Our Scrapbook of Rick Steves Best of Sicily in 11 Days
Days 7 and 8: Syracuse to climbing Mount Etna
Staying on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, we explored the local market, strolled through the Cathedral of Syracuse, and visited another archaeological park carved into the side of a hill with a massive art installation! The Rick Steves guided us to a hidden Caravaggio in a local church. I have to admit I enjoyed Sicily's traditional puppet theater performance much more than I anticipated. Syracuse was definitely a favorite! However, the true adventure was the bus ride down Mt. Etna and the eruptions of that famous volcano over the next few days. The Benatis welcomed us to their winery and taught us all about the regions of Mt. Etna wine, all while we dined on a fabulous pasta lunch.
Market in Syracuse on Ortygia
cathedral of syracuse
family run puppet theater
Parco Archeologico della neapolis
There are a few legends about the patroness St. Lucy. One of them that Lucy saw Saint Agatha in a vision, who informed Lucy that her mother would be cured through faith. After her mother was cured, she Lucy to give her dowry to the poor and to dedicate her life to God. The young man who would have her husband was greatly angered. Attempts were made to punish her, but according to, all efforts failed, attempts to burn her alive at the stake—the wood would not ignite!
The Burial of St. Lucy is a painting by Caravaggio located in the Church of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro. Completed in 1608 as part of a celebration of St. Lucy.
Mount etna
The drive up and down Mount Etna was absolutely thrilling! In the first half, we were captivated by the stunning volcanic rock and lush greenery. As we reached the summit, a mystical fog enveloped us, adding to the excitement our descent. And just when we thought it couldn't get better, arrived at a charming family-owned winery nestled on the slopes, where we sav a delicious lunch and discovered how the volcano enhances the art of winemaking. We were even treated to fascinating insights from passionate volcanologist from the University of Catania!
going up one side of the volcano
regions of mt. etna wine
snow on an active volcano
Our bus driver had nerves of steel. I know this picture does not look like much, but it is the view of the road from the front of the bus.
warm firside luch at a vinyard
we made it to the top
mt etna herself
Travel Tip: learn Local Legends
The symbol is known as Trinacria, a Greek term meaning ‘three pointed’; it recalls the island's triangular shape. Trinacria was the earliest known name of the island of Sicily.
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The Moor’s heads are symbolic of Sicily. There are many variations on the story. One says that during the time of the Moorish domination, a beautiful girl in Palermo fell deeply in love with a Moor. Hearing he would soon travel back to the East, the ‘green-eyed monster’ possessed her! Feeling betrayed, the girl killed the Moor, cut off his head, and used it as a vase in which she planted a bud of basil. The girl watered the plant with her tears, and the basil grew.
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