Syracuse archaeological heritage
What to See in Syracuse and Province
Syracuse, located in the southeastern part of Sicily, has a very ancient history, dating back to Greek colonization.
It was certainly the most important city in the whole of Magna Graecia and was founded by the Corinthians in 733 BC.
Syracuse is renowned for its archaeological heritage, exquisite cuisine, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Below, we will explore some of the main attractions this beautiful city has to offer.
The Greek Theater and the Neapolis Archaeological Park.
The Neapolis Archaeological Park represents one of the main tourist destinations in Syracuse. Inside, you can admire the Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysius (an artificial cave known for its exceptional acoustics), the Roman Amphitheater, and the Latomia del Paradiso, an ancient stone quarry dating back to the Greek period.
The island of Ortigia
It forms the heart of the historic center of Syracuse. The island of Ortigia is a place full of attractions. These include the Cathedral, Maniace Castle, Bellomo Palace, Temple of Apollo, Montalto Palace and the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia. In addition, Ortigia offers a wide range of restaurants, bars and stores, ideal for savoring local cuisine and making great purchases.
The Fountain of Arethusa
Also in Ortigia, in the historic center, is the Fountain Arethusa, famous for its natural beauty and the presence of papyrus and other aquatic plants. According to one legend, the spring was created by the goddess Diana, who transformed the nymph Arethusa into a spring of water to enable her to escape the advances of the god Alphaeus.
The Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia
The church of Santa Lucia alla Badia is located in Piazza Duomo in Syracuse and dedicated to the patron saint of Syracuse. Originally the site of a 15th-century monastery, it was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake. Reconstruction took place between 1695 and 1703, under the direction of architect Luciano Caracciolo. The church has a Baroque facade facing the square. Inside, it is decorated with four Baroque altars from 1705 and frescoes from 1783 depicting the Triumph of Saint Lucy. The church also has an important silver altar frontal made in 1729 by silversmith Francesco Tuccio.
Maniace Castle
Located on the tip of the island of Ortigia in Syracuse, Maniace Castle is a fortress built in the 13th century under Emperor Frederick II. With its impressive architecture and strategic location, the castle has played a crucial role in the defense of the city over the centuries.
The Temple of Apollo
One of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily, the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse dates back to the 6th century BC. Although only the columns and a few structures remain today, the temple is an extraordinary testimony to the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
The Shrine of Saint Lucy at the Sepulcher
This ancient place of worship is dedicated to Saint Lucy, the patron saint of Syracuse. Located in the heart of the city, the shrine is right next to the saint’s tomb and is an important place of pilgrimage for devotees. One point of interest is the large canvas of the “Burial of St. Lucy” painted in 1608 by Caravaggio in Syracuse. This painting, after several moves, returned to the church of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro in 2020.
Shrine of Our Lady of Tears
Built between 1966 and 1994, this modern shrine is dedicated to the 1953 Lacrimations of an enameled plaster picture of Our Lady. Its distinctive conical shape and grandeur make it one of the main places of worship in Sicily.
Pantalica
Located in the heart of southeastern Sicily, Pantalica is an archaeological and natural site of great importance. With more than 5,000 rock-cut tombs dating from the Bronze and Iron Ages, Pantalica represents one of the island’s major prehistoric sites. Together with the nearby city of Syracuse, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
The Ciane River and Salt Pans Nature Reserve
The Ciane River and Saline Nature Reserve is another must-see nature attraction in Syracuse. It is a protected area of great environmental importance, with a rich variety of fauna and flora, including waterfowl, fish and plants. Papyrus grows luxuriantly along its banks. The reserve is located a few kilometers from Syracuse, and is open to the public for guided tours and excursions.
The Oriented Nature Reserve "Cava Grande del Cassibile"
The Oriented Nature Reserve “Cava Grande del Cassibile” is another natural attraction not to be missed and extends between the territories of Syracuse, Avola and Noto. It is a protected area, with ponds and waterfalls, of great environmental importance, with a rich variety of fauna and flora, including waterfowl, fish and plants. The reserve is located in the Cassibile area, a few kilometers from the provincial capital, and is open to the public for guided tours and excursions, although some parts are currently closed to the public for security reasons.
The Markets of Syracuse
Market of Ortigia
The Ortigia market is one of the most fascinating places in Syracuse, where you can experience authentic Sicilian culture and flavors. Here you can find a wide range of fresh and local products, such as cheeses, cured meats, spices, vegetables, and seafood. Among the cheeses, pecorino and caciocavallo cheeses stand out, while among the cured meats you can enjoy prosciutto and salami. Fresh fish, freshly caught by local fishermen, is the real star of the market, with a variety that includes sea bass, sea bream, bream, shrimp and squid. For those looking for a quick snack, however, arancini, panelle and cannoli are among the island’s most popular street food specialties. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it is recommended to visit early in the morning to enjoy the best selection of fresh produce.
The Ancient Market
The Ancient Market of Syracuse, located near the Temple of Apollo in Ortigia, is a historic building dating back to 1900. Although currently open only for special events, it represents a significant part of Syracuse’s history and culture.
The Castle of Euryalus
The Castle of Euryalus is another must-see historical attraction in Syracuse. It is a castle dating from the time of the tyrant Dionysius I, between 402 and 397 BC, with remains of towers, walls and fortifications. The castle is located in the Epipoli area, and is open to the public for guided tours.
The Bellomo Civic Museum
The Museo Civico Bellomo is another cultural attraction not to be missed in Syracuse. An ancient Swabian palace houses a collection of art and historical objects from the city, including ceramics, sculptures and paintings, and Antonello da Messina’s exceptional masterpiece Annunciation. The museum is located in the heart of the historic center of Ortigia, and is open to the public for guided tours.
The Archaeological Park of Akrai
The Archaeological Park of Akrai is another historical attraction not to be missed. It is located in Palazzolo Acreide, ancient Akrai, which, according to Thucydides, was the oldest of the subcolonies of Syracuse, founded in 664 BC. The archaeological area, located on the plateau between the two valleys of Tellaro and Anapo, has remains of a theater, a bouleterion dating from the 3rd century B.C., and an archaic temple from the second half of the 6th century B.C., identified with the temple of Aphrodite. The site is open to the public for guided tours.
The Roman Villa of Tellaro
The Roman Villa of Tellaro is another must-see attraction near Syracuse. It is a Roman villa dating from the first century AD, with remains of mosaics and frescoes, as well as a garden with pools and fountains. The villa is located in the area between Pachino and Noto, a few kilometers from Syracuse.
The Feast of Saint Lucy
Syracuse celebrates its patron saint, who was born, lived and was martyred in this city, twice a year: on December 13 and the first Sunday in May. In December there are two processions, which are well attended, with the artistic silver simulacrum carried on the shoulders from the cathedral to the Church of the Sepulcher, to return to the cathedral after seven days. In May, a procession is held from the cathedral to the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, with the impressive throwing of doves to commemorate the miracle performed by the saint in 1646 to avert a famine.
Syracuse: precious gem of the Val del Noto
Syracuse, with its extraordinary blend of history, culture and nature, is one of Sicily’s most precious pearls. From the ancient splendors of the Neapolis Archaeological Park and the Temple of Apollo, to the lively atmosphere of the Island of Ortigia and its markets, to the serenity of nature reserves such as the Ciane River and the Cava Grande del Cassibile, the city is steeped in millennia-old myths. Monuments such as the Temple of Apollo, the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, the Bellomo Civic Museum and the Catacombs of San Giovanni testify to Syracuse’s rich historical heritage. The list of Syracuse’s wonders continues beyond the main monuments. Every street, square and building is the custodian of a story to be discovered, offering visitors the opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in a place where every corner tells the magic of a timeless past.
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