Sicily 14: The Aeolian Islands [Sky Watch Friday]

The Taormina sea shore also offered other activities, although not much was going on when we were there.

On one of the days we opted to take a boat trip to two of the eight the Aeolian Islands; viz. Lipari and Vulcano. Our first stop was Lipari, the larger of the two islands. To get to the town from the harbor, we took a bus ride, which offered some wonderful views.

As one might expect, it was again necessary to walk up a steep hill [to which we were already accustomed].

Back at the harbor for our departure, we took some last shots of this delightful island.

En route to Vulcano, there were some unexpected photo opportunities. For example, off in the distance we could see the still active volcano, Stromboli.

                             Along the route we passed a variety of unusual rock formations.

Vulcano consists of three old craters: two are extinct, while another is still active, last erupting in 1890. The latter affords hot, sulphury baths that attracts bathers for the supposed healing powers of the water and mud.

As our sojourn on Vulcano came to an end, I was glad that we had a tour guide to lead us back to the harbor. I assume somebody can read these signs as one drives into the intersection.

These are the last images from our Sicily vacation, which truly exceeded my expectations. I hope you enjoyed viewing them as much as I enjoyed posting them.

Sicily 13: Taormina (ii) [Sky Watch Friday]

From sea level, one has a steep climb up a winding street until one reaches the heart of Taormina; viz. the Piazza del Duomo. The most striking structure in the plaza is a wonderful early17th century Baroque fountain, which features a Minotaur [half human, half horse]. Depicted as a female holding a scepter and an orb, symbols of power, it has become the emblem of Taormina.

                 Around the plaza are shops and stands for artists, crafts people and vendors of all sorts.

Along the main street, the Corso Umberto I, are a myriad of small shops, cafes, and galleries. Views down side streets offer a different perspective, but the love of flowers was everywhere evident.

Sicily 12: Taormina (i) [Sky Watch Friday]

Taormina became the center of our activity for the next several days. Originally founded in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, it was built at the foot of Mt. Tauro on a bluff overlooking the Ionian Sea. Today, Taormina is Sicily’s most famous tourist resort. Among its many attractions is the Greco-Roman theater, the second largest [capacity of ca. 5,000 people] in Sicily [after the one in Syracuse]. First built in 3rd century BC, it was almost entirely rebuilt by the Romans in the 2nd century AD. This was necessary so that it could be used for gladiator fights and ‘wild animal shows’; e.g. the ground level had to be lowered so that the animals could not leap into the stands.
In the images below, note the scenic brick wall, which were fronted by nine granite columns with Corinthian capitals [only the bases of 4 columns are seen here]. 

Later in the day, we took a hike high up above the city for a breathtaking [both literally and figuratively] view. If you look carefully, you can see the theater [ca. 11-12 o’clock].

Sicily 11: Mt. Etna [Sky Watch Friday]

Taking our leave of Catania, we drove up winding roads to Mt. Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano. The mountain dominates the whole of eastern Sicily. Stopping at ca. 6,000 ft., we opted not to go higher by jeep to ca. 10,000 ft. As it was, the temperature had dropped into the high 30s-low forties. In addition to the black lava landscape, there were wild flowers growing all around.

One could hike up to the ridge of one of the craters, but we were not in warm enough attire. Here, my wife is wind blown....

You can imagine that it was good to finally get back on our warm bus. We then drove on to Taormina, where we would remain for several days.