Around Syracuse

This morning we drove south~east from Syracuse to the towns of Noto and Ragusa. In 1693 a devastating earthquake flattened both these towns and from the ruins Sicilian architects using local sandstone from nearby quarrirs created the finest baroque towns in Sicily. In Noto the beautiful San Nicolo Duomo or Cathedral dominatrs the central square, surrounded by elegant villas. Ragusa is more of the same with its grand churches and palaces lining the narrow streets. In a former church we were able to gaze on the superb 1608 oil painting by Caravaggio of the "Burial of St. Lucy", the patron saint of Ragusa. It was a joy to see the original work of such a classic artist. Tomorrow we head for Palermo.