Siracusa, Sicily 4/14-18/2026

Siracusa, Sicily

Syracuse is a city on the Ionian coast of Sicily, Italy. It's known for its ancient ruins. The central Archaeological Park Neapolis comprises the Roman Amphitheater, the Teatro Greco and the Orecchio di Dionisio, a limestone cave shaped like a human ear. The Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi exhibits terracotta artifacts, Roman portraits and Old Testament scenes carved into white marble. ―Catania is an ancient port city on Sicily's east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, an active volcano with trails leading up to the summit. The city's wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell'Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants. 

This was one of our ports from the world cruise.  I did not get off the ship then, but Mickey did.  These 4 days were pretty restful, so we didn't venture to Catania.  We hung out in Syracuse for our last days in Italy.

Charming historic hotel...was used as an Allied HQ during the war, primarily by Churchill.  He continued to visit after the war.

At the end of the driveway to our hotel was the Ionian Sea and a military memorial.

Our day trip to Noto and a winery.  Very nice wines at remarkably good prices.  We did stock up.

And in old town...churches, temples, and wonderful cafes and wines.

A lot of saints bones and relics interred in this cathedral.

Interesting modern-day church.

And that's a wrap for Siracusa.  Very low key and relaxing.  Sorry we didn't get to Mt Etna, but always something for the next time.  Off to Malta by ferry tomorrow.