peeks at the world through my lens

Archive for February, 2014

What is a Sicilian mans second favorite pasttime?

Sicily, ItalyItaly, Sicily

Taormina, From Ancient Greece to Modern Day Tourist Magnet (Motherland Tour Stop 6)

(Click here to redirect to Stop #1)

All over Sicily I found older men practicing there second favorite pasttime…. sitting around and enjoying the company of old friends.


Taormina, Sicily’s, Teatro Greco and its Stunning Views

 

Theatro Greco2

Theatro Greco1

Taormina, From Ancient Greece to Modern Day Tourist Magnet (Motherland Tour Stop 6)

(Click here to redirect to Stop #1)

Next stop…Taormina, on the east coast of the island. Perched on a cliff high above the water, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most famous tourist destinations, having earned this reputation with its dazzling views of the Gulf of Naxos and Mt Etna, fabulous Greek  amphitheater, and beautiful collection of medieval churches.

 

Founded in the 4th century BC, it developed in to a prosperous destination under the Greek and Romans, but fell into obscurity ofter it was sacked by the Normans in 1087. Having been “rediscovered” by Northern Europeans in the late 18th century, it is now back in full tourist swing.

 

If you go, be prepared for large crowds and abundant touristy shops. It is a little bit of a shock if you are arriving from the less crowded central and western parts of the island. Good food and wine abound, but you may have to dig a little or get a good recommendation.

 

I will start of the Taormina posts with two shots of the Teatro Greco, the 3rd century Greek amphitheater, and its  dramatic views over the bay and Mt Etna.