Leaving the Cyclops Riviera, we head in the direction of Catania, whose port is about half-an-hour’s navigation. Catania is one of the few cities in Italy which offers many different types of countryside concentrated in just one area. With the wonderful Cathedral Square, dominated by the huge Norman Cathedral of Sant’Agata and “U Liotru” Elephant Fountain, built by Vaccarini and symbol of the city, and the magnificent Baroque buildings, the historical centre has been declared a World Heritage Site which therefore merits visiting. Also not to be missed is a visit to the Archilliane Spa Baths, right under the Cathedral Square, Ursino Castle – a magnificent example of Swabian architecture, and the Benedictine Monastery with the imposing Church of San Nicolò l’Arena.
Leaving Catania and its province to head south, towards Syracuse, the ancient capital of Magna Græcia (‘Greater Greece’). The countryside and monuments that can be admired in this city are wonderful, the fruits of the architectonic knowledge of skilful Greek, Roman, Byzantine Arab, Norman and Swabian builders. A crossroads of civilisations and travellers, the city has monuments and scenes of incomparable beauty: the island of Ortigia with its Swabian Castle, symbol of the power of Emperor Federico II, and the Cathedral which stands on the ruins of a Greek temple, then the archaeological area of the Neapolis (‘the New City’), with its Greek theatre and the famous ‘latomìe’ (quarries) among which is the ‘Ear of Dionysius’, the intricate network of catacombs – the most important and extensive after those of Rome and among which are those of Saint Giovanni (‘John’) and Saint Lucia, and yet more the superb Eurialo Castle where the astute Archimedes, with his mirrors, burnt the ships which besieged the city, and the nature reserves with the lakes of Cavagrande del Cassibile and the necropolis of Pantalica.
