SIRACUSA
A spellbinding experience that combines Greek history with the sea
The timeless charm of Siracusa delights visitors with its beauty and cultural heritage.
In this city founded by the Greeks, today’s visitors can still admire the majestic Greek Theatre, the Latomie stone quarries and the Ear of Dionysius. With its Baroque squares and white churches, the island of Ortigia is a magical, romantic place steeped in history. A day in Siracusa takes you on a journey back in time, through archaeology and Mediterranean culture.
Ortigia: the ancient heart of Siracusa
Ortigia is the beating heart of Siracusa. Linked to the mainland by two bridges, the island is a treasure trove of history, art and Mediterranean beauty. A stroll through the narrow streets of the island is like a trip through centuries of civilisation: from the Greek temples tucked away amongst Baroque palaces to the magnificent Piazza Duomo, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. The piazza is home to the Cathedral, built on the ancient columns of the Temple of Athena, and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, which houses a painting by Caravaggio.
The seafront is perfect for a sunset stroll amid elegant bars and restaurants, small fishing piers and the unmistakable scent of the sea. Another attraction not to be missed is the Fountain of Arethusa, a natural spring where history merges with legend. Ortigia is an authentic cultural destination that stirs the emotions.
The Greek Theatre in Siracusa and its classical performances
Along with the one in Taormina, the Greek Theatre in Siracusa is one of the largest and oldest in the Greek world.
Built in the 5th century BC and carved directly from the rock of the Temenite Hill, it hosted tragedies, comedies and large public assemblies. To this day, the theatre comes to life every spring, thanks to the Classical Performances organised by the National Institute of Ancient Drama (INDA), which stages plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides against a timeless backdrop. Watching a performance at sunset, with the sea as a backdrop and the perfect acoustics of the ancient theatre, is an unforgettable cultural and emotional experience.
