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Sicily with Casa Giasola
This is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily, a spectacular region that seduces any traveler. A diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures are some of the things you will find in this earthly paradise.
An island with a fascinating history, once ruled by Arabs, Greeks and Aragonese, it is the perfect blend of cultures and traditions, which over the years the Sicilians have made their own, and what a good job they have done!
The variety of landscapes in Sicily gives an incredible first impression.
If you land at the airport in the city of Catania you first encounter the majestic volcano Etna. A dynamic, young and baroque city (also called the Milan of the south) is the second largest city on the island, bordering the Ionian Sea. A city that has risen from several natural disasters, which at first glance seems to have a dark appearance, thanks to the ashes of volcanic lava, but in reality, has a very cheerful soul.
The best recommendation is to travel by car and make a trip throughout the southeastern part of the island.
If we go down from Catania towards the province of Syracuse/Ragusa, we find the golden triangle of Baroque Sicily (Catania-Syracuse-Ragusa).
This side offers crystal clear beaches, historical monuments, baroque architecture and cities recognized and protected by UNESCO.
Syracuse is a city rich in cultural heritage. It is curious how these cities manage to maintain their identity, being an extremely touristic place. In this province we find the peninsula of Ortigia, which was the nucleus of the Corinthians, who founded the city, and has very well preserved Roman and Greek ruins that you can see throughout the city. Ortigia is magical, not only is it surrounded by sea, it also has a natural water well, the Arethusa Fountain, whose legend of love between the Nymph Arethusa and the god of the river Alpheus gives a touch of mysticism to the place.
Red crockery
Going down the province, you will find the town of Noto, a baroque treasure that is a must stop. This town hosts the famous “Infiorata di Noto” on the third Sunday of May. It is a popular festival that covers the Via Nicolaci with original designs made entirely of flowers. With the passage of time it has gained more popularity, it is 122 meters long and ends at the foot of the Montevergine Church.
The designs are made with chalk on the ground and then filled with flowers. It is a laborious and delicate work, which takes several days of preparation. Every year the theme changes, in 2021 we were able to enjoy a tribute to the great Dante Alighieri.
Modica It is the city where my ancestors were born, my two grandparents, born and raised in Modica, are the main inspiration for Casa Giasola. This baroque town with its spectacular charm has given me some of the best moments of my life.
Protected by UNESCO and famous for the production of granulated chocolate, a production method used by the Aztecs and still used in the city today.
Home of the famous and ancient, “dulceria” Bonajuto, where you can not only find chocolates made with cocoa from all corners of the world, but also the best cannoli in town.
Caltagirone is one of the cities of ceramics that Sicily has to offer. It is a treasure to be discovered with patience and dedication.
This city, proclaimed “The capital of ceramics”, is focused on the tourist promotion of the handicraft factory, whose tradition was promoted by the Sicilian Muslims. Walking around the city you will find numerous artisans with their stores and ceramic laboratories, and you will surely find one working on his art at that moment. You will enjoy seeing the magic of the ceramic work and above all, the exceptional painting. All handmade with a final product that you will not find anywhere else in the world.
On the other side of the island we find the capital of Sicily, Palermo. A majestic city, which has had three golden ages: Carthaginians, Arabs and Normans. The Arabs called it “Palermo Felicissima” (Palermo, the happiest) the largest and most beautiful metropolis in the world.
It is a must stop to understand the Sicilian culture.
In Palermo we will find artisans who continue with the manufacture of ceramics, but some with a more modern approach, such as Patrizia, our beloved artisan who provides us with Corallina, Filomena, Ficazza and an art that preserves the traditional methods but with a different and current product.
On this side of the region we find the Aeolian Islands, an exotic destination, reachable only by boat, where you can enjoy truly unspoiled landscapes, pristine beaches, mountains, and dream hotels.
Something that all Sicily has in common and holds as a priority is the gastronomy.
noto infiorata
Sicilian gastronomy is special, the island has a very rich soil and a perfect climate for farming, and of course, being an island, seafood is a fixed dish on the tables of the Sicilians. Swordfish, octopus, citrus fruits, tuna, pistachios, almonds, and ricotta are some of the Sicilian specialties that are present throughout the territory.
Family recipes have a very important place in the traditions, they come from many generations ago and are deeply respected. It is not strange that when you ask for a recipe, they will answer: “it is my nonna’s recipe”.
The island does not lag behind in culinary innovation, but they always manage to move forward and continue to respect traditions.
Authenticity is part of the culinary baggage of the region. Sicilians know their culinary culture, study it, understand it and respect the product, this is what differentiates Sicilian food from the rest of Italy.
Sicily is famous for its preparations with tomatoes, a fruit that gives rise to the most famous recipes of the city. Dried tomatoes are something you have to try in Sicily, the inclement Mediterranean sun results in the perfect process to dry this fruit in the open air.
Street food is something important, preparations that, far from being simple, are present not only in restaurants, but in any market, cafe, or food stall at a fair. You can eat them at any time of the day.
Among the most famous recipes are the arancini, a “ball” of rice, breaded and fried. There are different fillings, but the most famous is ragu with cheese.
Sicilian sweets are protagonists, cannoli, cassata, gelato, and “frutta martorana”.
For me, there is no better dessert than the Sicilian cannolo. A “tube” shaped dessert consisting of a fried dough, filled (commonly) with fresh ricotta cream, topped with pistachio granella.
Sicily is a paradise in every sense. The simplicity of the everyday is one of the most beautiful and profound experiences I have ever had. A simple lifestyle, but one that is exceptionally magical. Life, surrounded by the sea, family, friends, good food, good wines, for Sicilians, they need nothing more.
Everything in everyday life becomes exceptional in Sicily. Visiting this island will change you forever, you will want to live the Sicilian way, forever.
Being in Sicily makes you see the world with different eyes, it is majestic, wild and unique.
Carretto Siciliano MONICA
CATANIA
There is not the slightest breath of wind; only the march of the boat disturbs the calm of the air asleep on the water. The shores of Sicily and Calabria exude a scent of orange blossoms so intense that the whole strait is perfumed as if it were a woman’s bedroom