Mosaic

Giuseppe (our host) trained in art and mosaic in Monreale.  Surely there can be no better place to learn.  He went on to become and art history teacher, and make many mosaics, having exhibitions and decorating his restaurant in Partinico. 

See this in MamaRosa in Partinico, Sicily.

I was reminded of the wonderful story of the discovery of Chedworth Roman Villa in 1864.  The Game Keeper was hunting rabbits, and his dog disappeared down a hole for rather a long time.  When the dog returned, the game keeper notice some cube shaped stones.  He pocketed them and showed them to the Earl of Eldon, the land owner.  The Earl had done the grand tour and recognised tesserae immediately, and called in the archaeologists.  The site became a Victorian sensation, and it pretty much has remained so since then.  

The mosaics we saw in Palermo (and environs) were sensational. 

• Cefalu Cathedral
• The Palatine Chapel
• Monreale Cathedral

There were more that we did not see.  The Church of St Mary dell'Ammiraglio, and Chiesa di San Giovanni degli Eremiti.