Siracusa aka Syracuse is a 2,700 year old city and the 3rd largest in Sicily. The city is notable for its rich Greek and Roman history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and as the birthplace and home of the pre-eminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes.
It was a quick one hour bus ride from Catania to the older part of the city. We went right past the royal palace and got dropped in front of the cathedral and, of course, next to the main shopping street.
The cathedral started as a temple to Athena in the 6th century BC, then changed between Muslim Mosque and Christian/Catholic church several times before settling in the 12th century as a catholic cathedral.
From the cathedral we toured down the shopping street to venture along the waterfront to the Maniace Castle. Walking up to a large statue we debated angel vs Icarus but both were off. It was Ikarius, a woman representing the challenges women have and are still facing around the world. She faces over the ocean to North Africa where many women still face challenges.
We stopped for a quick lunch, followed by “granita” which is like a blend of Italian ice and gelato usually in chocolate, pistachio or lemon flavor. Still refreshing despite the cool day.
Back to the bus, off to the gym for one last match and pizza party. The girls are physically and mentally exhausted after 10 days on the road. However the pizzas were hot on delivery and delicious. We did a little t-shirt exchange, killed off pizza and headed back to prepare for the horrendous 330AM departure for the airport!Read more
January 5, 2025 in Italy ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C