Page 365 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

P. 365

performed each year (May and June, usually Tues–Sun from around 6.45pm) at the

Teatro Greco in the Parco Archeologico. It’s a real spectacle, though performances
are in Italian only. Tickets range from €32 to €64, but vary from performance to
performance according to availability, with cheaper last-minute tickets available for
some performances. Get details on the INDA website or from Siracusa’s tourist
offices; tickets are available at the INDA box office or online.

Piccolo Teatro dei Pupi Via della Giudecca 17 0931 465 540 or 328 532 6600,

pupari.com. Traditional puppet shows by the Vaccaro-Mauceri family, Siracusa’s
pre-eminent puppeteers, are held at least twice weekly between March and Oct (twice
daily in Aug, and daily late Dec to early Jan) in their thriving theatre. You can check
up-to-date schedules on the website; behind-the-scenes tours and special shows take
place throughout the year. Tickets €7.50.

SHOPPING IN SIRACUSA

At Fonte Aretusa, shining like a pearl among the tourist tat, is Circo Fortuna, Via
Capodieci 10 (Mon–Sat 10am–1pm & 5–7pm; 347 216 3374, circofortuna.it;
map), where Caroline Van Riet creates quirky and original ceramics that will make
you think of Ortigia and smile, when you get back home. Alessia Genovese’s

workshop-store, Artesania, behind the temple of Apollo at Via dell’Apollonion 5
(Mon–Sat 10am–1pm & 5–8pm; 0931 21 778; map), is the source of the inspired
furniture and smaller objects made from driftwood and reclaimed window frames,
beams, doors, planks – that you will find in Ortigia’s boutique hotels and bars. She
and her collaborators also create gorgeous textiles and knits – dyeing the yarns

themselves from esoteric potions of Mediterranean plants. At Sete d’Incanto, Via
Roma 27 (Mon–Sat 11am–2pm & 6–8.30pm; 333 594 4518,
silkinortigia.wordpress.com; map), owner-artist Elene Moreau is inspired by
Ortigia’s architectural forms and natural elements to produce her hand-painted silk
scarves and wall-hangings. For carefully sourced clothes and shoes from niche
designers, head to Via Cavour 38 (Mon–Wed & Fri–Sun 11.30am–8pm; no phone;

map); for designer and high-street clothes, try the shops along Corso Matteotti.