Lu Re, la Regina e lu pisci

The cultivation of silkworms in Sicily, or rather of the mulberry tree, has very ancient origins in Sicily, dating back even to the Arab period (9th century). It was one of the most profitable activities for Sicily, it even competed with Chinese production and gave life to its own style: “Sicilian silk”.  It saw its peak around 1600 with Messina that became one of the world capitals for the production of silk, which was used mainly for the production of precious clothes, velvet and fabrics used for sacred vestments. Families, monks and nuns were intent on the cultivation of the silkworm which produced the precious silk. They obtained skeins that were often colored (for example, the color purple was very popular among the rich) and exported through galleys that departed from the Strait of Messina. Slowly this activity decayed, until it disappeared completely after the war.
The Steri (or Chiaramonte palace) is a fortified building (hosterium) of the 1300 which is located in Piazza Marina in Palermo. It is a wonderful example of Arab-Norman art. It was the seat of the Tribunal of the Inquisition and preserves traces of the graffiti of the prisoners.

(photo) Farm of silk, Sicily, early 1900