In Palermo, the Majestic Moors of Nino Parrucca

Visits to Cardillo (a small borgo of Palermo), should always include a stop at the artisan workshop and showroom of Nino Parrucca, the creator of colorful Sicilian maiolica. His multi-colored ceramic creations greet visitors upon entry to the showroom. Large creations of painted tiles line the outside walls. Inside the showroom, multi-colored clocks adorn the walls.

A recurrent theme of many objects is la pigna (the pinecone). In Sicilian ceramics, la pigna is rich in a variety of positive significances, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, good health and good fortune. La pigna is often given as a gift for success in a new undertaking or to celebrate important life moments such as marriage or a birth. A very desired ceramic object is also la testa di Moro (the head of the Moor) and Nino Parrucca’s workforce has created some splendid Moro images. The “Moor’s Head” (Testa di Moro) is a beloved decorative element inspired by an ancient palermitano tragic legend, incorporating themes of love, betrayal and furious revenge. A young Moor was enamored of a bellissima Sicilian woman but their love affair ended in violence, and a vase was created, shaped like the Moor’s decapitated head.

There are various versions of the story and Nino Parrucca’s gallery tells that while passing through Palermo, the Moor fell in love with a local woman and his passion was reciprocated. In fury, she discovered that he was planning to leave Sicily and return home as he was already married and with children. In jealous rage, she killed him in his sleep, decapitating him. She then used his head as a vase to plant basil, which grew so lush and strong that all were envious and thus created their own vases for basil in the shape of the head of the Moor.

Festivals, outdoor concerts, and late-night dinners under the stars. Cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice bustle with tourists exploring ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and charming piazzas, while smaller towns slow down in the afternoon heat for a traditional riposo. Gelato becomes a daily ritual, and coastal regions fill with the scent of fresh seafood and salty sea breeze. Whether you're wandering through vineyards, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or sipping espresso in a shaded café, summer in Italy offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and unforgettable beauty.