For accommodation information, please contact Suzanne Turrisi.

who are we

The Sicilian House is a cultural tourism business operated by Suzanne Turrisi and her daughter Eugenie. They are part of an Australian-Sicilian family. Maria Culletta and Giuseppe Orlando manage guest arrivals and stays at The Sicilian House.


Suzanne Turrisi

Suzanne has been travelling to Sicily since 1996 with her family and has returned annually to explore Sicily quietly.

In September 2003, Suzanne, her husband and youngest daughter left Australia with a list of 6 Sicilian towns in search of an old Sicilian house. They purchased Palazzo Notar Nicchi in Polizzi Generosa.

Suzanne has an insatiable appetite for understanding the contradiction and enigma that Sicily is. She has criss-crossed the Island and has immersed herself in the life of her Sicilian village, Polizzi Generosa, its people, its history,  its rituals, gastronomic specialities and simple pleasures of daily life.

She has teaching qualifications and an arts degree in Cultural Studies; she is a curious traveller and an avid reader. She loves history, art, cultural differences. Suzanne speaks Italian.

When not in Sicily Suzanne lives the rest of the time in the Southern Hemisphere in Brisbane, Australia.

Connect with Suzanne on LinkedIn


Eugenie Turrisi

Eugenie has been travelling to Sicily since she was 5. She has a strong historical connection with the island through her Sicilian grandparents and the friendships made during her times spent there.

She embraced the opportunity to live in Sicily and study Italian at the University of Palermo for an extended period in 2010.

Eugenie speaks Italian, and her understanding of the Sicilian people and culture is intuitive. She is a qualified journalist working in marketing and communications with a passionate interest in travel, art and history.

Eugenie last returned to Polizzi Generosa for a holiday in October 2015 and in June 2016 she returned to co-host a dinner, inspired by The Leopard, at Palazzo Notar Nicchi for a small tour group travelling Sicily.

Connect with Eugenie on LinkedIn


Maria Culletta

Maria is a consultant to The Sicilian House in Polizzi Generosa. Italian is her mother tongue and she speaks English well.

Maria has a great interest in Polizzi Generosa and Sicily. She is an enquiring reader and also a truly wonderful Sicilian cook and a keen mountain walker. She has the cosmopolitan trait of the people of Polizzi.


Giuseppe (Joseph) Orlando

Joseph is also a consultant to The Sicilian House. He speaks English and Italian and has an in depth understanding of Polizzi Generosa and the Madonie region – in particular the traditions, customs and the unique natural environment.

Maria and Joseph do not live in Palazzo Notar Nicchi, however, they do live in the village and are able to assist with anything that you may need during your stay in The Sicilian House.


 

Rentals

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festivals
& events


San Gandolfo Festival
The 7th Wednesday after Easter and the 3rd week end in September
find out more >

The Most Holy Crucifix
Starts May 1st
find out more >

La Sagra delle Nocciole (The Hazelnut Festival)
Always in August usually after the 15th, a moveable date

Lo Sfoglio
Late August

Santa Lucia
December 13

 
 
 
 

Associated Links

www.go-sicily.it

www.visitingsicily.it

www.timesofsicily.com