We docked in Port Empedocle, named after the great Greek pre-Socratic philosopher, and could see the line of extraordinary temples in Agrigento awaiting our visit. This part of Sicily from the mid-5th century BC was settled by Greeks and called Magna Graecia. The temples are all deliberately situated on a ridge, which allowed the ancient Greeks to vaunt their wealth and artistic skill. Originally, there may have been nine temples dedicated to the Olympian Gods. We began our visit at the temple of Hera, Zeus’s consort. This temple is in the severe Doric style and dates from between 450-430 BC. The site was continually inhabited until the 14th century. The Byzantines built their cemeteries in vaults hollowed out of the ancient walls. The Temple Concordia is the best preserved of the temples and is also in the Doric style. It dates from the mid-5th century and was converted by Christians in the 6th century and renamed the Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Its conversion to a church likely contributed to its excellent state of preservation.
6/1/2024
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Sea Cloud II
Pisa and Pietrasanta
Tonight, Sea Cloud II cast off from Livorno with the wind and waves, tilting the hull from port to starboard. Out on the lido deck, we leaned with the waves as we recapitulated the day—sticking with one of our main themes from the morning—the infamous Leaning Tower of Pisa. This evening, guests’ laughter and a spontaneous Pink Panther tune (thanks to our pianist, Nicolae Petrovici), accompanied a slideshow contest for the best Leaning Tower of Pisa photo from the day. Beyond the entertainment Pisa effortlessly provided, guests also had the chance to visit Pietrasanta. It was here that we enjoyed each other’s company in the Gatto Nero trattoria for a lunch brimming with local flavors. We dined on Tuscan cuisine with wine paired to perfection. Our dessert was scrumptious, but the real treat was visiting the Cervietti Marble Workshop. Guests got to witness art sculptures in the process of being created, as well as important pieces being restored. The delicate process of marble sculpting left us in awe. It was the best way to cap off a miraculous day.