Palaces of Sicily [Hardcover]

Angheli Zalapi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2006

This book is the first to trace the evolution and style of the fabulous homes that have been built on the island, from feudal castles to city mansions and country villas. It begins in the heyday of the Altavillas, the dynasty of Norman rulers who arrived in Sicily midway through the eleventh-century. They were open to the rich cultural influences of the island, especially the Arab koinS that melded so successfully into buildings such as the Palazzo dei Normanni (Royal Palace) and Palazzo Zisa. Sicilian residential architecture reached splendid heights under its Spanish rulers from Aragon and Catalonia. In this period extraordinary buildings, such as Palazzo Ajatamicristo, were constructed. At the height of the Baroque period, Sicily became a hotbed of orignal architectural and decorative elements. During the rebuilding that followed the terrible earthquake of 1683, eastern Sicily gave birth to a whole new artistic vocabulary. In this context, suffice it to mention Palazzo Biscari in Catania. But Pa

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Angheli Zalapi, born in Palermo, studied History of Art under Mina Gregori at Florence University where she specialised in the restoration of paintings on canvas and wood. An expert on fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth century Sicilian antiques and paintings, she has been involved in producing exhibitions and conferences on these subjects in both Palermo and Florence. She was also commissioned by a Sicilian broadcaster to make television programs and videos about the architecture and monuments of Palermo.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Arsenale Editrice (July 10, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8877432977
• ISBN-13: 978-8877432971
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,097,781 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars a beautiful book for the beautiful island, May 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Palaces of Sicily (Hardcover)

How great the book is.Through the book you can watch the most beautiful palaces in Sicily. The phots show the incredible buildings and sight, just like you walking among them,breathing with them. Off course the words introduce the history about each palace , just like a sweet dream, enjoy it.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll weep with joy. Then you'll reserve your flight to Sicilia., December 15, 2008

By 

D. Badami "Dbad" (San Diego, California USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Palaces of Sicily (Hardcover)

If you've ever been to Sicily, you'll love this book. And then you'll return to this beautiful island and stay for a month, exploring these magnificent palaces. If you've never been to Sicily, and you enjoy/love history, this is THE book for you!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Palaces in Sicily, April 27, 2008

By 

Arthur Homer "book collector" (Brooklyn, NY) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Palaces of Sicily (Hardcover)

I was in Sicily last February, a beautiful time to be there and though I saw many beautiful things, I did not see all the wonderful palaces described in this lovely book. The book is a great incentive to go again.