Twilight Over Time

From the photographer: “In the heart of the Sicilian countryside, Pietraperzia stands proud, watched over by its ancient and imposing castle. The history of Pietraperzia Castle begins in 1060, when Abbo Barresi arrived in Sicily in the retinue of Count Roger the Norman, once the entire island had been conquered. The fortress’s history is deeply intertwined with the island’s history and the Barresi family’s political choices, particularly during the conflict between the Angevins and the Aragonese. Around 1296, the Barresi sided with the French, offering them the stronghold as a military base.

Built on a rocky rise, the castle strategically dominated the valley below, making it almost impregnable. Yet, it was forced to surrender due to starvation during the siege led by Manfredi Chiaromonte. The Barresi were only able to regain possession of the building after the Peace of Caltabellotta, which marked the end of the first phase of the Vespers War. From a landscape point of view, the view of the castle is simply breathtaking. Today, although only portions of the west façade with its windows and the remains of walls and towers remain, one can still perceive the majesty of the original fortress.

It stands on a rocky hill, surrounded by the gentle undulations of the Sicilian countryside, which in May is clothed in lush, colourful vegetation. In this image, the Flower Moon rises above the castle, caressed by the last gleams of twilight. In the background, the sky is coloured a deep blue, a prelude to the impending night. Silence envelops the scene, and I, who had the privilege of witnessing this encounter between nature and history, remain enraptured, grateful before such beauty suspended in time.”

Technical details:
Canon 6d, Sigma 150-600mm, f/8, 8sec, iso 100
Moon: iso 400, f/8, 1/60