Ortiga Island -- Siracusa, Sicily

 

Siracusa, Sicily

If I had to describe Italy in one word, that word would be old.  She is like your grandmother - worn but beautiful.  If buildings could talk.  Sicily was not always Italian and its actually only been a part of Italy since 1860.  Siracusa was Greek and the home of Archimedes one of the greatest mathematicians of all time and most definitely the most significant mathematician of his time.  Today Archimedes is celebrated in Siracusa but it was actually a Roman soldier that ended his life.  

Ortiga Island

We stayed at a marina on Ortiga Island which is connected to Siracusa by a bridge.  We loved this little island, our favorite place in Sicily so far.  Touristy, yet charming.  We spent a couple of days just getting lost in all the narrow, winding streets.  I love the ancient feel, beautiful cathedrals and the fresh food.  I cannot figure out why tomatoes taste so good here.  Like garden tomatoes at home only much sweeter.  Food is just normal - it has not been doctored to look nice in the grocery store.  Fruits and vegetables are not perfect to look at but the taste is so much better. 

Castello Maniace

 Perfectly situated on the promontory overlooking the entrance to the bay on Ortiga Island is Castello Maniace.  Originally built in 1232, the only way in was via a drawbridge over a moat.  Sadly, neither the drawbridge or the moat exist any longer.  A prominent feature of this castle is the amazing portal.  Beyond that it is all about the ability to shoot cannons at invaders.  

Portal to Castle

It wasn't always just about the cannons... for many years the castle housed nobility.  But eventually it was turned into a citadel for protecting the bay and the city.  Like everything in life the castle evolved.  

Castello Maniace gun ports

 Italy has no shortage of beautiful cathedrals and Siracusa is no exception.  Duomo di Siracusa was at one time the site of the Temple of Athena.  When the present cathedral was built in the 7th century the doric columns from the Temple of Athena were used both inside and outside the church.  The history goes so far back at this site that it is pre-historic.  It was discovered that even the very ancient Temple of Athena was not the first structure here, as determined by excavations nearby.

 

Siracusa Cathedral

The entire city of Siracusa (and Ortiga Island) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due not only to its monuments but also its cultural significance.  "Ideas, literary works and events of outstanding universal significance" coming out of Siracusa are what the nominating committee cite as reasons for the citys inclusion as a UNESCO site.  No doubt one person was the source of many of those "ideas" of universal significance - Archimedes.

Siracusa Cathedral

 

 

 

Piazza

Just a beautiful city and well worth any visit to Sicily.  Before we left we went in a few shops to buy a gift for a very close Sicilian friend from home.  The fellow in the shop was Moroccan.  We talked for a bit, bought a gift and left.  As we were walking down the sidewalk he came out of his shop and chased us down the sidewalk.  He wanted to give us a small gift - just because.  So ... he gave us a postcard of Siracusa which we gratefully accepted.  So nice to want to give a gift to a complete stranger.  We have started to look at houses in Italy😉.