Sicily's Greek Ruins

Temple of Concord in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples

Dating to the 5BC - It was converted to a Christian basilica in 6BC.

Sicily has some of the best preserved ancient Greek ruins, some even better than ones in Greece itself. Stunning ruins can be found in Agrigento, Segesta, Selinunte, Siracuse, and Taormina. Scattered around these areas are ancient temples, theaters, remnants of pillars, and figures. Walking right up to and sometimes into these structures is an amazing step back in time.

Model of Giant Atlas from the Temple of Olympian Zues in Agrigento

Each Atlas statue was 25 feet tall. Between each column of the Temple of Olympian Zues stood a colossal Atlas statue atop a ledge with arms upstretched and holding up the roof. There were 38 Giant Atlas statues in all. (See the model of the temple under the Atlas model.)

                                                            Teatro Greco, Taoromina, Sicily

It's believed this Greek Theater in Taormina is actually Roman but rebuilt upon the foundations of an older Greek theater. 

This theatre ruin is the second largest of its kind in Sicily (after that of Syracuse). It's in use, even today, for operatic and theatrical performances and concerts.

Ancient ruins in Sicily abound and are fascinating to visit. Wear a hat and comfortable shoes - bring plenty of water! And, of course, your camera is a must!

Sicilian Pizza Boy

Was he waiting for his mamma? Was he waiting for his pizza? Or was he waiting for BOTH? 

I never found out, but couldn't resist a picture of this handsome little guy that day in Sicily.

Cinque Terre...Five of the Best!

Cinque Terre or Five Lands, stretches along the northwestern coast of Italy. What a lovely place to visit!

Cars and motorbikes are not allowed in the Cinque Terre villages. If you're energetic and have good hiking boots, then hike the beautiful trail connecting the five villages. It will take you about 5 hours just to walk it, so choose another day for shopping and sightseeing. A shorter walk is the Via Dell’Amore or Lover’s Walk which is the section from Riomaggiore to Manarola. Doing the Lover's Walk will allow you time for shopping, sightseeing and stopping for a selfie with your sweetie as well!

Riomaggiore's small harbor and tower houses (case torri).

Monterosse del Mare is the most northern and largest of the five villages.
Vernazza was once the wealthiest and still considered the prettiest by many.
Corniglia is the quietest and most remote of the five. Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village not directly connected to the sea. There are 377 steps up to the town. You can walk from the train station or take a shuttle bus.
Manarola is the fourth and oldest of the five villages.
Riomaggiore is the fifth and most southern of the Cinque Terre villages and is  nestled between two steep hills.   

·      The Statue of Neptune (Il Gigante) guards over the bay at Monterosso del Mare. It was created in the beginning of the 20^th century by sculptor Arrigo Minerbi as a decoration of Villa Pastine.

A busy day at Monterossos's Beach of Fagina

A beautiful sunset from any of the Cinque Terre villages is the perfect way to end your day. Add a glass of Italian wine and the day is complete!

Sunset from Riomaggiore