An island connected to the earth by the Umbertino Bridge and the Santa Lucia Bridge, a lot of temples, churches, palaces, fountains and places of the myth, as well as bars, clubs and restaurants animated at any time of day and night. Ortigia offers many monuments and attractions: the Temple of Apollo, the oldest in Sicily, the Fountain of Diana (Artemis), which tells the myth of the Nymph Arethusa, the Cathedral and the Maniace Castle, just to name a few.
The Archaeological Park of Syracuse offers wonders of antiquity including the Greek Theater, the Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysus and the Temple of Gerone and the Tomb of Archimedes. It is one of the most important archaeological remains in Europe and it is included in UNESCO as World Heritage Site. The archaeological park is open every day from 8.30 to 19.45. To be seen.
The Catacombs of San Giovanni are one of the most fascinating monuments of Syracuse. There is a roofless basilica that hides one of the oldest places in Syracuse in the basement: the Greek aqueduct which the Romans then changed into catacombs to house individual deceased or tombs of family. The structure consists of 10 side streets (Cardines) that lead to four circular (round) chapels, called Antiochia, Marina, Adelphia and Sarcopaghi.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9.30 – 12.30 and 14.30 – 17.30
At the end of the promenade you can visit the Maniace Castle which takes its name from the Byzantine leader who conquered Syracuse in 1038. Over the centuries it has hosted Sicilian kings and queens, the Reginal Room but has also been a prison, powder magazine and barracks of the Italian Army. Today it is possible to visit what remains of the original structure modified over the centuries and a visit to the magnificent hall with the Gothic pillars is absolutely not to be missed.
There are many paradisiacal beaches and coves around Syracuse: from spring to summer, the temptation to bathe in the clear waters of the province of Syracuse is obvious. In addition to the beach of Ortigia, 16 kilometers away is the beach of Fontane Bianche, 3 km of crystal clear water which takes its name from the numerous sources of fresh water. About 45 km away, there is the Vendicari nature reserve with the homonymous former salt and tuna beach, the pristine beach of Calamosche and the village of Marzamemi with its colorful and picturesque little town.