Historical Syracuse, Sicily

Syracuse was the home of Archimedes and history is rich and runs deep. There is an archaeological park which is UNESCO listed (along with the entire city of Syracuse) and really fun to walk around, although there are/were plenty of big group of tourists, so makes it hard to enjoy the enormity of it all sometimes, as you feel you are being pushed along. But, fight the urge to be swept along and enjoy taking your time around the site, it is really a nice thing. In summer they also use the amphitheatre for concerts so you can feel like a Greek or Roman enjoying a cultural event, but maybe don't throw fruit and veg if you aren't happy with the performance.

No matter what you think of human history, nature will always eventually take over.

Concession stand and poster advertising for up coming events, I swear that is what it is.

When the tourists clear out, it gets more etherial 

Orecchio di Dionisio ("Ear of Dionysius") a cave built by slaves, it is 23m high and 65m deep

The "Inner Ear" 

A couple of birds having a drink in the sun.

Sicily in Spring is such a great experience, there are wild flowers everywhere.

and everywhere

and everywhere

Sicilian flag first of course.

The man and his mirror to burn boats with a parabolic reflector.

street cat. It was so small, but the meow echoed throughout the hallway.

One of the great reasons to go to Sicily (or anywhere in Italy) is the wine. Regional wine in Sicily is great! Nero D'Avola one of our favourites.

Then the night comes, the last one in Sicily, always a great place to visit. We'll be back.

Siciliy - Doors of Modica.

As some of you may know, I have a bit of a fascination with doors and door handles, knobs and knockers. Around Sicily you can find some fantastic examples of doors. Sounds stupid I know, but I enjoy them. Here is a collection from Modica, a place where you can stumble around a winding street only to turn a corner and see some great door, peeling paint, rusted hinges, but the fact an unloved door is standing and still attractive is amazing.

Let the doors of Modica start.

Ok, just to show it isn't only in Modica that cool doors exists..... here we are in Syracuse

In syracuse

In Noto, I swear it looks like a man with a zipped up mouth.

One day I will finally compile all my knobs, knockers and handles. I have plenty that is for sure.

Syracuse, Sicily.

After the driving and the freakishly narrow roads it was time to park the car and not drive for a few more days. It was our last stop before we were to head back home and it was to be Syracuse, a city which has around 2,700 years of history to it. Having been part of differing groups history such as the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, who all used this city as a safe harbour and base to rule Eastern Sicily.

In more recent years you could see distinct quarters dedicated to different trades and skills. Even now walking around if a door is open you can catch a glimpse of someone working on a boat, a fishing net or stone plinth. It makes the winding laneways an adventure no matter how many times you walk them.

winding ways

The antenna brigade.

Yep, more stone churches

But this one had a wedding

All the locals dressed in their finery 

Notice the drone top left

Bald spot photos must be all the rage in Italy.

Back to my growing collection of Sicilian street cats.

looking tasty.... for ceramics.