Rebuilding The Renaissance

Episode 384 - Palermo - The Palatine Chapel

May 27, 2026

Built as a royal chapel in the 12^th century CE by King Roger II, the Norman ruler of Sicily, the Palatine Chapel is a beautiful manifestation of the influences of Byzantine, Norman, and Islamic art and architecture. The chapel is home to one of Italy’s most important examples Byzantine mosaic decoration and an...

Episode 383 - Sicily: Palermo and the Story of Santa Rosalia

May 20, 2026

Born to a noble Norman family in the 12^th century, Santa Rosalia became Palermo’s most important patron saint when she miraculously saved the city from a devastating plague in 1624. Still today, she is venerated and celebrated by both the people of Palermo as well as Sicilians throughout the...

Episode 382 - Sicily - Palermo Cathedral

May 13, 2026

Originally built in the 12^th century, Palermo Cathedral was continually modified for the next six centuries. While much of its original and rather exotic Norman architecture survives on the exterior, the interior is entirely Neoclassical in design. Palermo Cathedral is home to the tomb of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick...

Episode 381 - Palermo - 3,000 Years of History, Beauty, and Traditions

May 6, 2026

Founded by the Phoenicians nearly 3,000 years ago, Palermo subsequently became a Greek, Carthaginian, Roman, Arab, and Norman city. This mix of civilizations is palpable in Palermo art, architecture, food, and customs of the city. This podcast explores this magical Sicilian city’s three millennia of history,...