Palermo’s oldest street market is La Vucciria, which translates to ‘voices’ or ‘hubbub’. It’s based in the side streets around Piazza San Domenico and it is Palermo’s most established outdoor market. These days it is a somewhat faded and shrunken version of itself and we didn’t stay long. Just long enough to snap some of theContinue reading “La Vucciria”
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Final Noto glimpses
After the excitement of the magnet shop there was just time to grab a bite to eat and then a final whirl through the honey coloured stone streets. We final spot one of the traditional Sicilian carts but sadly it is not one of the most ornate examples! A simple yet effective church door catchesContinue reading “Final Noto glimpses”
Ceramic fish shoals
Warning! This post is purely catering to my magnet and ceramic fetish! You have been warned . . Imagine if you will, my almost rapturous delight, when strolling along Noto’s main street, to come across a shop stuffed to the brim with nothing but pottery, magnets and, even better, CERAMIC SEAFOOD!! Yeap, you heard right,Continue reading “Ceramic fish shoals”
Ceilings and eyeballs
As we descend the twisty twirly staircase back down the church bell tower, I can’t resist poking my head through a tiny wooden door with a “do not enter” sign on it (well the door was open . .) I sneak onto a tiny, dusty balcony covered in old step ladders and painting brushes for aContinue reading “Ceilings and eyeballs”
Head for heights
As we continue our tour of the delightful city of Noto we decide to get a different perspective of the sights. So we headed up the steep spiral staircase at Chiesa di San Carlo’s bell tower to emerge, blinking into the sunlight for stunning views of the city. Here’s the Cathedral in all its fullContinue reading “Head for heights”
Baroque Noto
The next stop on our Sicilian tour is Noto a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque. In 2002 Noto and its church were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The current town, rebuilt after the earthquake in 1693 was planned on a grid system by Giovanni Battista Landolina. Its flanks of epic buildings, made of soft tufa stone,Continue reading “Baroque Noto”
More markets
Back in Catania we head for one of the colourful local markets. Of course I lead the way, camera in hand, while the man needs a caffeine fortification! We see some gorgeous, almost sculptural vegetables. We are not too sure what this particular one is, it could be Kohlrabi. Delicate blush pink artichokes could almost passContinue reading “More markets”
Ortigia island
We’re heading for Ortigia – Syracuse’s island heart. Packed full of history and architecture. It may be small but it’s crammed with over 2,500 years of history. As we head to Ortigia we pass The Fountain of Diana by Giulio Moschetti At Diana’s feet, Alpheus looks on as his love interest Arethusa turns into a fountain after she asks for helpContinue reading “Ortigia island”
Syracuse
Next on our tour of the East coast of Sicily is the town of Syracuse. This historic 2,700-year-old city played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site due to the amount of stunning buildings. But before we getContinue reading “Syracuse”
In the clouds at Castelmola
While the views from Taormina are spectacular, its tiny cousin Castelmola, 1,800 feet above sea level, offers absolutely stunning ones. Cobblestones, ruined castles and winding alleys almost devoid of tourists, offer a breathing space. Although the sun was beginning to go down, as our little bus trundled up the hill towards the village, you beginContinue reading “In the clouds at Castelmola”