Tag Archives: Sicily

Siracusa Sojourn

A highly recommended and easy detour either for the day, or to or from from Taormina is the nearby city of Siracusa, 2 hour south (by train direct, by bus a quick change in Catania) and a must visit for anyone on a tour of Sicily.
Famed for it’s ancient Greek monument, the city, which dates back 2700 years, has a vast complex of Greek ruins, including the famed amphlitheatre which plays host to ancient Greek Tragedy plays in the summer months, as well as a spectacular cave complex called, Oriecchio di Dionisio (The Ear of Dionysius). Ledgend states that Dionysius used the cave as a prison for political dissidents, and by means of the perfect acoustics eavesdropped on the plans and secrets of his captives.

It’s adviseable to hire a guide here as there is no information for the tourist whilst wandering the sites – so either you eaves drop on others who have been sensible enough to take a guide, or you need to have a very good gras of Greek history and a vivid imagiation!
However the highlight of visiting Siracusa is the joy of wandering around Ortygia – a small headland which is connected to Siracusa by two bridges – with its maze of charming streets, where neighbours can almost stretch out and embrace their neighbours on an opposite balcony, where clothes flutter above to dry, a multitude of restaurants serving delicious Sicilian and seafood fare and a welcome stop for a gelato or granita await. All streets ultimately lead to Piazza del Duomo – with its beautiful cathederal a Baroque facade which hides inside a relatively modest church, the foundations of which date back to 5th Century BC, when it was built as a temple to the Godess Athena.
Wander the seafront, where, in summer, you can enjoy swimming off the rocks from makeshift wooden platforms – the sea is crystalline and the locals are always ready for a chat.

RECOMMENDED FOR APERITIVO: Stop by for aperitivo at Tinkite – an excellent bar serving really good food with aperitivo (3 Euro a plate) and a very nice easy going crowd. Get early to grab the deckchairs!
Via Mario Minniti 3
RECOMMENDED FOR DINNER: Taverna Sveva for excellent fresh fish and seafood pasta and incredibly jolly staff!
Piazza Federico Sveva 1

COMING UP: 9th – 16th July: Ortigia Film Festival – watch a host of Italian and International Films under the stars at this cosy and unpretentious film festival



Savoca and Forza D’Agrò Tour

Have you seen The Godfather movies yet? Many scenes throughout the epic trilogy were filmed in the Sicilian villages of Savoca and Forzà d’Agrò, that you can visit by booking an organised tour at reception or using public transport for the more intrepid.
I [staff member of Gianni House :))] travelled to Savoca recently, to taste delicious Granita Limone at Bar Vitelli, where some of the most memorable scenes from “The Godfather” were shot [*Michael Corleone asked Apollonia’s father to meet his daughter*]. It’s a must for Godfather fans!
Savoca village with it’s tiny streets is a pleasant place to hang out for the day and we highly recommend a visit to The Cappuccini Monastery which has an impressive collection of 32 ancient mummified monks, priests and advocates – some intact some not – in their catacombs, which date back to the 18th century.





Would you like to discover the recipe for a great stay in Sicily? Come to Gianni House!