Steeped in history, the city was the western capital of ancient Greece. Later on it was a Carthaginian, Barbarian, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman conquest. and now it is finally a part of Italy. During our short visit we were able to experience and almost feel the wings of all this history, but you sometimes have to look carefully through the layers. Our local guides gave us all the help we needed.
Later in the morning we went to visit one of the best preserved ancient theaters, near the Paradise Quarry. This one is a good example how the Greek understood acoustics. This theater is also unique because to improve the acoustics they carved a huge grotto underneath, into the limestone.
As we were in the Mediterranean, a nap was mandatory after lunch. By 4 o'clock most of the heat had disappeared, and we walked into the medieval section of Siracusa. After the tour we were able to stroll around and enjoy the tight narrow streets with coffee and ice cream shops. The ice cream is remarkably tasty. How do they do it? On the way back to the Caledonian Star, along the seaside in the evening lights, we could explore what the local fishermen had caught. Others stayed in town to have a taste of the Sicilian cuisine. Something for everyone to try.
