Siracusa | Syracuse

 

Siracusa was at one time a major power of the Mediterranean world. Described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all". In the 5th Century BC it was equal in size to Athens. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just outside the town is the impressive parco archeologico della neaplis containing the remains of the Greek theatres and some extensive quarries. On our 2000 trip we mainly spend time in the architectural ruins. But don't miss the city. We concentrated on that on our 2003 visit and it is well worth a good day of your itinerary.

The archaeological site is northwest of the centre of town. Of note is the Greek amphitheatre dating to the 5th Century BC. Its cavea is amongst the largest ever built. There are 59 rows and with this, the theatre could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. An annual Greek theatre festival takes place from the middle of May to the end of June. Personally, I preferred visiting the temples in Agrigento more than this site.

The old stone quarries (latomie) are over the ridge from the theatre. The “Ear of Dionysius”, is a 20m-high, slender pointed arch cut into the rock face that develops inwards for about 65m. The name dates back to the 1608 visit by Caravaggio. The legend is that it was used by Tryant Dionysius to be a prison for his enemies. The excellent Cathedral-like acoustics meant that he could hear their conversations from outside.

The Roman amphitheatre, 3rd Century AD, is one of the largest.

From Syracuse you can travel to the Island of Ortygia. It is small, 1km by 500 metres and has Greek and Roman remains, Mediaeval Norman and Baroque architecture. There are trattorias and bars.

The town itself is very interesting with impressive architecture. The town sits on an island. Just cross the bridge from the mainland and you are there. The Corso Matteotti leads to the Piazza Archimede.

At the Piazzo del Duomo is the impressive Cathedral, of course built on the site of an ancient Temple of Athena. The original Doric columns are built into the building. In addition to the cathedral is the baroque-styled Palazzo Beneventano and the church of Santa Lucia.

The market is to the left when you cross the bridge and in the morninging there is an array of fruit, vegetables, fish and meat. The shop at the end of the market, “I Sapori dei Gusti Smarriti” which mens flavours of lost tastes has cheeses, cured meats, wines, and other Sicilian delicacies produced by the shop owner.

There is a maze of streets to walk and eventually you will reach the Castello Maniace, a bastion built by Frederick II in 1239. You will not forget the view of the sea and the town.