Why the
Syracuse Ortygia
& Archaeological Park
are special

Syracuse Ortygia is a character-rich old town on a small Syracuse island. The Archaeological Park contains an interesting variety of important historical sites.

Syracuse
tips and insights

What makes Ortygia
Island interesting?

Its highlights include ancient sites, narrow backstreets, a restaurant-dotted waterfront, and the Piazza del Duomo (cathedral square). Short bridges link the island of Ortygia with contemporary Syracuse.

Neopolis
Archaeological Park

The star of the Neopolis Archaeological Park is the 5th century BC Greek theatre (see photo). Also don't miss the Archaeological Museum and the "Ear of Dionysius" cavern.

What does the rest
of Syracuse area offer?

Unfortunately, it offers little that would be compelling to a tourist. However, near Syracuse, the town of Noto is remarkable. Its baroque architecture is superb.

Syracuse
history in brief

Syracuse was founded in the 8th century BC by Greek colonists. Rome took the reins in 212 AD and for many centuries Syracuse was a prosperous Mediterranean city.

Location in Italy

Read my other Italy pages

Wonders of Italy - Complete list
Italy wonder map
Basic Italian phrases
Italian cuisine
Best time to visit Rome

 

Enit - Tourist Board

 

 

World's Top 100 Wonders
World's Top 1000 Wonders

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