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Syracuse and around One of the legs of the famous Trinacria, Syracuse sits proudly jutting out off the east coast of Sicily as a defensive arm, against those who have won and lost her heart. Of all the cities in Italy Syracuse remains today the very essence of true roman renaissance. The home of the “Eureka” The very words spoken by Archimedes who was born in the city, he was later to create the genius defences of reflecting mirrors against heavy Greek attack that helped win one battle of many to ensue in Syracuse’s maritime history. An ancient city that was three times the size of that remaining today, one of the first Greek colonised areas in Sicily, it quickly attained wealth and power that created huge interest from the dynasties of Greece. Broken up into five zones, Epipolae,Akradina( the necropolis zone) Tyche, Neapolis where the theatre is situated and finally the little connected Island of Ortygia( The original settlement). Syracuse is today a charming and relaxed city to visit, built in a mixture of styles but predominantly Renaissance that were constructed in a soft locally quarried stone, giving the buildings an almost ethereal quality at sunset. One of the great pleasures here is visiting the main piazza known as the Duomo; here you can visit the beautiful main cathedral that sits majestically looking over the main square. The statues that guard the entrances to the main building are almost talking to you as they reach up into the sky, and sitting in the café opposite you can see why the Greeks were inspired to come to this place. Interestingly this awe inspiring Spot started its life as a greek Doric temple in the 5th century BC, famous throughout the Mediterranean its adornments where very rich in elaborate designs. Today the original columns are visible both inside and out and they still support the very lofty roof that at one time adorned the golden statue of Athena, which served as a beacon to all sailors but today has been replaced by the Virgin Mary. Heading out of the Duomo square you naturally walk down toward the sea and will come across a large pond known as the “Fontana Aretusa” here fresh water bubbles up from deep underground and at one time was the cities main water supply. There are many stories surrounding this fresh water pond but the most famous is that of greek Aretusa a beautiful hand maiden and Alpheus who was in hot pursuit of this beguiling girl. Transformed into a watery guise she came from Greece and ended up coming up into the city of Ortygia where she stayed forever. Today however the pond is frequented more by ducks and grey Mullet, but none the less this is a great spot looking out over Ortygia’s wonderful maritime port. Recommended top 10 sights of Syracuse  1. Piazza Del Duomo ( recommended at sundown) 2. Latomia del Paradiso ( situated in the necropolis area) 3. Greek theatre ( 3rd largest in Italy) 4. Roman amphitheatre 5. Fontana Aretusa 6. Archaeological museum 7. Street markets ( situated by the temple of Apollo and only on Thursday) 8. Castle di Eurialo (situated above the Greek theatre with its amazing views) strong shoes suggested. 9. Catacombs of San Giovanni ( not for the faint hearted) 10. A boat trip around the harbour to admire the wonderful views of Ortygia and the Byzantine fortification on the peninsular. Noto Further round the coast (SP114 from Syracuse) and a little inland lays the beautiful town of Noto; here you can admire the wonderfully preserved buildings and the very bijoux squares where cafes spill out onto the pavements. Rebuilt in 1693 after one of the largest recorded earth quakes that Europe had ever witnessed, the town lies some 15km away from the original settlement. A fantastic construction of modern thought out planning, which involved the crisscrossing of parallel streets and a town that even today is in perfect symmetry with its sister City. What ever you do don’t forget your camera as you will be rewarded with some superb views of the countryside. The people of Noto take there food very seriously and whilst in the town it is recommended to visit one of the many delicious cafes and restaurants, here you will be spoilt for choice from regional dishes to seafood specialities and sweet pastry delights. Ragusa and Modica Modica As you round the east coast you arrive into the south east corner with views as far as the eye will take you. Set away inland and on the pretty winding roads you will soon realise what an unspoilt spot this is. Arriving into Modica you will be met by pleasant Baroque buildings that have a sun bleached colour to them, a multi layered town consisting of Modica Alta and Modica Bassa ( high and low town). What once was a deep valley is now the main street of Corso umberto, where taking the time you can all but admire the higgledy-piggledy houses that climb steadily up the hillside, also it is an idea whilst here to shop for some chocolate, which is considered the best in Sicily. Slowly developing into a great town for the independent traveller it has some top restaurants and bars on offer. Ragusa To the outsider Ragusa can appear decrepit and tumble down, but if you look a little closer you will see that this classic town has a lot to offer the traveller. A provincial town that is generally overlooked by tourists and some would say for the better, Ragusa is split into two very definite parts. One part which is the original aristocratic Ibla is today the very hub of this area and here you will find sun drenched squares and winding alleyways that lead to a church at every turn. The best example of a fine Cathedral is that of Garibaldi’s San Giorgio which is sat in a tree lined Piazza of Del Duomo, dominating the area it is recommended that you take some time here. When the day is drawing to a close, head out of the town of Ibla and head back down the hair pin bends of Corso Mazzini, if the sun sets in the correct position, you will be met by a golden light that bathes the high town above, a real unforgettable experience. |
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