When you check into Casa Sigillo, you are just steps from history and have the romantic lure of the sea over the horizon. Located in the centuries-old city of Siracusa, the apartment's location is perfect for day trips along the eastern coast of Sicily. Air-conditioned and decorated with sophistication and comfort in mind, the property is a perfect destination for any season.

The interiors of Casa Sigillo are spectacularly lit, emphasizing the calming effect of the neutral white, cream and ivory backgrounds. Your eyes will be drawn first to the dramatic vaulted ceilings, then rest on the rich inlay trim of local stone, and dwell longest on the intriguing antiques and comfortable furniture just waiting to be enjoyed throughout the dwelling. The spacious living area includes a spacious, open kitchen; dining and sitting areas that lead to a sea-view balcony; and an office/den. Time seems to stand still in the alluring queen bedroom, which opens onto an ocean-front balcony and includes an en suite bathroom. A queen/twin bedroom with adjacent bathroom with shower also beckons invitingly. A third guest bathroom is conveniently positioned near the laundry facilities within the apartment. Throughout the property, expansive windows draw the eyes outward, to the ocean beyond.

Casa Sigillo offers an incomparable window on the world—allowing you to dream of days past, gaze peacefully out to sea, yet stay very much attuned to the world via satellite TV. The eastern coast of Sicily offers recreational and site-seeing opportunities galore, and is easily accessed by car for short day trips.

What to do in this area
Sicily offers a number of wonderful places to visit on daytrips or excursions, including Syracuse, Catania, Taormina and the utterly unforgettable volcanic peak of Mt. Etna.

Syracuse
Syracuse was a featured setting in Giuseppe Tornatore's film "Malena", starring Monica Bellucci, and is a city rich with history and artistic presence. Since 1914, the Instituto Nazionale Dramma Antico (INDA) has staged ancient comedies and tragedies in the city's Greek theatre—the dramatic season starts in early May and ends in June. The stunning Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum features sculptures and artifacts that reveal the sophisticated artistic achievement of Syracuse and her colonies. A stroll through the streets of Ortygia, where artisans create beautiful Sicilian pottery, leads to the fascinating baroque cathedral that incorporates an ancient temple to Athena. The art gallery of the Bellomo Palace boasts a notable collection that includes Caravaggio's Burial of St. Lucy and Antonello da Messina's Assumption. And don't miss the Fountain of Arethusa, site of the Greek legend.

Recommendations in Syracuse:
Instituto Nazionale Dramma Antico
www.indafondazione.org

Catania
After Palermo, Catania is the largest city in Sicily, and there are plenty of intruiging historical sites. There is a thriving artistic scene, crowned by the winter opera season showcased in the stunning world famous theatre Teatro Bellini. For a truly local food experience we suggest taking a trip to Santa Maria La Scala, a tiny fishing village along the cost of the city, for a meal at La Grotta.