Catania Station.
I almost always find it a pleasure to ride the train, especially on a coastal route.
Even if I can't see Mt Etna because it's behind me. haha.
Taormina Station is labeled Art Deco by the guide books. Well, maybe. It certainly is decorated.
The steps from the station up to city center (200 meters) turned out to be an overgrown path.
But the views were great.
goinOur outward route took us straight through town up to Castello Saraceno (400 meters) with a view to the Ancient Greek Theater (upper left-ish).
And continuing up to the small town of Castelomola (550 meters) with views down to Castello Saraceno and Taormina.
Small church in Castelmola.
We returned via a different route; steps down through abandoned terraces that once contained olive and orange groves but now are overgrown with cacti.
Back in Taormina at the bottom of the steps/stairs.
Some shots of Taormina's corso (main drag). First Cantania Gate.
The Cathedral and fountain. Today is the Saturday before Palm Sunday - notice the woven palm fronds for sale.
Inside the Cathedral.
And after foregoing the ancient theater - 10 euros each seemed a bit pricey - we sat in the Public Gardens for a time, then headed back down the overgrown path to the train station.
Taormina Station.
And back in Catania, a stop at the newly opened Istanbul Restaurant for a take-out dinner.
4 comments:
The 'path' between the train stain and town is beautiful wild flowers. Perhaps a consession for being so overgrown. The mosaics look beautiful.
Just back from NOLA and so I had to look up what happened with you two on March 19th in Sicily, since that's St. Joseph's Day, honoring the patron saint of Sicily (where it's San Giuseppe). I understand that's also Father's Day in Italy? But anyway: no parades, huh? Not so in New Orleans.... :-)
@Jaydro, We were well aware of San Giuseppe Day, and naively thought we would just run into some celebrations, but we did not. Although we did see some posters for some special San Giuseppe masses on Sunday the 13th. Why the 13th not the 19th? Maybe because the 19th was too close to Palm Sunday? Hmmmm.
In New Orleans I understand if it's ON Palm Sunday they do it a different day, but otherwise.... I just like how sometimes immigrants celebrate their native holidays more intensely than the people at home do (especially if they have competition?). We also saw lots of St. Joseph's feast altars in store displays. But--I didn't get many good photos because we were caught unaware--just on our way to get something to eat after our flight. :-/ Nice Good Friday photos in your later post, by the way. (In NOLA they did that on Palm Sunday, but it was part of an event with Tyler Perry broadcast live on Fox TV.)
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