Casa Verbavolant in Syracuse, Sicily

Casa VerbaVolant is a guesthouse run by book publishers Fausta and Elio, who have decorated the entire property with over 60 vintage typewriters and thousands of books. Guests can use the typewriters in their rooms and the library, which includes books in several languages including children's titles. The communal spaces feature temporary art galleries and a quiet reading area, all set within a historic building with tiled and parquet floors.

Each room is air-conditioned and named after a typewriter model, such as Gill Sans or Baskerville, with a private bathroom and daily housekeeping. Rooms are spacious, with large windows and comfortable beds, and are located on a pedestrian street on the fourth floor with a lift. Despite the central location, the rooms are quiet at night, offering a restful stay.

Breakfast is served buffet-style in-room, featuring a different selection of local Sicilian specialities each morning, including fresh pastries, cheese, fruits, and homemade bread. Guests can enjoy a pistachio cappuccino and various local beverages, with vegetarian and vegan options always available. The hosts often provide wrapped leftover pastries for afternoon tea, and the fridge is stocked with complimentary water and local sodas throughout the day.

The guesthouse sits on a pedestrian street in the historical center of Ortigia, a two-minute walk from Syracuse Cathedral and five minutes from Aretusa Beach. Guests are steps away from Tempio di Apollo, Castello Maniace, and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. The area is filled with restaurants and shops, yet the building remains quiet inside thanks to its thick historic walls.

The hosts provide a detailed orientation upon arrival, including a curated list of restaurant and sightseeing recommendations. Guests have access to a washing machine and dryer, a communal kitchen, and beach towels and umbrellas for trips to the local beaches. Additional services include babysitting upon request and board games and puzzles available in the common area.

Theme: Literary B&B with 61 vintage typewriters and book collection

Breakfast: Daily local Sicilian breakfast with pistachio cappuccino

Location: Central Ortigia, 2 min from Syracuse Cathedral

Services: Laundry facilities, beach towels & umbrella, communal kitchen

Extras: Babysitting request, board games, temporary art galleries