Syracuse is a beautiful city, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, boasting different styles and varied, and the historical and artistic sites are plentiful, all with great charm, churches, squares, archaeological sites, the list is endless. But Syracuse is also the sea, beaches and natural beauty with protected areas. Finally, it is also a place where abound typical Sicilian recipes and own the Syracusan cuisine having its “main dishes” in fish dishes. So a stop in Sicily not to be missed.
The island of Ortigia is the center of the beautiful city of Syracuse, the primitive inhabited nucleus where see centuries of history, art and culture that have marked this city.
The island is connected to the mainland via the Ponte Umbertino which allows direct switch from Syracuse city to the island of Ortigia.
Greek Theatre
Built by Hieron II in the same area where there was a more ancient theater dedicated to the memory of Aeschylus (ca. 524-456 BC) of Eleusis, the first of the great Greek tragedians, and Epicarpo (VI-V BC), of Syracuse, father of Greek comedy.
Roman amphitheater
The imposing building of the Amphitheatre dates back to the III-IV century. BC, is one of the largest of the late Roman world.
Ear of Dionysius
The name of this artificial cave, so named by Michelangelo Merisi, Caravaggio, when in 1586, he visited the Paradise Latomie and the cave, the entrance to the resemblance of the cavity, with the human ear. Since this episode was born the legend that Dionysus had to dig the cave to use it as a prison to hear the whisperings of his prisoners, given the extraordinary acoustic properties still existing today in the giant cave.
Temple of Apollo
It is considered the oldest Doric temple – periptero of Sicily, stable at the beginning of the sixth century. B.C.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Located on the right bank of the river Ciane rise the remaining two Doric columns that were part of the temple dedicated to the Lord of Olympus.
Source Ciana
The banks of the mythical river that flows from the source offer a peculiar and delightful itinerary among the lush vegetation of papyrus plants, ash and willows that grow wild along the river route of seven kilometers from the source to the mouth. The greek name comes from the color of its waters, cyanos – blue.
Cathedral
The Cathedral of Syracuse is on the island of Ortigia, on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Athena
Roman Gymnasium
It is an ancient monument dating back to the second half of Iº century A.D. which included a small theater, a temple and a porch.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears
It was erected in memory of the miracle that, according to the Syracusans, saw tears in 1953 plaster image of Mary, at the bedside of a married couple.
Eurialo Castle
The Euryalus Castle, perched atop the ancient Epipoli district. Commissioned by Dionysius I, especially for defensive purposes, it was built between 402 and 397 BC and it represents an extraordinary example of military architecture of Greek antiquity.
Catacombs of St. John
Under St John the Evangelist Church, expand the homonymous catacombs, beautiful underground caverns, considered superior to that of Naples and Rome. The extensive labyrinth dates back to IV-V century.
Vermexio Palace
Also called “Palace of the Senate”, it is home to the City of Syracuse. Looks out on Piazza Duomo, and parts of its foundations are built on the remains of a Ionic temple of the late sixth century BC
Bellomo Palace
It located in the southern part of the island of Ortigia, and it is home to the eponymous Regional Gallery of medieval and modern art. Built between the thirteenth and fourteenth century.
Archbishop’s Palace
The Archbishop’s Palace is located in Piazza Duomo. The first building dates back to the Swabian domination.
Basilica of Saint Lucia extra Moenia
Also known as the Basilica of Saint Lucia to the tomb. Tradition wants that the basilica is built over the site where Lucy was martyred in 304, during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. It arose in the Byzantine period (sixth century), and the church was damaged by earthquakes and by the Muslim domination. It was then rebuilt in the Norman era (XII century).
Church of San Martino
The Church of St. Martin is located on the homonymous street and is one of the oldest churches in Syracuse. probably built in the sixth century.
Maniace Castle
The building is one of the most important monuments of the Swabian period of Syracuse
Due to the Emperor Frederick II of Swabia, he entrusted the construction to the architect Riccardo da Lentini between 1232 and 1239, shortly after returning from the Crusades to the Holy Land.
The castle stands on the tip of Ortigia, in control of the port and the city of Syracuse. (Island of Ortigia)
Aqueduct Galermi
Built in 480 BC from the greek tyrant Gelo, who used the Carthaginians survivors translated into chains in Syracuse after the battle of Imera. Since the nineteenth century, the use of the aqueduct was restored, so that its effectiveness still relies on water supply system of the city.
Senate Palace
The Senate Palace, now the Town Hall, in the basement preserves the remains of an ancient Ionic temple of the sixth century B.C .. The building was designed and built by Giovanni Vermexio (1629-1634). (Piazza Duomo – Syracuse)
Ierone
One of the most representative monuments of the richness of the classical Syracuse is, the giant altar (third century BC) dedicated to Zeus Eleuterio. Built by Hieron for the public sacrifices. (Open every day from 9 to 18)
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Syracuse, housed in the villa’s garden lanolin, is among the most important in Europe. Its origins date back to 1780, when the bishop Alagona inaugurated a Museum of the Seminary.
Arkimedeion Museum
In Syracuse opened the interactive museum dedicated to Archimedes
Archimedes Technopark
It is an open air museum included in the park of the Neapolis archaeological area of Syracuse, where are exposed numerous full-scale specimens of war machines dating from the third century. B.C. and Archimedean experiments.
Sepulchres Street
Leading to the hill Temenite theater, the route stretches for 150 meters, and its peculiarity is that it followis a path carved into the rock with a shape of “s”. In the street walls are carved grooves dated back to the worship of the dead heroes.
