Siracusa City of Legend
Legends began in Sicily, the Island of Myth
To the ancient Greeks, Sicily was a land for Gods and Heroes.
Persephone returned to the world here, and Spring continues to arrive earlier than anywhere else in Europe. Hercules roamed the island as did Ulysses, and the great blacksmith, Hephaestus, still works his forge under Mt Etna.
Now I'm going to Sicily, to spend 15 weeks in Siracusa, the city of legends.
A Dream Come True
I've always been intrigued by Sicily. Now my dream of seeing it firsthand s really coming true.
Originally I wanted to spend a Summer in Sicily but the practicalities of tourist season and price variations made me choose the late Autumn. Off season, cheaper, minus crowds.Perfetto!
But why do I want to go to Sicily?
Persephone's Island
I love the mythology of ancient peoples, especially the world that the early Greeks saw.
When Persephone was abducted by Hades, God of the Underworld, it was in Sicily. At least the mythical land where much of the stories in Greek mythology occur, corresponds with Sicily. To me, it is Sicily.
When Persephone is returned to her mother, Demeter, she comes again to Sicily, bringing the Spring with her.
Indeed, Spring comes first to Sicily. The almond blossoms appear in early February to be celebrated as harbingers of spring. Once the delicate pinkish-white blossoms appear, Spring is not too far behind - at least in Sicily.
I'm going to walk on Persephone's Island, perhaps in her very footsteps, who knows?
The Land of the Cyclopes
Bk IX:105-151
Ulysses tells his tale:
And there's a safe harbour where there's no need for moorings, neither anchor stones nor hawsers: you can beach your ship and wait till the wind is fair and the spirit moves you to sail. Now, at the head of the harbour a stream of bright water flows out from a cave ringed by poplars
This is Siracusa! When Artemis changed Arethusa into a spring of water to escape the river god Alpheus, it was here that the transformed maiden emerged - and here was the cave of the Cyclops later visited by Ulysses and his men.
My Holiday Flat in Siracusa
How beautiful is this? A self contained flat with TV, DVD, air-con, microwave, gas stove and washing machine on this fabulous little island within an island. It even has WiFi!
My apartment is within walking distance of some of the most outstanding archaeological treasures in the world. There's a bus stop on the corner and I will be surrounded by pizzerias and other eating palaces in case I get tired of the trattoria right next door!
I will be close to the Siracusa Market
There's an open air market for six days a week. Lots of fresh fish and those stunning vegetables for which Sicily is famed.
This is exotic for me
My European friends laugh when I say that cobbled streets and narrow alleyways are exotic. Australia has a very short European history, we just don't have old places.
Photos of Siracusa - Yep, cobbled streets and narrow alleyways
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Feast your eyes on Siracusa
Archimides of Siracusa (Syracuse)
Archimedes, one of the greatest mathematicians of all time, is a hero of mine. I always saw him as Greek, but he was from Siracusa.
In 212 BCE, Syracuse fell to Rome. After an unsuccessful siege, a small party of Roman soldiers approached the city at night while the inhabitants, were celebrating the annual festival of Artemis. Killing the few guards on duty, the Romans stormed the relaxing Syracusians as they slumbered, and opened the city gates to the rest of their forces.
The Roman General, Marcellus, had ordered that Archimedes should not be killed. Archimedes, who was now around 78 years of age, continued his studies at home while the fighting was going on until his work was disturbed by a Roman soldier. He protested at this interruption of his work and coarsely told the soldier to leave; the soldier, not knowing who he was, killed Archimedes on the spot.
Archimides, the Genius of Siracusa
I booked my holiday with Airbnb
For great places to stay, I'm using Airbnb, a global network of accommodation offered by locals in the area you want. As well as an apartment in Siracusa, I booked a week-long stay in Pompeii through Airbnb. It's not just cheaper than hotels, I get to meet the locals.
Through Airbnb you can find all types of accommodation. You can rent a room in someone's house, a private dorm in a hostel, a granny flat in a garden or a whole apartment to yourself (like I booked). There's even luxury accommodation if that's your cup of tea. Or cappuchino.
Take a quick look at a few fantastic places in Sicily from $10 a night
What do you think?
Would you like to stay in Sicily?
All comments, each and every one, are greatly appreciated
© 2012 Susanna Duffy
Salve! Want to leave a Comment?
We were just in Siracusa and remembered the market well.
Came back for another look. beautiful.
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@ogrote: If I were in USA in the 1920s, then I would keep an eye out for the Mafia, but I will be in Sicily in 2012 :-)
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@MariaDSk: Thanks Maria, good tip! I don't work on Sundays either and rarely eat meat.
Oh an also, when you go there keep in mind that fisherman don't work on Sundays, so I would recommend eating light on Sunday, and on Monday morning. Every other day try choose seafood dishes over meat, as they would be fresh and lovely, and meat produce isn't major in Sicily.
I love Italy. I haven't however made it further south than Rome. Sorrento and the Isle of Capri is also worth visting. Keep an eye open for the Mafia in Sicily !!
When I think of Sicily, I think of the Golden Girls and Sophia always talking about being a young girl in Sicily!
Italy is wounderful...
Congrats on being on the first page.
What a beautiful place! Thanks for this lens
Amazing! I've been to Sicily a few times, absolutely gorgeous place! x
A dream trip. I hope you have so much fun !...Blessed.
I'm so excited to go that place. Actually, I have an appointment there next week..
I'm so excited to go that place. Actually, I have an appointment there next week..
My word, it's a long way from Australia to Sicily
Buona Fortuna!
Interesting story I can't wait to go visit.
Have you been to Sicilly before? Went there for a week and absolutely fell in love! (apart from getting stung a by a jellyfish). If you find time, I'd also recomend a trip to Mt Etna, still active volcano near Catania and Taormina ( the views from there are simply amazing). Planning to write a lense on Sicily some time.
Great lens. I like it.......
looks like a great place to visit
Your lenses just keep getting better and better!
Amazing lens, felt like I just came from a trip to Siracusa.
Do drop by my lens sometime and do let me know do you feel about them! :)
The Legend story of siracusa is what I am very touched with, this is one thing what makes me dream of coming to this place. I have watched the clash of titans that reminds me about what have u mention over here "Hades"
Thanks for the good information that will be helpful. Will surely put this in my tours planning calender.
I like this lens because I was born in Syracuse :) (NY... hehehehe) Blessed!
This looks like an fantastic trip! I love traveling and have been to many countries, but never Sicily. In some of the countries by the Black Sea you can find many ruins, and in Istanbul under the streets is the head of Medusa. I hope you have the best trip ever, and your timing is perfect. Right after high season, which is when I always did my traveling. Less crowds and cheaper prices :) I am really happy for you Susanna that you have such a long time to walk in Persephone's footsteps. Enjoy!!!
Wonderful lens.. Loved it.. :)
Looks like an amazing place to visit...I hope you enjoy your trip.
I like the place and will definitely think of it on my trips.
I hope to visit Italy before I die...such a beautiful place
With your love for architecture, you will be in seventh heaven there, Susanna. It is on my bucket list too. Angel blessings on this real live journey. Congratulations on your purple star and also Squidacademy Award.
It looks magnificent!! I really need a holiday... there, anywhere!
This is a great lens! I have been to Italy for a week in January and I can't wait to go back, I love this country. Siracusa looks like a wonderful city and I would love to visit it as well.
Siracusa is indeed city of legend. Beautiful place in Sicily :)
You have really sparked my interest in this place. And for me, it is so much easier than for you - I just have to hop across the Mediterranean. I'm so glad for you that your dream is coming true.
Oh, Susanna, what a wonderful trip to look forward to! And we shall look forward to seeing your photographs and reading about your various adventures. I am quite envious, and also impressed - that's a long and ambitious trip from Australia to Sicily!
How exciting for you! What a wonderful time you should have.
Italy is just wonderful. It must be quite a shock for non-europeans. Enjoy your trip. If you can, take some time to go to Florence, Torino and of course Rome.
Wow, what a vacation. I was in Italy many years ago, but I didn't make it to Siracusa. Next time.
Have a wonderful time on your vacation - it looks like a lovely place!
If you see quinquiremes coming from Athens - move out fast
Happy holidays and enjoy your visit. Keep away from the mafioso! ;)
It looks like a wonderful place.
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