Syracuse
Italy · Sicily · 17 m
Description
Syracuse (Siracusa) is one of Sicily’s most historically significant cities, picturesquely situated on the Ionian coast in the southeast of the island. The city is renowned for the historic old town of Ortigia, with its Baroque palaces, winding streets, ancient temples and the legendary Fountain of Arethusa, as well as the extensive Neapolis Archaeological Park. Syracuse uniquely combines Greek and Roman heritage with Baroque architecture, Mediterranean city life and timeless beauty. Together with the Rock Necropolis of Pantalica, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands as one of the most impressive testimonies to the Mediterranean’s millennia-old cultural history.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – June
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Ortigia Island & Historic Old Town
- Neapolis Archaeological Park & Greek Theatre
- Syracuse Cathedral & Temple of Athena
- Piazza del Duomo
- Ear of Dionysius & Latomia del Paradiso
- Noto Baroque Old Town(Day trip)
- Temple of Apollo
- Fonte Aretusa & Ortigia Seafront
- Castello Maniace
- Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum
- Roman Amphitheatre of Syracuse
- Ortigia Market & Sicilian Street Food
- Catacombs of San Giovanni
- Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia
- Pantalica Rock Necropolis(Day trip)
- Jewish Quarter & Giudecca
- Vendicari Nature Reserve(Day trip)
- Ortigia Boat Tour & Sea Caves (approx. April - October)
- Swimming around Ortigia (June - September)
- Castello Eurialo
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Siracusa, Targia
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry