.As early as the Renaissance period, and during the Baroque and late Baroque years, the Sicilian noble families used to gift to their most venerated saints exquisitely manufactured jewels, whose religious significance matched their financial value.
Each stone embodied a message, each metal had a hidden meaning that enhanced the beauty of the stone it encircled. Within the incredible variety of stones and enamels, the coral played the starring role.
According to Greek mythology, coral was born out of blood spilt from the severed head of Medusa. Frequently associated with the blood of Christ in the Christian creed, coral is to be found in the major collections of Sicilian gemstones. It is almost always present in the area of Trapani as coral fishing was one of its main economic resources.
One of the most important collection of jewels in which coral plays the main role is to be found in the Sanctuary of Madonna di Trapani. The coral objects and many other precious stones bear witness to the glorious story of the Sicilian goldsmiths’ art which, dating back to the 12th century, was promoted in the embroidered tiraz of Palermo’s Royal Palace.
The present tour offers the chance to visit Trapani and the Museo Pepoli. The highlight of the tour will be a visit to a laboratory, where you’ll get the opportunity to watch the ancient techniques of coral cleaning and engraving still used by our masters of coral today.
