Exploring Ortigia: Via Vittorio Veneto, the Mastrarua

Here we are, therefore, looking out from the terrace overlooking the roofs of Ortigia of our holiday home in Via Vittorio Veneto, from above the tranquility of this wide road with little traffic, appears even more pleasant and a little mysterious.
La Mastrarua, known as Masciarrò, the via dei Mestieri, although airy and large, appears almost forced between the more famous Graziella and Sperduta districts; among the ancient imposing palaces of the Spanish nobility lies the origin of a neighborhood dedicated to the life of fishermen, to master craftsmen: carpenters, potters and glassmakers.
When you arrive in Syracuse, I’m sure you will be overwhelmed by its beauty. Lying in the western part of the magical island of Sicily, Syracuse has always been an important site throughout history. This is where ancient civilizations still exist alongside modern culture. Visiting Syracuse is like embarking on an incredible journey through time where centuries-old ruins and modern shops are there to experience.

Via Vittorio Veneto is the Mastrarua, from here the road unfolds quickly towards the Levante seafront up to the Belvedere San Giacomo to cross via Nizza, then the Italian Institute for Egyptian Civilization with the Papyrus Museum and the Contemporary SAC Sant’Agostino , art gallery with a permanent collection of considerable importance.

On the opposite side, following with curiosity the alleys of Graziella, the gaze suddenly opens on the structure of the Antico Mercato and on the daily market of Ortigia, tickling the pleasure of immersing yourself in the scents of the fruit and vegetable stalls, spices and meat , cheeses and cured meats and fresh fish, candied fruit and dried fruit and all the good things you want to imagine, to reach in an instant Piazza Pancali and the Temple of Apollo which has been there, quietly, for more than two thousand years.

Via Vittorio Veneto is very long, it almost seems to embrace, intersecting via Mirabella, even the Sperduta: in this area are concentrated the spectacular Spanish noble palaces built during the domination: Casa Vitale, Palazzo Impellizzeri, Palazzo Blanco, Casa Russo, Casa Mezio, Palazzo Interlandi, Palazzo Monteforte.
In this era the Mastrarua is private houses and hotels, restaurants and clubs, the idle promenade to the east and the small port, a large car park not much appreciated, but with a roof from which to admire the suggestive view of the sea, the city beyond the bridges and, on days with clear skies, on the top of Etna so far, yet so close.

The natural beauty of this island, together with a calendar full of events all year round, make Sicily always a fantastic place to visit.
What are you waiting for?

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