The Eastern Coast

 In the city of Syracuse we find ruins from the Hellenic world and Christian Architecture mixed together. The largest Greek Theatre in Sicily, cut entirely out of the rock, is still used today for performances organized by the Institute of Ancient Drama. The Cathedral rose up on the site of the ancient temple of Athena which was turned into a Christian Basilica. Noteworthy are the elaborate statues of Morabitti on the steps leading up to the Cathedral, the wrought iron railings and a baptismal font from the Norman Age. The 'Santoni' sculptured in the rock are found in the district of Santicello, where there is also an archaeological site near "Palazzolo Acreide", itself a perfect example of Baroque Architecture. Taormina, a charming tourist town and a popular destination not only for Italians but for people from all over the world. The future of the Region rests upon the construction of the bridge across the strait which would give much needed impulse to the economy of the whole island. At the same time however, mounting attention is being paid to the National Parks in the area, which with the Nebrodi Mountains rank as some of the most beautiful in Sicily.