How to Explore the Stunning Siracusa Archeological Park
As Roman and Greek history came together, two of the most significant ancient archaeological sites from both civilizations are situated next to one another in the modern part of Syracuse. The Neapolis Archaeological Park of Siracusa contains the stunning Greek and Roman ruins that together make one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy.
I highly recommend you make time to check out this historic center, often missed by visitors to Ortigia. There are about 85 acres that preserve the most important ancient monuments and here are some of the highlights you don’t want to miss.
GREEK THEATRE OF SYRACUSE
The Greek Theater of Syracuse is today’s most popular monument, but also in antiquity it had great international fame and prestige being the most important building for shows of the Greek-western world, which showcased their civil architecture. It was also used as a place of worship, large popular gatherings, was used for public trials, and in Roman times, it was also adapted for circus and a variety of exhibitions.
The Archaeological Park, along with the entire city of Siracusa, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, a distinction that is well deserved.
ROMAN AMPHITHEATRE
Syracuse’s Roman Amphitheater is one of the largest ever built and it is dated back to the third century AD. It is completely excavated in the rock, except in the south side. In the sixteenth century the Spaniards used the large square blocks that characterized it to build the defense bastions of.
Almost nothing of the superstructure, which was built from masonry, survives, but one can imagine how it once stood.
ARA OF HIERON II
To the west of the Roman Amphitheater, is the Altar of Hieron II (dating back to 3rd century BC). It was dedicated to Jupiter Liberator (Zeus Eleutherios), in honor of which the feast of Eleutheria was celebrated, with the sacrifice of 450 bulls at a time.
It is a massive monument with two entrances, one to the south and the other on north. The northern entrance was once flanked by two Telamons, which only the feet of one of them, the right side, remain. The base are the only remains left of the building due to the Spanish demolishing it in the 16th century.
LATOMIA DEL PARADISO
Beside the theatre you will find the mysterious Latomia del Paradiso, a deep limestone quarry where stone for the ancient city was extracted. Peppered with catacombs and crowded with citrus and magnolia trees, it was also used as an open air prison for 7000 survivors of the war between Syracuse and Athens in 413 BC.
The Orecchio di Dionisio (Ear of Dionysius), a 23 meter-tall grotto extending 65 meters into the cliffside, was named after the tyrant Dionysius, who is said to have used the almost perfect acoustics of the quarry to eavesdrop on his prisoners.
HOW TO GET TO THE ARCHEOLOGICAL PARK
To reach the park from Ortygia, take Sd’A Trasporti minibus 2 (€1, 15 minutes) from Molo Sant’Antonio, on the west side of the main bridge into Ortygia; you can purchase tickets on-board. If you decide to walk from Ortygia, expect about 30 minutes. If you are driving expect to pay for parking, free parking is limited on Viale Augusto.
There are two ticket offices: one is near the corner of Via Cavallari and Viale Augusto, further from the main sites. The second office will put you near the actual ruins. You will find cafe’s and a restaurant between the second ticket office and the Roman Amphitheatre.
ENTRANCE TICKET:
Full ticket: € 10,00
Reduced ticket: € 5,00
GUIDED TOURS:
MONDAY – WEDNESDAY – FRIDAY | 10.30 am
TUESDAY – THURSDAY – SATURDAY | 04.00 pm
CONCLUSION
If you are in Syracuse exploring Ortygia for a day, I recommend you dedicate a few hours in the morning to enjoy this archeological park. It is a beautiful park where you can enjoy a nice brisk walk and admire some ancient architectural ruins and see where Roman and Greek culture clashed.
What are some of your favorite archeological sites you have visited? Leave comments and questions below and I will respond as soon as possible.
