Bleeding Espresso

19 May 2008

Palermo: La Porta Nuova

After visiting Teatro Massimo, La Fontana della Vergogna, and Quattro Canti, we’re now continuing along on Corso Vittorio Emanuele through la Porta Nuova (left) in Palermo.

This is one of my favorite photos of Palermo. I love how it captures the history, the hustle and bustle of the city, and even a Smart car–essential for any European street scene.

Plus I’m pretty proud of myself for not caring that I looked like a total tourist while stopping on that tiny sidewalk (believe me, the photo makes it look *gigantic* compared to the reality), burning my eyes looking into the strong midday sun, and snapping away.

I used to have issues with that, but I’m apparently past them.

The original Porta Nuova was built in 1583 to commemorate the victory of Charles V (known as Carlo V in Italy) over the Turks, but was destroyed in an explosion in 1667. Two years later, architect Gaspare Guercio redid the entrance to the city, adding a majolica-tiled pyramid with an eagle on the top (as always, click on photos to enlarge):

For centuries, Porta Nuova was the most important entry way into the city of Palermo, but Cherrye and I had a few moments of doubt as to whether we could actually pass through it on foot and continue along Corso Vittorio Emanuele without taking a detour.

We are living proof that you can indeed walk through the Porta Nuova.

Sure, it’s against traffic, but don’t worry, it opens up a bit inside to about the same width as the sidewalk outside. In fact, I felt safe enough to stop and take a photo of the inside of Porta Nuova, something you’re not going to find just anywhere:

Adjacent to the Porta Nuova is the Palazzo dei Normanni, the seat of the Regional Parliament in Sicily and also home of the Cappella Palatina, the royal chapel of the Norman kings of Sicily and one of the most beautiful and impressive sites in all of Palermo.

Or so we’ve been told.

It was closed the day we were there, which means we have yet another reason to return to this beautiful city.

On to the Duomo next Palermonday!

11 beans of wisdom »

11 beans of wisdom to “Palermo: La Porta Nuova”

Paulus Maximus on 19 May 2008 at 6:31 am #

First! Again! I love when it starts getting hot in Badolato and you have to wake up earlier and earlier to blog…

I have a guilty pleasure concerning the trappings of the Regno dei due Sicilie - I know right? My socialist butt, venerating dead Bourbons! One does have to admit, however: they did leave some awesome public buildings and art behind. Once you get past the corruption and misrule and all that, of course.

But, I mean, the flag!!!! I mean, come on! Imagine that on a T-shirt…

keep cool.

Paulus Maximus’s last blog post..“Always should be someone you really love…”

Now *that* is a flag.

And I always knew you liked Bourbon(s).
Gil on 19 May 2008 at 7:06 am #

Great pictures and story. I wonder how many “porta nuova” there are in Italy as I seem to remember others.

Yes Gil, I think there *are* quite a few.
Homebody at Heart on 19 May 2008 at 8:04 am #

The opening and closing of museums in Italy can really put on damper on visits. I actually made an Excel spreadsheet of the days museums in Florence were open and closed, it was so complicated. And still got shut out of the Bargello Museum on my first trip! I guess that it must be part of the plan to get us to return… I think it’s working!

Homebody at Heart’s last blog post..Arezzo - Part 2, Pottery Obsession - Part 1

Yeah we knew things would be closed, but that was the schedule we had…we still did pretty well I think
Cherrye on 19 May 2008 at 12:04 pm #

Wait … stop. The memories are all rushing back! lol

Cherrye’s last blog post..Be a Star: European Travel Commission Contest

Hope they’re good ones
My Melange on 19 May 2008 at 1:25 pm #

Again, lovely photos. I am always struck by the plam trees next to those historic buildings. That must be a sure sign that you are in Southern Italy, non? You wouldn’t find that in Florence!

My Melange’s last blog post..Brimfield Show Photos

Very true Robin…and wait until you see some of the Duomo photos. You might think you’ve left Italy entirely
Autumn on 19 May 2008 at 1:29 pm #

Plus I’m pretty proud of myself for not caring that I looked like a total tourist while stopping on that tiny sidewalk (believe me, the photo makes it look *gigantic* compared to the reality), burning my eyes looking into the strong midday sun, and snapping away.

I used to have issues with that, but I’m apparently past them.

Haha. That’s pretty funny. You remind me of myself! When I am out and about with Bryan I usually make him take photos under the guise that he takes better photos than me. In reality I don’t want to look like a dorky tourist! Too funny.

Autumn’s last blog post..Inter Wins Serie A

I still have bouts of not wanting to look too touristy, Autumn, but at this point, I already do so many things that are odd to Italian, I often figure what’s one more?!
jen of a2eatwrite on 19 May 2008 at 5:32 pm #

I just love the blend of Italianate and Spanish-looking architecture in Palermo. It feels almost otherworldly to me.

Ann Arbor has just started getting a number of Smart Cars. I’m considering one once my current car dies.

jen of a2eatwrite’s last blog post..Music Monday - “Hero” - Jupiter Rising

The architecture throughout southern Italy is always so interesting to me as well…there’s also plenty of Arab influences as well. Truly beautiful

Good on you for the Smart car! They’re *so* cute
three-legs alice on 19 May 2008 at 9:34 pm #

Beautiful city!! I don’t think there’s a part of Italy that I don’t love…
But I’m in love with the pics you took of that adorable dog!!!!

three-legs alice’s last blog post..I Need Inspiration

Thanks–the dog (or maybe the dog’s mamma?) did most of the work
Wanderlust Scarlett on 20 May 2008 at 1:12 am #

I *LOVE* that! It’s so beautiful! I can’t wait to see it!

I’d have walked right through the Porta Nuova too. Absolutely.

;o)

Scarlett & Viaggiatore

Wanderlust Scarlett’s last blog post..spring cleaning

Hope I’m there with you
Dory on 20 May 2008 at 1:23 pm #

Oh Michelle - I am sooo glad you got past that whole *standing in the street snapping pics like a total tourist* thing…. otherwise, the rest of us wouldn’t get live vicariously through YOU! lol :o)

Dory’s last blog post..Swallow it!

Hah, thanks Dory
Jessica, Italy Logue on 22 May 2008 at 7:39 pm #

I know what you mean about not wanting to look like a tourist… I often have to keep telling myself (silently, of course), “This is for work. This is for work. I have to do this. Keep taking pictures. Ignore the staring.” Having a really great zoom lens helps, too, so I can hide in dark corners and still take pictures. Is that cheating? If so, I don’t care.

Jessica, Italy Logue’s last blog post..New Flights on AirOne: Milan-Boston & Milan-Chicago

Hey whatever gets the shot Jessica–at least you have work as an excuse!