In the second half of our trip, we traveled to cities located on the southeastern part of the island. Here in the towns of Ragusa, Noto, Modica, Syracuse, and Catania we encountered buildings, in particular churches constructed in the baroque style. The Sicilian baroque style arouse after a massive earthquake in the 17^th century. From the total destruction caused by this natural disaster, the local inhabitants gained the opportunity to rebuild their homes according to the then fashionable baroque ideals. In particular, Sicilian baroque is best known for its theatricality. The elaborate three-tiered, concave church facades adorned with elaborate Corinthian columns and other recognizable curves and flourishes inescapably attract one’s eye. In many ways, the ornateness of Baroque architecture presents itself as a reflection of the heavenly splendor of God; its richness a defiant reaction to the simplicity propounded by Protestantism.

Additionally, it was interesting to see the distinct building materials used to construct the different churches. There was a great variety of local stone used; from the warm, honey-colored stone in Ragusa to the dark volcanic rock in Catania, located just beneath Mt. Etna’s snowy peak.

  It is impossible to convey the myriad emotions experienced during such a fun trip to such a  interesting place, but I hope my posts have given you a little taste of what we did this spring break. Thanks to my sweet, sweet classmates, my brilliant professors, and everyone at Bowdoin and in Italy who helped in the planning of il nostro vero viaggio. 

My last photo is of the main piazza in Catania, which I found aesthetically and psychically fascinating.  
 The better part of Catania was destroyed when Mount Etna erupted in the late 17th century, and it ended up being rebuilt it an interesting and intentional style. Much of the city — including the building you see here, as well as the cathedral — was rebuilt using volcanic rock, and throughout the city center, you see a deep, consistent, beautiful tone of slate and ash. It gives the lively downtown a hard-to-name ghostly feel. I was probably so struck by it because of the contradictions therein… The death of their city gave birth to a new one. The city’s vibrant, artful streets are a subtle homage to a destructive — but also somehow charitable — power. –AG

  
Following a trip that felt more like a dream-come-true, the gang boarded its first of a two-part flight back to the US, and, after a few seat-switching bargains, this quick selfie was taken to illustrate the joy Sicily had instilled within us, despite our dismay at the prospect of returning to a cold, snowy Brunswick. Beyond learning so much about Sicily and even the world, this trip galvanized old friendships and blossomed new ones. I’ll never forget the experiences and happiness we shared! 
~~Bonus pic~~

  
We are no longer Sicilian Padawans, but Sicilian Jedi masters. Especially Anna. The force is strong with that one.

I loved Siracusa. For many reasons, it’s very different from the image I had of Sicily before our grand tour. On a whole, Siracusa was definitely the most charming and romantic place we visited. I could talk for hours just about the almond-shaped piazza, but I’ll spare you. 

  
It’s not the best photo, but I hope the almond is at least suggested. 

Most spiritual moment in Siracusa goes to my cathartic sunset run along the sea on Ortigia (the historic island that the city stretches out over), during 90% of which I listened to “When We Were Young” by Adele.  

 –AG 

Day 6 was, for me, the most joyful day, mainly because of how capricious and varied it was. After departing from Ragusa, we skipped around from town to town with the loose objective of making it to Siracusa that evening. Here’s a photo of the cathedral in Modica, which kind of lords over a series of stairways and switchbacks that lead you through the town’s hilly streets and into its center.  

 After getting off the bus, my Italian classmates and I, for some reason, sort of wordlessly raced up the hundreds (?) of stairs to the amazing baroque church, which had the most fantastic view of green hills and sunbaked homes.  

 We then managed to find an open restaurant in a town that generally shuts down during the afternoon. The preparation of our piadine (they were exceptional) took forever, but we got them to-go and sprinted down the hundreds of steps once again as to not miss the bus. –AG