Sicilian Majolica on Doors
Look closely at the doors of Sicily and you'll find colourful majolica tiles hiding in plain sight. From floral patterns to a peacock and a harlequin, here are some of the small details that caught our attention.
Majolica refers to decorated glazed ceramic, often known for its vivid colours and intricate patterns. In Sicily, it appears throughout the built environment—from balconies and stairways to smaller details around doors.
Look closely at the doors of Sicilian towns and you'll find plenty of small details that are easy to miss.
Among them are colourful majolica tiles, often arranged in small panels around entrances. Geometric patterns, flowers, bold colours and combinations that can be surprisingly elaborate.
None of these details needs to be a major attraction. They are simply part of the streetscape.
But once you start noticing them, they become difficult to ignore.
Flowers
Floral patterns in different colours and designs.
Peacock
One unusual departure from the flowers.
Harlequin
And one final surprise: a harlequin among the tiles.
Look Closer
These are small details, but they are part of what makes Sicily’s streets so distinctive.
Once you start noticing the tiles, doors around Sicily begin to look a little different.
What first appears to be a small decorative detail can be one of the things that makes a street memorable.
All photographs in this story were made by @marakiabra
