SICILY:)

To the left is one of the several temples and ruins on the plateau above the Mediterranean in Agrigento. We were lucky to be there during wonderful weather and even a full moon.These date back to 400 BC and earlier. In the ruins was the Temple of Zeus, at one time the largest Greek Temple in the world. Our hotel was on the bluff overlooking the area and on further to the sea. The next day we drove to Syracuse, founded by Corinthians and at one time the most powerful city in the Mediterranean. We stayed in the old city, on the island of Ortygia just off the mainland, and nearby were the Greek ruins, the amphitheater (500BC) and the quarry with the "Ear of Dionysius". Our weather was sunny and hot, so the ancient quarry that is now a cool, lovely garden area was very refreshing. The third photo is the city square and Cathedral, built over and using the columns of the Greek Temple of Athena as part of its outer walls. We enjoyed a lovely dinner in the old city... sitting outside along the waterfront and eating fresh seafood:)