Day 10, April 12th- Today we traveled to nearby Monterosso and visited a local Sicilian farm, where we were served lunch, and then returned to Ragusa to check out some of the historic sights.
The farm that we visited has been in the same family for 125 years.
They grow berries in greenhouses and sell them to a coop who then ships the berries throughout Italy and Europe. The family only started growing berries about seven years ago. The berry vines are suspended overhead and have an automated watering/fertilization system. The berries are harvested twice in one year then replaced with new plants.
See the “green” blackberry that will be ready to be picked in around 40 days.
See the photo of us standing next to one of the farms 125 year old stone walls.
Monterosso is across the valley from the farm. Monterosso only has about 3,000 residents.
Back in Ragusa, we toured Circolo di Conversazione which is a private club where intellectuals of the time would meet to discuss current topics. It has been co-ed since 1972.
We also visited another private palace where the owners created in the 1700’s their own theatre. The theater holds 100 people and is now open to the public in Ragusa for various shows.
We toured Palazzo Arezzo Di Trifiletti, a noble’s home that is still inhabited by his decedents. Domenico Arezzo Di Trifiletti who opens his home to tourists daily
Most interesting was the altar in the living room where Domenico’s ancestors had daily mass said by a local priest. This practice is still done by his family on Christmas. Ladies had their own parlor in the palace.
We later went to see the local craftsmen who are still making Sicilian carts for customers.
This cart will take about six months to finish, depending on how involved the painting is. It can cost up to $10,000 for a custom cart.
When you see all the detail in these scenes, you can understand why it takes so long to paint.