The Norman Fortress that overhang from above
After the climb to Erice the visit to the castle for the #italiagrandsketchingtour.
Coming to Erice is probably one of the fondest memories of my tour. After so much riding the idea to getting to Erice by trekking in the hills on the ancient Roman path was so liberating. I believe being in nature and walking is such a natural energetic bust. I have to admit that i had to face my limits, months of random food, great delicacies and very little movement hav taken the toll on my ability to climb the mountain. But arriving to the top was such a great accomplishment.
After a stop for lunch, I starting the discovery of the town that is absolutely astonishing, a real dive into the Middle Ages. Everything is stone, that shines in the sun light. The wind is fierce and it makes my head feel light from its energy.
Before taking the bus I finally arrive to the Norman castle, on the opposite side of the city and I challenge the wind and take my time to sketch the castle that hangs on the flat underneath.
You can breath the history of this place, the Norman Castle built with the stones of the Greek temple dedicated to Venus, the Goddess of fertility. From the green that surrounds the castle everywhere you can feel that Venus might still be around.
They say it is a beautiful view when the fog covers the landscape that lies down, and I can imagine the scene, an enchanted castle within the clouds. Pure magic. I tell myself that I do have to come back in such a day.
Title of the painting ‘The Castle of Venus in Erice’
This is a painting from the Italia Grand Sketching Tour Collection, a series of original ink and watercolor paintings done on location during my tour to discovery the marvelous Italian heritage. All paintings are also available as numbered and originally signed prints.
The painting is also featured in the book about my motorbike Italian tour. By acquiring this work you will get to know better Italy also thanks to a personalized story about this place that I will include in the package.
Painting information:
- Watercolor and ink on white paper
- Size 19 x 28.5 cm (7.5 x 11.2 inches)
- Shipped in a box
- Certificate of authenticity will be sent with the painting
