Ispica, Sicily
When one drives to the southern part of Sicily, there is a town perched up on a hill named Ispica, which is absolutely beautiful. I remember the first time I drove by this town and was surprised when it suddenly appeared, after a curve, right there on top of the road.
I recently drove to Ispica with a friend, Maria, visiting from Turin, and we were joined by a resident of Ispica, Maria’s friend, Angela, who took us around town, to a local natural park, and explained so much of the local history. Angela, was on her day off from her job as an ambulance driver.
The drive up to Ispica on a winding road allows you to see the rocky formations all around and this is one of those sceneries so typical of the southern area of Sicily. Below are some pictures taken during the visit to Ispica.
Church of S. Annunziata
Next to Ispica is Parco Forza where I took a picture of the valley floor.
A cave at Parco Forza
Modern day theatre for outdoor events
Before leaving town, we bought fresh ricotta which had just been made by Beppe Cappello, who delivers door to door.
Sicily & MORE Explored by Rosanna 
Stunningly gorgeous pictures. Fresh ricotta? Yummy! So, Rosanna, what is your favorite place in all of Sicily?
LikeLike
Pamela,
Over the last few months, I have discovered the beauty and enchanting atmosphere of the south eastern part of Sicily. In this region, there are several small towns rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake in the baroque style. Walking along the streets of these towns you can sense the slower pace and old fashioned way of life. Furthermore, these towns are close to the coast, with its emerald green sea and all around them is the countryside which is still not densely populated. The whole area gives me a sense of peace.
LikeLike
I think most people would die for that slower pace and old-fashioned way of life. I know I would!
1693 earthquake? was that a big one? the last one?
LikeLike
Pamela,
The earthquake of 1963 occurred in the southeastern part of Sicily and destroyed 45 towns, causing 60,000 deaths. It was followed by tsunamis that caused havoc. The damaged areas were rebuilt in the Baroque style, thus the richness of Baroque architecture in the region, especially in the Noto Valley. The earthquake was measured by the Mercalli Intensity Scale with an intensity level of XI.
There was another great earthquake in 1908, which affected the city of Messina, on the northeastern tip of Siciliy. That earthquake also affected Calabria, the last region of mainland Italy across from Sicily. The earthquake of 1908 is remembered for the horrific tsunami is caused.
There have been other earthquakes in the years that followed, but none that has caused the damage of the two mentioned above.
LikeLike