Syracuse

<< Sicily

Syracuse (Siracusa) is a city located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, known for its rich history. Founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BCE, Syracuse grew to become one the major powers in the Mediterranean, and by the 5th century BCE it was as rich and powerful as Athens. After centuries of prosperity, Syracuse was conquered by the Romans, and slowly declined. The city then mostly followed the history of the rest of Sicily, remaining one of the main centers on the island. Syracuse is now a tourist destination known for its ancient ruins and many historic sites. The old town of Syracuse is located on the island of Ortygia (Ortigia), just off the coast of Sicily.

✪ Archaeological Park of Neapolis

The Archaeological Park of Neapolis (Parco Archeologico della Neapolis) is a large archaeological area housing several ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman Syracuse. Among the most notable landmarks in the park are a Greek theater dating from the 5th century BCE, and a Roman amphitheater built in the early Imperial period. The park also houses the ruins of various other structures, including an altar and a vast necropolis which includes what might be the tomb of Archimedes. Inside the park is also a natural area with various caves, most notably the Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio). The medieval Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari is located at the entrance of the park.

✪ Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum

The Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi) is a large archaeological museum in Syracuse. Regarded as one of the most important archaeological museum in Europe, its huge collection includes numerous artworks, objects, and findings dating from prehistory, the Greek era, and the Roman period, until the Early Middle Ages.

✪ Syracuse Cathedral

The Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo di Siracusa) is the main church of the city, located on the island of Ortygia. This was once the site of a Greek temple built in the 6th century BCE, which was incorporated into a church in the 7th century. The building was later turned into a mosque in 878, and became a church once again in 1093. The church was later reworked and its current appearance dates from the 18th century. The cathedral features an elaborate Baroque facade adorned with statues, while inside there are numerous artworks. Some sections of the ancient Greek temple are still visible today. Adjacent to the church is the Palazzo Arcivescovile, which houses a historic library.

✪ Maniace Castle

The Maniace Castle is an ancient castle located at the southern end of the island of Ortygia in Syracuse. The fort was erected in the 13th century over some previous structures, and was later expanded and reworked. The castle was for centuries the residence of the queens of Sicily, and was later used as a prison. Now it is open to tourists, and it is one of the most famous landmarks of the city.

Fountain of Arethusa

The Fountain of Arethusa (Fonte Aretusa) is a natural spring located on the coast of the island of Ortygia in Syracuse. According to Greek mythology, this was the place where the nymph Arethusa returned to Earth’s surface after escaping from the sea. Mentioned by many writers since ancient times, this place is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city.

Regional Gallery of Palazzo Bellomo

The Regional Gallery of Palazzo Bellomo (Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo) is a museum of art and archaeology hosted in a medieval palace in Syracuse. The museum houses a rich collection of artworks, mostly by Sicilian artists, as well as various archaeological findings.

Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia

The Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia is a historic church in the old town Syracuse, located near the city’s cathedral. Built in the 15th century and restored in the 18th century, it features a Baroque facade, and houses various artworks and decorations.

Pupi Museum

The Pupi Museum (Museo dei Pupi) is a museum in the old town of Syracuse. The museum is dedicated to the traditional marionettes of the Opera dei Pupi, and features numerous historic pieces and some exhibitions on the history of this tradition.

Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo) is an ancient Greek temple located on the northern end of the island of Ortygia in Syracuse. Built in the 6th century BCE, it is one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily, and was later turned into a Byzantine church and then a mosque. The area later became a church once again, and then was used as military barracks. Later excavated, various ruins of the temple are still visible.

Sanctuary of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro

The Sanctuary of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro (Santuario di Santa Lucia al Sepolcro) is a historic church in Syracuse, built by the Normans around the 12th century. The building was later reworked in Renaissance and Baroque style, and houses a painting by Caravaggio. The sanctuary was erected in what is traditionally regarded as the site of the martyrdom of Saint Lucia in 303. A smaller temple is located next to the church.

Church of San Giovanni alle Catacombe

The Church of San Giovanni alle Catacombe is an ancient church in Syracuse. The building was erected in the Early Middle Ages and reworked various times, especially after being damaged by an earthquake in 1693. Underneath the church is a vast complex of catacombs.