This stop was by far my best so far for this trip to Sicily. Ortigia is located just over a short bridge form Siracusa, on the south eastern coast of Sicily. There are few cars here. The streets are devoid of any litter. Parts of the island appear as a movie set, especially at night. This is the historical heart of Siracusa. Walking all over this small island is a pleasure with its tight-medieval lanes, romantically-crumbling (or lovingly-restored) baroque palaces and churches. The restaurants and bars are plentiful and each one unique. With a walking map you can find your way all over this island.
This is where I was able to do a short-term lease. Not impressive from the street, but as you’ll see in some of the following images of the interior, you should not judge a book by its cover, or in this case a villa from the street.Here’s an image of my villa’s game room. I was on the upper most floor of this 3 story building. Only 86 steps up to get here. There was a lift, however it literally took 5 minutes to make the trip up and you thought you might suffocate since there was no ventilation. So I opted for the steps every time.Another angle of the game room.This is my kitchen which was fully equipped and had a full compliment of spices and the like. Helpful since I walked to the local market for seafood and vegetables almost daily.My housekeeper (who again was included with the base lease rate) took this image of me cooking a bountiful cioppino.View from my veranda.This is the veranda. Great spot to enjoy a morning espresso and fresh ricotta cheese with honey.These are Syrian refugees arriving from their war torn country. They have been intercepted by the Italian coast guard. These images are taken from my veranda. During my stay here this was just about a daily occurrence.Closer image of the new immigrants. The woman and children are brought in first. These are just the men and boys.Processing tent. Notice the masks on the police doing the processing.View of the holding area which was taken from my veranda. Here you can see the women and children. It’s such a contrast in life to see such suffering on such a large scale while still enjoying an espresso. I am both lucky and grateful.This was taken just before the Italian authorities delivered 30 or so pizzas for the refugees. Maybe this little smiling girl just got the news. These images put a real human face on this humanitarian tragedy as it still unfolds.I went into this restaurant for lunch and got a special treat. This image is taken from an underground grotto/shrine just under the restaurant’s floor. Notice the tables and chairs on the lucite floor above.Image of the grotto/shrine and the spiral staircase I took to get down here. The water running through this is from the same underground spring that supplies the entire island of Ortigia. Once is flows through here is empties to the sea.
Just one more image because this encounter was so unexpected and cool. Very trippy experience too.
Local Sicilian fisherman on the hunt for dinner. Gotta love the Speedo too. If I could look like him I’d wear one too.
Snails for sale in the local outdoor market. Tasty, and best when you keep the recipe simple, garlic, butter and a little white wine.A local shopkeeper at the market embraces my housekeeper. She looks to be enjoying it too much. This guys sells the best daily made ricotta cheese I tasted on the trip. I never knew what really good ricotta tasted like til I tasted his.I took a boat around the island. Don’t forget to duck here. Otherwise you lose your head. No joke just check the next image.
It was a tight fit under this bridge. Just look. I had to hit the deck.View of Ortigia from the water.Castello Maniace from the water. This was a fortress and defensive site protecting Ortigia. This castle dates back to the thirteenth century.Another image of Ortigia from the water.Bank of Sicily in the background of this beautiful fountain.Local church.Cathedral of Siracusa. The exterior has been power washed and thus appears to be only a few hundred years old, when in fact it is almost 900 years old.La pasagiata. A beautiful daily event happening in the late afternoon and early evening. It is a stroll and time for conversation among friends. These three gentlemen were amongst the people taking part.Courtyard of the Duomo at night. Just like a movie set. There was an accordion player whose beautiful tunes could be heard throughout this piazza.Courtyard of the Duomo at daytime.Great spot for a bottle of Prosecco. Like almost every night.The streets at night. Clean, quiet and safe. Quite the contrast from Palermo a few weeks ago.
Next week I plan to travel to Amalfi and Capri. In the meantime I’m really digging this place. Until next time, be well.
This little town is beautifully scenic. It is perched about 800 feet or 230 meters above the sea below. It is located on the east coast of Sicily, just opposing the tip of the “Italian Boot.” Taormina is home to only 11,000 people. If you visit this little gem do not miss the Greek ruins near the top of Taormina. Positively a highlight. The place is however overrun with tourists.
The village square in Taormina. The church is from the 10th century.Typical street scene.View to the north. Also seen is the Greek amphitheater.View to the south and Mount Etna which is poking through the clouds.Greek ruins near the top of Taormina. The mountain peak visible just above the clouds is Mount Etna.Ancient Greek ruins through which Mount Etna is seen. This ancient theater still plays host to many operatic and theatrical performances. These structures are more than 2000 years old.Park just outside my hotel.The road winds all the way from sea level up to Taormina.Another shot of the square.
