And then there was Siracusa, or more specifically the island of Ortigia, joined to the mainland by bridges. Oh my! Architectural styles vary widely on this tiny island - Greek and Roman ruins, Medieval Norman buildings and loads of subtle Baroque details. With limestone as far as the eye can see and blown-out white skies, this spectacular little island stole my heart.
Taormina
Away across the Strait of Messina to Sicily and the first stop was Taormina. A beautiful, albeit touristy little town perched on a rocky promontory high above the Ionian sea. Its architecture is a gorgeous mix of Arab, Norman and Gothic and provided no shortage of picturesque moments.
Gerocarne - La Cittá dei Maestri Vasai
Gerocarne - The City of the Master Potters. First stop on my recent European adventure was Gerocarne. A small town of less than two thousand people, nestled in a valley in the Province of Vibo Valentia, Calabria. Historically a town of potters, though few remain, it is filled with beautiful moments of colour, stone and concrete.
Geelong Library
I haven't spent a great deal of time in Geelong but after a few visits recently, I'm on board. As manufacturing opportunities fade Geelong is making a push to become a place of arts and innovation. The impressive, award winning Geelong library by ARM Architecture, completed in 2015, is definitely a step in the right direction.