Sunday 7^th June – Siracusa (Syracuse), Sicily

37:03.596N 15:16.722E

Over night the wind eased to nothing and there was no swell to speak of – but unfortunately it was something to speak of as it did not mean a quiet night's rest, we could not believe that so little movement on the water could make us rock so much.  It was on the beam, but so little of it; nevertheless it set up a roll that kept us awake.

This morning we were feeling a bit tired but we decided to go ashore and explore; it was an overcast morning so not too hot for walking around. 

On the way in we went to look at the nearby marina (very expensive).  It was showing signs of storm damage from over the winter (one of the pontoons had sunk) and the toilet facilities were closed for repair.  We then went down the narrow canal which separates the old town (Ortigia) from the mainland to the yacht harbour at the other side (didn't bother asking the prices).  We had to duck under the very low bridges to get through.  After looking around, we came back through and left the dinghy alongside the commercial docks before heading into the old town.

We looked around the old town and found the remnants of a market that was just finishing (although perhaps there were just a few market stalls because it was Sunday).  The old town is charming; we visited the Piazza del Duomo which is surrounded by old buildings, the main attraction being the Duomo (cathedral) itself which was built in the 7^th century on top of the Temple of Athena.  Just down from the duomo is the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia where a painting by Caravaggio, Sepellimento di Santa Lucia, is displayed.  As we walked, we found ourselves at the water's edge and we walked past Grand Harbour town quay which is being rebuilt and back towards where the dinghy was – by now the sun had appeared and it was turning into a hot day.

On the way back we went into the new section of town to find the train station to investigate options for visiting Mt Etna.  On the way back we called in the supermarket that we had found on the way there and stocked up on some essentials.  It was about closing time but the guy let us in anyway – we are finding the locals here very friendly and relaxed.

After lunch on Pyxis we hopped in the dinghy and went for an explore around the bay.  Many local boats were anchored just for the day by Castello Maniace on the corner of Ortigia.  We went just  outside the entrance and then circled around the bay – we noticed that the water is much clearer on the other side where the fish farm is as the recent wind seems to have bought everything into our corner.

We are hoping for a less rolly night tonight.

Siracusa:  Exploring the canal

Siracusa:  Ortigia (Old Town)

Siracusa:  Bay

© Pyxis 2009