Isola di Ortigia

This morning we left by car with Janet & Sinclair squashed into the back seat! Getting out of Taormina was a little stressful but the drive down to Isola di Ortigia which is part of Syracuse was fine. However, the last bit through the historical centre was one way, very small, narrow roads and quite painful. St Craig Rogers was outstanding and we appreciate his very Italian efforts. Our hotel the Re Federico Boutique Hotel is certainly in a good spot. We set out walking through this baroque town exhibiting all the histories of this area including Greek, Roman, Moors and more. We initially went looking for the daily market and had a nice, noisy lunch amidst all the fresh fish and Sicilians. Afterwards, the Santa Lucia Cathedral, the town square fountain, and various buildings were all amazing. The Cathedral was originally a Greek Temple in the 5th Century BC then later repurposed as a church. All the stages were obvious in the structure and the light shades looked ottoman like and it was a most interesting church to see.Read more