Unknown Sicily

A visit to Catania is a most fascinating act of self-discovery, back down the old ways of time… the real enigma of this place is that it has been inhabited for 3000 years at the foot of Etna, despite earthquakes, eruptions, disasters, calamities and destructions. To live so close to the most active volcano in Europe is an expression of change and transformation, suggesting the process of self-renewal leading to fulfilment. Thus, Catania appears “flourishing from the rock in a mysterious arrogance”, carrying the knowledge of the past, the burden of mystery and preserving its brilliant smile. The historical centre is surrounded by legends, whether it’s the Elephant Fountain, or The Cathedral with its venerable patroness Saint Agatha, or still owned by a Sicilian aristocratic family The Biscari Palace, or the Roman Spa, Greek artefacts dating back to the 7th century BC with a clear evidence from the prehistoric times or the monumental Benedictine Monastery of Saint Nicolò, where the acropolis of the ancient city stood.

The glory of old Syracuse is sung by Livius, Plutarch, Cicero, Ovid, Pindar, Virgil, Plato. It witnessed various wars, conflicts and competitions, the most famous victim was the prodigy Archimedes, whose death signalled the intellectual decline of this fertile land. Reflecting the historical ongoing of the island Syracuse absorbed each single epoch, culture, fashion, architectural design and various languages, as well. Truth to be told, the memory of Syracuse as the Mediterranean capital with its Cathedral, its Greek Theatre and the Roman amphitheatre, Caravaggio’s inspiration for the Paradise Latomia, the suffering devotion of local women for St. Lucy and for Our Lady of Tears. What else may be added to the Syracusan epopee, as a good luck would have it, just come and be inspired!

There is only one way to discover Ragusa is to cross it and you need comfortable shoes, a strong desire to get to know the place and a perfect visual memory to capture the beauties of this splendid land and some space in your heart to bring back home the Sicilian hospitality and generosity. Recall in your memory the old Italian films where life goes by slow dimension with no excitement, only with silent admiration: simple doorways and well decorated portals, gates and windows adorned with flowers, jutting balconies supported by grotesque masks, sumptuous decorations of churches, deformed simplicity of narrow steps, small quiet alleyways. The visual effects are even prettier and stronger that we imagine. Your feeling is “dreaming stupor”.