. One of these beautiful beaches can be found in San Vito lo Capo …
Duomo di Monreale: masterpiece of Arab-Norman architecture
Planning to visit Sicily? Then don't forget to add Monreale to your itinerary. Monreale is located just outside the city of Palermo and is best known for its cathedral with extraordinary mosaics …
Off to Sicily: taking the overnight ferry from Naples to Palermo
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, had always been a destination I dreamt of visiting. Finally, in 2017, I had the opportunity to set foot on the enchanting island for the first time. …
Trinacria: the symbol of Sicily
Have you visited Sicily? Then you must have noticed the island's distinctive symbol. It consists of three bent legs, three stalks of wheat, and a strange-looking female head. The symbol is displayed everywhere …
Sicily: a brief history lesson
The island of Sicily is both the largest region of Italy and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Because of its strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sicily has been conquered and ruled by many …