Although our port of call was Messina, Sicily, we chose not to explore it. Whereas the museums are supposed to be wonderful, the city itself was almost completely destroyed in WWII. Considering our time on shore, we felt our time would be better spent in Taormina.

   Taormina lies in the hills along the Ionian Sea overlooking the Gulf of Naxos (right). Roughly 35 miles from Messina, it was founded in the 3rd century BC and is now a popular resort, famous for its brightly colored ceramics. Off in the distance to the east, Mt. Etna looms, belching smoke ominously (below right).

   Although Taormina has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman society, most of its buildings are 15th Century (above). The notable exception is the ancient theater on one side of town. Built by the Greeks in the second century BC, it was later added to by the Romans early in the first century AD (below and below right).

   Without question, Taormina is a beautiful town. Along with the ruins, there are wonderful examples of Medieval and Renaissence architecture, and a lovely garden in the middle of town.

   There is even a 14th century monestary that has been converted into one of Europe's best five-star hotels. Closer to the coast are many small resorts like Isola Bella (below) as seen from high up on Capo San Andrea.

   The pit in the center of the theater (above) was filled with water by the Romans for re-enactments of naval battles.  And speaking of water, the clarity of the Ionian Sea is spectacular as the photo of Isola Bella testifies; the water in the lower right corner is at least 60 feet deep!