Syracuse…It’s Also Greek to Me

The changing hands of Sicily, where one culture would build on another. The Greek temple before this church left (recycle, recycle) these doric columns as supports when building anew. More evidence abounds inside too.

Newer corinthian columns on the newest/front entrance of the duomo. The arches, moorish floors, diverse side chapels reflect a true hodge podge of good taste from rotating cultures.

Neatly displayed relics as we walked back into the old city center…and had to make a decision. We had read about an amazing Caravaggio on display in a main city church. Being one of Marsha’s and my favorite painters we asked Vanessa how far it was from us. We were on the island below her left hand, and she was pointing to where the painting was. It was, at least, a half hour’s walk in each direction. So we decided to explore the wonders of the ancient city instead. And we did have a very special visit to a renowned local vineyard in the afternoon. This was after all our last full day. Yikes.

An eclectic walk around town found us in the Fish House Art Gallery (wondered if our master fish ceramic artist, Alan Bennett had work there), looking at views from the two parallel bridges connecting the new city to the old, strolling the port area, and looking from the water’s edge to another last look on a blue sky day at Mt. Etna’s remaining snow and ever-present smoke.

From Athena’s fountain to the fortress at the very tip of the island where we found a modern rendition of a giant Icarus proudly protecting the now very peaceful and beautiful city.

The very ancient Pupillo winery was much, much more than just a place to taste their product. We spent at least an hour wandering what was more an arboretum and museum.

We picked, and ate, ripe and delicious loquats and oranges.

And wondered at the structure as succulents peeked back at us…wonder what it was thinking?

Inside to look at some of the very old wine making stomping vats and presses. Nothing more enticing than purple feet in those days…i guess.

Finally time to taste the liquid genius of the vineyard’s labor.

A delicious dry and limestone white. A surprisingly dry with gentle citrus nose rose. And a really spectacular red. Our guide, Vanessa got information on very limited distribution in the US.

The tasting was less sipping and more glass fulls so the ride back to the hotel was very relaxed. We made ready for our farewell dinner, as SmarTours closes most of its adventures. It was a nice meal of pasta, veal, wine, and Sicilian “gelato”, with little dairy, almost like a granita, but smoother. We shared contact information with each other…and hope we really get to see some of the very special people we met the special island in the future. Some of us would leave for an early flight to Rome from Catania, while others would continue their adventure with more days in Malta.

Without question, Vanessa was the best tour guide we’ve ever been with. She felt the same about us and the group as you can tell by the farewell tears from almost everyone.

So farewell to you too from spectacular Siracusa in very special Sicily. We are so happy you could join us on another adventure filling us with so many memories, and with an eagerness for more. We do have some plans that will bear fruit soon. We’ll give you time to make plans to join us. In the meantime, Arrivederci!