Writ of Mainprize

This is a continuation of the previous post because there are a lot of photos! In this section I focus on other parts of Syracuse, Sicily.

Museo Archeològico

This museum has a huge array of prehistoric, Greek and Roman artifacts from Siracusa and the surrounding area. Many of the artifacts were recovered from places like the Teatro Greco, Pantalica,and Megara Hyblea. While the artifacts are fascinating, the museum is surprisingly dated with uninspiring captions (some on cheap cardboard) and fading photos. Normally, I am fascinated with artifacts from ancient times, but the presentation in the museum was so poor that the visit was pretty much a waste of time

Below is a sample of some of the artifacts at the museum

Santuario della Madonna delle Làcrime

One of the newest buildings in Siracusa is the huge sanctuary and
basilica that houses a painting of the Madonna that supposedly wept
for 5 days in 1953.

Basilica di San Giovanni

This ruined basilica lies on top of one of the largest necropolises
in Sicily. Unfortunately no photography was allowed in the necropolis
or in the Tomb of San Giovanni

Ortigia

The oldest part of Siracusa is the island of Ortigia. Easily
defended in ancient times with protected harbors on the east and west
sides, Ortigia has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Around Town

	Looking north to mainland Siracusa on Lungomare Vittorini		Newly restored hotel.
	Fishing for octopus (polipi) in the west harbour		Rally for the Communists! No really. The CGIL.
			Harbour
	Via Landolina		Entrance to a courtyard.
	Laundry time

Piazza del Duomo

The largest piazza in Ortigia is centred on the cathedral. As well the Municipal building, the Bishops palace, and the church of St. Lucia is there.

	The Municipal building and corner of the Duomo (cathedral)		The Piazza at night
	A children’s fashion show sponsored by Renault in the Piazza.
	Watching the horses go by. Sitting by the Cafe del Duomo. Across the way is the Bishop’s palace		The Piazza at night

The Duomo

	Facade of the Duomo.		The Duomo at night
	Central wrought iron gate, looking back out over the Piazza del Duomo		Interior shot
	North aisle look back towards entrance.		View of the pews and the chancel
	Teeny tiny stain glass windows. Small windows are typical of the early Norman era churches		South aisle, showing a good view of the Corinthian columns that were originally part of the Temple of Minerva, 4th century B.C.
	View of the stone work in the front entrance.		Wedding at the Duomo.

Fonte d’Aretusa

Piazza Archimede

Alla Giudecca

I stayed in the heart of Siracusa on the island of Ortigia
(Or-TI-gee-ah) in a residence on Via Artagona. Recently
renovated, the building lies on one of the oldest know Jewish ritual
baths, or Miqwe.

In the heart of Ortigia on the narrow street Via Alagona is a Residence and Villa named Alla Giudecca. The apartment had stone tile floors, dark stained wooden ceiling and doors windows facing east and west. On the top floor, the apartment had a long balcony with walkout doors to the living room and the bedroom.

	View of the main entrance from inside the courtyard
	My bedroom.