Once the largest city in the ancient world, Syracuse features many of Sicily’s finest examples of Greek and Roman ruins.
Founded by Corinthian colonists in 734 B.C., Syracuse was once the ancient world’s cultural hub. Visit now to see fascinating ancient monuments alongside lively markets. Have morning coffee in colourful town squares and dine in superb modern restaurants.
Most of Syracuse’s sights are within easy walking distance of each other. Spend a day strolling among the ruins to discover a heritage of Greek, Roman and Norman occupants. Although a 1693 earthquake destroyed a large portion of the city, you’ll still find many untouched, ancient relics.
Visit the small island of Ortygia for some of the city’s most enthralling sites. At the centre of the island, see the Cathedral. Note the original Doric columns on the façade. Step inside to view seven bronze lions surrounding 13th-century Norman inscriptions.
Down the main street from the cathedral, view the Fonte Aretusa. This freshwater spring flows from the ground as it did thousands of years ago when it was used as the city’s main water supply. Read about the dramatic myths associated with the fountain or simply take a seat on a bench overlooking the water.
Walk back to the city across one of the three footbridges connecting Ortygia with the mainland. Look for several ancient ruins around the city, including the magnificent Greek Theatre. The theatre is carved into a grassy hillside and could hold approximately 16,000 people in its heyday when the great plays of Euripides and Sophocles were performed. In the heart of the city, find the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi. Discover one of Sicily’s most extensive collections of archeological relics, including coins, statues and jewellery from the ancient world.
Your evening’s entertainment in Syracuse may include fine Sicilian food in a stylish restaurant, drinking with locals in the squares or dancing barefoot at a nightclub on the beach.
Syracuse has regular bus links with all of Sicily’s major cities. The train station is a ten-minute walk from the centre of town and has long-distance links with Rome and Naples. Marvel at the feat of engineering as your train rolls onto the ferry to cross the Strait of Messina and into mainland Italy.