I have gotten to explore Catania and now it is time to see other places Sicily has to offer. Living in Brucoli puts me at a day-trip reach to explore the eastern and southern coasts of this enchanting island. It also gives me the ability to access some inland cities that are worth visiting, like Ragusa.

The city I will be exploring next is notable for its rich Greek and Roman history, culture, amphitheaters, and architecture. It is famous for being the birthplace of the most brilliant mathematician, engineer, and inventor, Archimedes.

About Syracuse & Oritigia

Siracusa is an ancient town on the southeastern coast of Sicily that played an immense role as a Greek settlement. It has a superb archaeological zone, great gastronomy, and has a lovely historical centre on the island of Ortigia.

Siracusa (or Syracuse, as it is still often referred as in English) is a beautiful town, with plenty to see for at least a couple of days. This town is a fine cultural destination and very significant in developing the Mediterranean culture for over three millennia, which is why it is recognized by UNESCO‘s heritage list.

In modern days, while you are strolling down the narrow streets of this city, you will encounter the remains of the past such as temples, amphitheater’s, castles, churches, and so much more. You will get the sense of being in Siracusa during the medieval and baroque period. Also, enjoy the shopping and delicious food this destination has to offer.

Things To Do In Syracuse & Oritigia

Where should I even start? There is so much to do there, that decided to stay in Siracusa for two days. In no particular order, here are some of the things that I enjoyed while visiting the city.

Piazza Del Duomo Siracusa

Piazza Duomo, is like a treasure chest. You will find a few interesting things to see, but its main jewel on display in the square is certainly the Cathedral, located in the middle of the town’s square. Its impressive size and lavish structure, immediately imposes itself on every person walking by. Recognizable for its mighty Greek columns, it is an outstanding architectural masterpiece as well as a place of worship. Although it is now a place for the Catholic faith, throughout its history it has also been a Greek temple and mosque. This emblem truly represents the whole city and Sicily in general, which has always been the land of the most diverse cultural encounters.

The cathedral of Syracuse definitely stands out and dominates Piazza del Duomo; however, it is not the only attraction to see, as Piazza del Duomo is a treasure chest of inestimable value.

There are many historic buildings that overlook the square, such as the baroque Palazzo Beneventano dal Bosco, known for having hosted Admiral Nelson at the time of the Napoleonic battles, the Town Hall, and Palazzo Borgia Impellizzeri, just to name a few. There is no shortage of places of worship beyond the Duomo such as the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, where you can admire a painting by Caravaggio.

Piazza del Duomo is also known as a popular meeting point for many locals and tourists where several bars and restaurants have grown over time, allowing its guests to relax, enjoy the moment of pause and observe the surrounding architecture.

Archaeological Park OF Neopolis

I believe this park if often overlooked as most people head straight to the Island of Ortigia. Stopping at this archaeological wonder is highly recommended. Excavations carried out in the mid-twentieth century brought the theater back to the conditions in which it can be found today making it the epicenter of this attraction. There are about 85 acres that preserves the most important ancient monuments, that is found in the modern part of Syracuse.

There is so much more to write about this place. It could be its own blog post filled with history nerdiness, but I’ll save that for another day. Do not ignore this site. Click here to learn more.

Castello Maniace

Another divine architecture, the Maniace Castle in Oritgia impresses with its high historical value that captures the amazement of many visitors. It is located on a long strip of land that is fenced by the sea and overlooking the island of Ortigia. This castle dates back from 1232 to 1240 (during the rule of Friedrick II and Swabian domination in Sicily). Just outside the castle gate you can find a nice bar with a fine selection of wine and cocktails where festivals, such as the Ortigia Sound System and concerts are held.

The Maniace Castle is not the only castle built during this period in Eastern Sicily that bears witness to the power of the Swabians. The Ursino Castle of Catania and the Augusta Castle are also remarkable and worth visiting. Ursino is now open to the public, after its refurbishing, and it is a great venue for various events, such as weddings and art exhibits. Unfortunately, the castle in Augusta has become a victim of neglect by past administrations and is currently waiting to be restored.

Arethusa Spring

The Arethusa Spring can be found just a short walking distance from the Maniace Castle. It is a fresh water spring with an interesting legend behind it. Arethusa, as the nymph of a fresh water spring, held special significance for the Corinthian colonists who founded Syracuse. Access to fresh water was (and still is) indubitably one of the main priorities of any new city, and according to Greek mythology, this spring served as a link to home.

According to the legend, Arethusa had a spring in Greece, but was pursued by a male river god, so she escaped from her undersea world of Arcadia and arrived in Sicily. Thus, she (like the colonists) had roots to the motherland of Greece, but had firmly established herself and was flourishing in this new land.

Interesting fact, the Fountain of Arethusa, the river Ciane located south of Syracuse, and the river Fiume Freddo in the province of Catania, are the only places in Europe where papyrus grows.

Temple Of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo is a a clear testimonium to all visitors, that Siracusa is rich in history. It is located near the Piazza XXV Luglio and it is considered the oldest Doric temple in Sicily built by the Greeks in 7th to 6th century B.C. It was dedicated to Cleisthenes, known as a tyrant of Syracuse. The temple has massive proportions and it used to include six narrowly spaced columns on both sides. On the eastern part of the temple, you can find an inscription containing the Apollo tribute.

There is not much left to see, but if you want to discover more about the temple and its history, the Museum Paolo Orsi of Syracuse carries a scale model of the building and an educational video reconstruction of the internal parts of the ancient temple. Seeing it at night is also very enjoyable.

Fontana di Diana

At the center of Piazza Archimede stands a beautiful fountain of Diana sculpted by Giulio Moschetti in 1906 which tells the legend of Arethusa. The nymph is depicted in the act of fleeing from Alphaeus who, with his arms outstretched, tries to grab her.

   

Buildings that overlook the square and summarize the entire history of the island, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Clockwise you will see the Banco di Sicilia building, built in 1928 on a project by Salvatore Caronia, characterized by a portal framed by semi ashlar columns and by a second order marked by Ionic pilasters. To the east is the Pupillo Palace, dated built from 1773 – 1800, with a slightly convex facade, irregular with respect to Via Roma and Via Diana.

Walk Around Ortigia

Wandering around is a huge part of what I love about traveling. The best way to pick up the city vibe, in my opinion, is to simply go out for an evening walk. You will find a lot of nooks and crannies in Ortigia, therefore I suggest you just plunge in and get lost in this historical island.

It is quite difficult to get lost in Ortiga, since the island is about 1km long by 500 meters wide.

I promise, you will discover plenty of picturesque alleyways lined with plants, beautiful windows with wooden shutters and fluttering strings of fresh washed clothing blowing through the air, as well as a plenty of piazza’s and churches to explore.

Go To The Old Market Of Ortigia

Walk through Ortigia’s bustling market and let your senses explore a variety of colors, delicious flavors, and unique fragrances. Touch exotic produce and take in the roaring sound of the sheer atmosphere. I encourage you to speak to vendors, they will assist you by explaining their special inventory and often let you taste some samples hoping to land a sale. Try some cheeses, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and whatever else you can get your hands on.

You can find the market on Via Emmanuele on the northern side of the island.

Getting To Syracuse & Ortigia

Getting to Syracuse is very easy. It is well connected to the rest of Sicily due to its highway and roads. It is about 45 minutes south from Catania. I personally always recommend to use a vehicle to travel on your own terms, but there are also other options such as taking a train or a bus from Catania.

Conclusion

Syracuse quickly became one of my favorites places I have visited is Sicily. This little town can be enjoyed by the wanderluster, such as me, the archeological-history nerd, such as me, and the foodie, again, such as myself. Around every corner you find a pasticceria selling arancini,  lines of people waiting to get into a street bar serving refreshing spritz’s, or crowds heading to see a historical site.  There is so much to see and explore from the coast to the inner parts of the old city center. Make your way to Ortigia and you will not be disappointed

When you travel are you more of the explorer or the organized tourist guide? Leave comments questions below and I’ll respond as soon as possible.

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