Borgo e natura morta

The Sicilian countryside is an extremely variegated landscape but essentially dominated by grain (Sicily was defined as the granary of ancient Rome), olive groves, citrus plantations, vineyards and pasture. But, since the island is an extremely fertile land, it seems really reductive not to talk about all the other products of nature that grow here in abundance: fruit trees, vegetables, cereals … A curiosity: the typical Sicilian country house has a palm tree at its entrance. It is not uncommon to see ancient and small country houses with a gigantic palm tree next to them, which may have been planted in a small area, but in the meantime has grown out of all proportion, while the house has obviously remained the same. It is also worth noting the presence of beautiful manor houses all over the island and also the presence of many agricultural fiefs, with the characteristic house of the master (which had a bell at the top which marked the phases of the day, from waking up, to lunch, to rest), the church, the store and all around the houses of the farmers.

(photo) San Marco d’Alunzio, bird’s-eye view of the city and landscape, 1620