NOTO, SYRACUSA and ORTYGIA ISLAND

Typical countryside of Sicily. It is one of the prettiest islands I have every visited. Either along the coastline or  driving  internally and seeing the farms and mountains throughout

NOTO -This town has rich looking, honey colored buildings which are some of the most captivating on the island. The little town has been dubbed the "Stone Garden" because of  its sheer beauty and is a Unesco World Heritage site. Noto is a wonderful example of baroque town planning since its churches, palazzi, and civic buildings were constructed after an earthquake hit the region in 1693.  Above is the graceful town hall, Palazzo Ducezio

Above is is a broad flight of steps that leads to the Duomo which was completed in 1776.

SYRACUSE   Teatro Greco - this Greek Theater was one of the great theaters of classical times. Hewn from rock in the 5th century b.c., today the Italian Institute of Ancient Drama presents classical plays by Euripedes and Sophocles which means the show hasn't changed much in 2,000 years

The Anfiteatro Romano was created at the time of Augustus. Unlike the Greek theater with its classical plays, the Roman theater tended towards gustier fare. Gladiators faced each other with daggers, and slaves were whipped into the center to do battle with wild beasts.

ORTYGIA ISLAND -  is an island of temples. castles, plazzi, churches and markets.

A glimpse of Italian water polo - I was told the eye- talians don't like to get their feet wet so they play in kayaks!!!

IL Duomo - is the oldest church in Europe. This cathedral incorporates architectural fragments of a 5th century b.c. temple honoring Athena. Twenty- six of the temples Doric columns are still in place.  In the late 1600's. an earthquake   caused the cathedral facade to collapse and in the 18th century the structure was rebuilt in baroque style

Piazza del Duomo - one of the most attractive squares in Italy