People Watching In Taormina

Perhaps Taormina’s best piazza for people watching is Piazza IX Aprile. The Church of San Giuseppe (from where this photo was taken) with its double stairway has held court here since the 17th century, while the historic Wunderbar Caffè (at my right from where I am standing) has played host to the likes of Truman…

Mazara del Vallo

Piazza della Repubblica, pictured, is the heart of the city of Mazara del Vallo in southwestern Sicily. Mazara del Vallo is considered the most important fishing port in Italy. Founded by the Phoenicians as a trading post, it was significant during the Arab era, when it was the capital of Val di Mazara, one of…

Ortigia Sound System

Going on now through 31 July in Ortigia (Where the Piazza del Duomo pictured is located.) is the 3rd annual Ortigia Sound System, a music, design, and culture festival. Contemporary bands and DJs take to the streets, boats, and pop-up concert venues to push boundaries of modern music and entertainment. Designers host workshops about building…

Caravaggio and Gelato

Italy is renowned for its public squares. And Ortigia, the island that was the center of life in ancient-Greek Siracusa, has one of the most beautiful piazzas you’ll love to relish. On Day 6 of Savoring Sicily (this September 22-October 4), after taking in the Caravaggio featuring Santa Lucia at one end and luxuriating in…

Taormina’s Memorable Piazza IX Aprile

Perhaps Taormina’s most memorable square is Piazza IX Aprile. The Church of San Giuseppe with its double stairway has held court here since the 17th century, while the historic Wunderbar Caffè has played host to the likes of Truman Capote, Winston Churchill, Tennessee Williams, Henry Faulkner, Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, and many others. As beautiful…