What to see in Syracuse

Syracuse: one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily

Syracuse is one of the most beautiful cities in the Sicily: it is located on the Ionian coast. E’ a magnificent area loved by everyone both for its beauty but also for the breathtaking sea and the excellent food it offers.

It is also known for its ancient ruins.

Curiosity

Syracuse was the only city to be rival to Athens. The Greek philosopher Plato he visited it three times because he thought it was the right city to found the “your” Republic.

10 attractions to see in Syracuse

The guide described below will explain in detail what Syracuse offers:

• Ortigia: it is an island just over a kilometer in size that they call “The Rock (the rock). E’ considered one of the most beautiful inhabited islands in the world. However despite being considered an island it is not entirely because it is connected to the mainland since Ponte Umbertino and from Santa Lucia bridge;
• The dome: it is a construction that has accepted all religions. It was a jonic temple, siculo, Doric dedicated to Athena, then Roman, it was also a mosque and finally the first Christian church of Europe Norman style;
• Santa Lucia alla Badia and Caravaggio: it is an almost anonymous church when compared to the beauty of the Duomo. The interior is bare and has a monastic style due to the result of the many renovations that have taken place over time. Yet this church is much loved by the Syracusans because Saint Lucia was born in Syracuse where she was martyred in 304;
• The Archaeological Park of Neapolis: this park was saved from the damage of the urbanization that attacked the Sicilian city. The Greek theatre, l’Ear of Dionysus, l’Amphitheater, the Temple of Gerone it is to Tomb of Archimedes they are the most important testimonials in Europe: also fall as World Heritage;
• Castello Maniace: the Castello Maniace is located on the wonderful pedestrian area of ​​the waterfront Alfeo. E’ a very scenic and crowded castle in the summer;
• The Catacombs of San Giovanni it is to Crypt of San Marciano: They are near the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. It is a fascinating one open-air basilica which is in its basement the Greek aqueduct that the Romans turned into catacombs to accommodate the dead;
• Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi: is located in Villa Landolina. Here are kept all the treasures of Syracuse that was dedicated to Paolo Orsi (archaeologist who discovered the main archaeological sites in Syracuse). It exhibits portraits from the Roman era, terracotta finds and Old Testament scenes carved in white marble;
• Palazzo Bellomo Museum: it was built by the Swabians and was a convent which later became the property of the Bellomo family. Since '48 it houses a collection of both Syracusan and Sicilian works of art from the Arab era, Byzantine and Norman.