La imagen de la Concha de Oro en los impresos de la Edad Moderna

Abstract

For centuries, an image commonly associated with Santiago de Compostela (the shell) has accompanied the city of Palermo as well. Since the classical tradition and medieval literature, and then during the Renaissance and Baroque age, this symbol has been connected with other urban symbols (the rivers, the eagle and trhe Genius of Palermo), thus contributing to its historical identity, although in a rather idealistic form. Therefore, the expression «Golden Shell» has been used repeatedly in a large number of books printed during the Modern Age, with multiple meanings. The main purpose was to show those attributes linked with the city's landscape (wealth and beauty) within a specific political framework, that is to try to support and reinforce the idea that Palermo was the perfect capital for the Spanish viceroyalty.