Nauplia, Greece to Taormina, Sicily was a 2 day voyage in rough seas. At Nauplia we travelled to Mycenae and though we'd been there before, and have planned another trip that includes this site, we were awed by this Gate of Atreus (bottom photo). A marvelous Greek, then Roman theater, whose backdrop is Mt. Etna, was the highlight in Taormina, but this artist was content to sit in the shade of a tree in the cathedral square, perhaps thinking of the marvelous pottery sold in the shops along the narrow cobbled streets. That evening we dined on the after deck looking at the buildings of Naxos along the coast, and Taormina, perched on the mountain above as the sun set. Yes! I have a video but haven't edited it yet.
The top photo is the side of the huge cathedral in Syracuse, actually on the island of Ortygia, the original Greek settlement. Note that the walls are built between Doric columns. The columns are apparent in the interior as well and comprise what was once theTemple of Athena. After viewing the original Arethusa fresh water spring, the reason Syracuse became an important port in ancient times, we returned to the square, entered a small church that had the greatest treasure of all: Caravaggio's wonderful "St. Lucia at Her Burial", commissioned by this church and set in place there by the artist. It was a great end to a marvelous day of touring in Syracuse.
