This is a gem of a location on so many levels. Ortigia is a beautiful old city, and it was really special to get to stay in one of the buildings on one of those narrow paths that tourists are always taking pictures of! But this was just off the beaten track, so I was the only tourist taking pics of this particular neighborhood. It’s on the bottom floor, so NO steps to carry your luggage up, and the “street” it’s on is bright and clean, with only the occasional scooter revving past, or neighbors talking (this was Easter weekend). You don’t hear the loud city noise or traffic at all, just the sounds of Italian people living their lives, in close quarters (this isn’t the countryside!). I walked here from the bus station with my rolling luggage, about 15 minutes, but later realized there is a D’amare shuttle for only .50 euro down the street. It was such a beautiful day, and so easy to walk there using Google maps. The D’amare shuttle also takes you to the sites, like the Archaeological Park and theater, catacombs, and latomie dei capuchin rock quarry, for just €2 all day. There is a little grocery store around the corner from their apartment with a deli selling fresh meats, cheeses, and Italian food to go, and groceries. I got eggs, bread, juice, and fruit for breakfast, as well as fresh marinated artichoke hearts and baked eggplant to add to my leftover focaccia from lunch (also chips, beer, and wine for later). There are at least 10 places selling gelato a few blocks away. Once you enter, you realize the pictures didn’t do this 1 bedroom apartment justice!! You can still see the old wood ceiling beams, that beautiful stone archway, and other historical architectural features, but everything’s been white-washed into lovely cream colors. Then the renovations add beautiful natural wood and tile on walls and floor, new doors and cabinets, and stylish (but basic, like IKEA) furniture. I’d guess this place is around 800 sq. feet (sorry, American here) and since I live in 450 sq. feet I thought the size was spacious. Perfect for 2 adults, or a very happy family of 3 or 4, with polite children ;-) One fun feature to discover is the laundry drying rack outside that triangular window by the bathroom. How do you get out there? Then I realized that what I thought were floating wood shelves in the whitewashed brick wall were actually steps leading up! One was loose, so I wouldn’t try it, but that is so fun! The bed and pillows are soft, and I slept much better than on the rock-hard ones I’ve experienced elsewhere in Italy. It might be memory foam, not sure, but also basic level. Soft snuggly bedding too, and the wall heater kept me warm. 2 Cable tvs with 100+ Italian channels, excellent WiFi, great lighting and plugs everywhere, new fixtures and bathroom appliances... I wish I could...