Syracuse — Destination in Sicily

The main things to see in Syracuse are in two places: the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, with its Greek theater, the Ear of Dionysius and the Roman amphitheater, and the old town of Ortygia, home to the Tempio di Apollo, Piazza del Duomo and Castello Maniace. Along the coast near the city, the Plemmirio marine reserve and the beaches of Fontane Bianche and Arenella round out a visit.

Syracuse (Italian: Siracusa), known as the “Pearl of the Greeks,” sits on the southeast coast of Sicily and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its history spans 2,700 years. In the ancient world it ranked among the mightiest cities of the Mediterranean, and today it is a busy provincial city where Greek, Roman and Baroque buildings stand side by side.

Syracuse sights: the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis

The Parco Archeologico della Neapolis is an archaeological site laid out as a park in the newer part of Syracuse. Its centerpiece is the Greek theater. Inside the Latomia del Paradiso, an ancient stone quarry, you find the cave known as the Ear of Dionysius, and the grounds also hold the Roman amphitheater.

In summer, plan to come in the morning, before the sun climbs too high. The entrance is at Viale Teocrito 66.

Ortygia, the old town

Ortygia (Italian: Ortigia) is the historic center of Syracuse, a maze of winding alleys where most of the city's sights are concentrated. The remains of the Tempio di Apollo, a Greek temple, date from the city's beginnings. Around Piazza Archimede you'll see the Fontana di Artemide, a fountain drawn from local mythology, and a ring of noble palazzi.

The alleys lead up to Piazza del Duomo, the highest point of the old town, framed by Baroque architecture. This is the religious center of the city and the site of the Duomo S. Maria delle Colonne, a cathedral that grew out of an ancient temple and combines several architectural styles.

At the southern tip of Ortygia stands Castello Maniace, a fortress built in the 13th century to guard the port. From its walls the view stretches far along the coast.

Ortygia is at its best in the afternoon, when the light turns the facades honey-yellow. To see the old town from the water, take a boat trip around the island and out to the nearby caves.

The coast around Syracuse

South of the city lies the Plemmirio marine protected area, a destination for snorkelers and divers. For swimming and lying in the sun, there are the beaches of Fontane Bianche and Arenella.

Day trips from Syracuse

Nearby, the necropolis of Pantalica is worth a visit. Syracuse also makes a base for Baroque Noto, the town of Modica, and Taormina, which has its own Greek theater and a view of Mount Etna.

Parking and addresses

Day visitors, especially in high season, should park outside Ortygia. One option is the paid Molo Sant'Antonio parking lot (Via Bengasi / Via Rodi), about a 5-minute walk from Ortygia.