Finding Paradise in Prizzi

We knew before returning home that we wanted to visit my cousins in Prizzi, Sicily, the birthplace of my paternal grandparents. What a good decision!  Prizzi will always hold a special place in our hearts.  

My second cousins, Giovanni and Gino (Giacomo) Siragusa and their wives, Silvana and Maria still live in this small town high in the mountains of central Sicily. 

Our trip to the cemetery was so meaningful to me.  Here are buried many of my ancestors, as well as LOTS of people with the name Cannariato. 

Here are Gino and Giovanni's parents, Vincenzo Siragusa and Anna Cannariato, as well as sister Maria and brother Salvatore.   

Here we met Pina Sarullo Cannariato, who lives next door to Giovanni and Silvana.  Her husband is also a relative.  And here's her recycling bin with our name on it!  

Here is Silvana's mom's crypt.  She was still living when we visited in 2019. 

This is the view from Giovanni's small farm outside of town.  Prizzi is on the hilltop in the distance. 

Here we are with Mattia, Giovanni and Silvana's grandson. 

We had a family history night where I hooked up my laptop to their big screen and explored family search together.  We enjoyed this evening very much. From left to right: Giovanni, Silvana, Pina, Gino, Maria and Dawn.  

It wouldn't be Prizzi without the sheep!  

Prizzi is just 25 KMs from Corleone, made famous in The Godfather movies.  We explored the cathedral and its many treasures and relics.  

Dawn mailing a birthday postcard to Bob Saitta from Corleone.  

We also had a lovely meal at the home of Gino and Maria.  We got to watch the video of their 50th wedding anniversary.  

At Gino and Maria's "farm" the cats were happy to see us.  

This is Vincenzo Siragusa, Gino and Giovanni's father.  He married my dad's first cousin Anna Cannariato. 

Here's the home of Gino and Giovanni's parents, Vincenzo and Anna Siragusa.  Anna was a Cannariato, first cousin to my dad.  I stayed at this home twice, in 1976 as I left my mission and again in 1978 with Marsha.  

Friday evening, we all enjoyed dinner at Tre Torri. From left to right: Gino, Maria, Dawn, Steve, Mattia, Silvana, Chiara, Daniela and Giovanni.  

Here are the gifts Giovanni and Silvana gave us - two Sicilian coasters and a lovely ceramic cactus!  

This is the view from our B&B room. Pretty spectacular. The old part of Prizzi can be seen in the distance on the hill. The BnB is about 200 yards from Giovanni and Silvana's home. 

Prizzi at night as seen from the entrance of the restaurant where we had dinner.