August 1st, 2018

Ciao! My name is Vanessa Reiser and I am a second-year student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I am currently studying biological sciences on a pre-medicine track and minoring in dance. I stumbled upon this education abroad opportunity when researching programs that had a science focus. The Sicily Mummy Field School was the perfect fit because I have been interested in mummies since I was in third grade. This is also my first time out of the United States and I feel so blessed to be in Sicily for this incredible experience. Today we took a short bus ride from Santa Lucia del Mela into the city of Milazzo. Our first stop was to look at the Neolithic village located near the Cimitero Comunale di Milazzo.

The prehistoric settlement

What is left is an archaeological site containing what remains of a prehistoric hut. Further down the street, through the Cypress trees characteristic of Italy, we came across a hill with the Old Cathedral perched at the top. It dates back to 1607 and was replaced by a cathedral in the lower town where politics and administration were more prevalent. From here, we moved on to find the Santuario di San Francesco di Paola. San Francesco is depicted in the paintings there to be healing a man struck by lightning, outlining the face of a deformed child, and more. This sanctuary also houses the Miracle Stones, which are said to be the foundation of the church. Our last stop before lunch was to the Antiquarium di Milazzo.

Different types of burials in Milazzo

This museum has many rooms full of Greek and Roman pottery all found in Sicily. One room showed the different types of burials performed in the past. Everything from cremation, burials in large vases, tombs, and huts made of angled concrete slabs is displayed. The day ended with a quick stroll along the seaside before heading back to Santa Lucia del Mela for the night. Ciao Milazzo!

The view of the city

One of Milazzo's beautiful churches