Founded by the Greeks. Thanks to ancient origin and many interesting places associated with the period of antiquity, Syracuse are included in the list cultural heritage UNESCO. If you have only one day at your disposal in Syracuse, we suggest dedicating it to exploring the Old Town - Ortigi, where the main cultural attractions are concentrated, and where the first Greek settlements of Sicily were once born.

In fact, in Syracuse it is better to stay for a longer period in order to have time to see the city and sunbathe on the beach. If you have such an opportunity, we recommend you hotels in the city center that you can.

You can explore Syracuse on our proposed route on your own or book an excursion with a Russian-speaking guide.

Retroscena Restaurant

Here we have examined all the main historical monuments Old city of Syracuse. It's time to head back to the center of Ortigia, Piazza Archimedes, to browse the local shops and reward yourself after a long day with a good dinner at one of the restaurants on Via della Maestranza. If you're looking for Sicilian cuisine with a touch of Greek influence, you're sure to love the menu at Retroscena Restaurant on Via Maestranza 106/108. Dinner with dessert and a glass of wine will cost 25-30 euros.

Boat trip

Another option is to take a pleasure boat at the Santa Lucia bridge and look at historical part cities from the sea. You will also be taken to the caves carved by the sea in the walls of the city. The cost of the trip is officially 15 euros, but you can bargain for 10. Feel free to bargain.

If you still have time left, or if you have stayed in Syracuse for a few days, then it is worth visiting the Greek and Roman theaters. This huge park (Parco Archeologico Neapolis) is located in Neapolis. You can either walk there in half an hour from the historical part of the city, or take bus number 2, departing from Molo San Antonio. Remember that visiting the park will take you approximately 2 hours. The entrance fee is 10 euros, the park is open until 19:00.

We wish you an unforgettable trip!

All as one, without hesitation, answer - in Greece. There is some truth in this, but only a very tiny one. The truth is that Syracuse is one of the first (734 BC) Greek colonies in Sicily. It was during the Greek period of reign that the famous Archimedes lived here, the city flourished like never before and had about 500 thousand inhabitants. The current population of Syracuse is approximately 120,000.

Syracuse is geographically divided into the old and new city.

Old city of Syracuse, which the Greeks actually chose in the 8th century BC, is located on the island of Ortigia (Ortigia - in Greek and Ortigia - in Italian). Currently, from the embankment of Syracuse to the island, they are laid, along which it is convenient to get to the old one, where you definitely need to visit 2 main squares:
Archimedes Square with magnificent fountain surrounded by mansions of the 14th - 15th centuries.
Cathedral Square with the Christian Cathedral (Athens stood in its place in the 5th century BC), the City Hall, the Archbishop's Palace and the Beneventano del Bosco Palace, an example of Sicilian Baroque.

In the new city of Syracuse the most interesting is the archaeological one, to which white signs lead throughout the city.
The white stone path will first of all lead to a huge crevice in the mountain called the “Ear of Dionysius”. According to legend, Dionysius drove slaves into this gorge, and outside he put up guards who, thanks to amazing acoustics, eavesdropped on their conversations and handed them over to the ruler.
Next we move to the Greek theater (5th century BC). has 67 rows carved into the rock by slaves. And, since it almost completely survived the destruction, it allows holding various kinds of cultural events in our days.
After the Greek, we examine the Roman amphitheater, which has the shape of an ellipse. In its western part there was once a sacrificial altar. Hundreds of bulls suffered every spring as a sacrifice. Now only a pedestal remains from the altar.

The best way to get to know the city of Syracuse is on foot and in the following order:

1. Archaeological zone (Ear of Dionysius, ancient Greek and Roman theaters). It is best to get here in the first half of the day, because in the afternoon the archaeological area is usually closed to visitors.

2. Technopark of Archimedes with a collection of his inventions.

3. Private property for the cultivation of papyrus. Yes, yes, papyrus grows in Syracuse (the only place in Europe). Therefore, one should not be surprised that papyrus products are found in abundance among tourist souvenirs in shops and shops in Sicily. If you follow the Papiro signs from the archaeological park, you will find yourself in a private property, where the owner will lead a free (in Italian) papyrus plantation. At the end of the tour, the owner shows the handicrafts and offers to buy them. You don't have to buy :)

4. Church of the Weeping Madonna. From the outside, the building looks like a juicer (the Italians call it a lemon squeezer), but inside there is a miraculous sculpture of the Madonna.

5. Catacombs of San Giovanni. This underground cemetery belongs to the early Christians (4th-6th centuries) and has a clear plan in the form central gallery, from which the secondary galleries depart. The catacombs got their name from the Norman church, built in the Romanesque style, and then rebuilt with Gothic elements.
6. And finally, Ortija - favorite place city ​​walks. From the new bridge (Ponte Nuovo), next to which you can see the remains of the temple of Apollo, we move to Piazza Archimedes, and then to Cathedral Square. But the most popular place on the island of Ortigia is the spring of Aretuza, the talisman of all lovers. This small lake with fresh water is covered with legends and is located near the sea.

7. Castello Maniace, occupying the entire southern cape the islands of Ortigia. The castle was built in the 13th century and closes the entrance to the city harbor.

You can admire the panorama of the city of Syracuse from the Castello Eurialo hill, which is 8 kilometers from the city.

	Ear of Dionysius	Orecchio di Dionisio, Viale Giulio Emanuele Rizzo, Siracusa, Italia
	Greek theater	Teatro Greco, Viale Paradiso, Siracusa, Italia
	Roman amphitheater	Anfiteatro Romano, Via Francesco Saverio Cavallari, Siracusa, Italia
	Temple of the Weeping Madonna	Santuario della Madonna delle Lacrime, Viale Luigi Cadorna, Siracusa, Italia
	Archimedes Square	Piazza Archimede, Siracusa, Italia
	Cathedral Square	Duomo di Siracusa, Piazza Duomo, Siracusa, Italia
	Castello Maniace	Via Castello Maniace, 51, 96100SyracuseSiracusa,

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Syracuse is one of the most curious and original cities in Sicily, in ancient times it was called Syracuse and was one of the largest and richest ports in the Mediterranean.

The Greeks, who landed on the shores of Sicily in 734 BC, contributed to the prosperity of the city for several centuries in a row. Aeschylus staged his tragedies in the local theater, the greatest philosophers of ancient Greece, including Plato himself, performed on the stage of Syracuse, and one of the most worthy sons of the city was Archimedes, about whom Cicero said: “I believe that this Sicilian had more genius than human nature can contain."

In today's article, we answer important questions: where to live in Syracuse, what sights of the city deserve attention, what places are ideal for lunch and dinner, and whether there are decent beaches in the area.

WHAT TO SEE: CITY SIGHTS

If you want to travel back 2700 years in a time machine, then you should visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park - part of ancient Syracuse. There is an ancient Greek theater with a huge sacrificial altar, quarries, the famous cave "Ear of Dionysius" and a Roman theater.

In the photo: the ancient Greek theater in Syracuse

If you dream of visiting the ancient catacombs, by the way, they are the second largest after the Roman ones, then you should head to the catacombs of San Giovanni. Nearby you can see the quaint modern temple of Madonna delle Lacrime, and at the same time lovers of antiquities can visit the local Archaeological Museum of Paolo Orsi (Paolo Orsi).

In the photo: loculi in the catacombs of San Giovanni

The Archaeological Museum of Syracuse is one of the largest in Europe, everything or almost everything that was excavated and found in Sicily is collected right here, so it makes sense to take at least half a day even for a cursory acquaintance with the exhibits.

In Ortija - historical center cities that you will reach by passing through small bridge, on which the monument to Archimedes flaunts, a fair amount of antiquities is also concentrated. Here are the ruins of the temple of Apollo, and the ancient Jewish mikvahs, discovered by the will of fate in the dungeons of the current Alla Giudecca hotel, and the Cathedral, in which the ancient Greek temple of Athena is “imprisoned”.

Pictured: Syracuse Cathedral

In addition, in Ortija it is worth visiting the Papyrus Museum and art gallery in the Palazzo Bellomo, and art lovers can admire the canvas of Caravaggio in the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia. special attention the castle of Maniache and the museum of two geniuses - Leonardo da Vinci and Archimedes are also worthy. And, of course, do not miss the source of Aretusa (fonte Aretusa) - it is very beautiful place, and it is believed that it was here that Syracuse was born in ancient times.

In the photo: the source of Aretusa (fonte Aretusa) in Syracuse

Don't forget to check out the city market. It is open only until one in the afternoon, but is worthy of the most detailed study. A hubbub of street vendors inviting customers to their place, shops with the freshest local food, sellers who deftly make delicious panini with ham, olives and cheese in front of customers; a stern, pirate-looking oyster and prosecco dealer; and lively local fishermen selling freshly caught sea urchin caviar.

In the photo: a cheese shop in the market of Syracuse

Well, and all the luxury of the southern market: olives, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, capers, sweet fruits of unprecedented size, seafood and generous Sicilian land - by the way, almost all local specialties can be tasted right at the counters. The market is located at: via Emanuele de Benedictis, which is just opposite the large covered parking Talete.

WHERE TO STAY IN SYRACUSE?

It is best to live in the historical center of the city - on the island of Ortigia, where a huge number of hotels and private apartments are located. There are options for every taste, most can be found on standard booking sites. What is good about Ortigia: within walking distance you have all the main attractions of the city, the sea, the promenade and shops. From here you can go to boat trip along the coast. This area of ​​the city is a lively and party place with many bars, cafes and restaurants.

If you don’t find apartments in the city center, you can stay away from the center: between railway station Syracuse and Ortija, along via Malta, Corso Umberto I or Corso Gelone. Here accommodation is cheaper and parking is less difficult, which is important if you decide to rent a car.

ABOUT THE BEACHES AROUND SYRACUSE

Of course, you can swim in the city. It is possible, but not necessary. Syracuse is located in a bay, which is a port, so swimming in the vicinity of the only small sandy beach is prohibited. However, the ban stops few people, and in the heat people still climb into the water. There is the option of swimming from the pontoons at the Maniace Hotel, there is also a narrow strip of sand that rests against the city wall, but, frankly, the city of Syracuse itself is not the best place for beach holiday.

Per good sea we advise you to travel in the next resort villages: Fontane Bianche, Arenella or the Plemmirio peninsula - there are also small coves ideal for swimming. The only hotel with its own beach in the Syracuse area is Il Minareto, but it is located outside the city. A little further away is the Arenella Resort hotel, which is also very good for a beach holiday, it also works on an all-inclusive basis.

WHERE TO EAT IN THE CITY?

Syracuse, due to the huge number of tourists, is a complex city in terms of gastronomy. Of course, this has its pluses - many local restaurants open all day, which, however, does not cover the minuses - the quality of food in the cuisine and prices in tourist-oriented establishments leave much to be desired. Especially all of the above applies to restaurants that are open near the city's waterfront, apparently, their owners sincerely believe that the breathtaking view of the Syracuse Bay compensates for the mediocre quality of food.

For myself and my tourists, I looked after several establishments where you can eat tasty and high quality. So, the following places fall under the category of tasty and budget. Osteria Mariano- a small restaurant hidden in the streets of Ortigia. Local dishes worth trying here are seafood, snacks and pasta. Be sure to order ravioli with ricotta, cavatelli with meat sauce, penne with almonds or pasta with seafood: mussels, cuttlefish ink and sardines.

One of the restaurant's specialties is spaghetti ai fiore di zucca - spaghetti with pumpkin flowers, this dish is rarely seen today in restaurants in Sicily, it was popular in the past, but in Osteria Mariano it is prepared according to the recipe of the owner's grandmother. Address Osteria Mariano: Vicolo Zuccolà, 9, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy Tel: +39 0931 67444.

Restaurant L'ancora located in the heart of the old city. You should go here for fresh fish and seafood - these are the main specialties of the institution. The wine list of the restaurant is also above any basement. The restaurant has three halls, in addition, on the roof of L'ancora, a terrace is tripled, from where a highly poetic view of the sea opens. L'ancora address: via Guglielmo Perno, 7, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy, telephone: +39 0931 462369.

- Another great place in the historical part of the city. It is worth trying not only pizza, but also pasta - especially linguini with vongole, it is better to book tables on Saturdays in advance, since the Castello Fiorentino pizzeria is very popular with the local population, the restaurant is closed on Mondays. Address: Via del Crocifisso, 6, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy Tel: +39 0931 21097.

Worth a visit and Osteria Anima Sicula, the restaurant serves dishes exclusively from seasonal products, and the main specialties of the osteria are fish and seafood, address: Via della Dogana, 5, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy, tel: +39 327 544 0500. From the more expensive places I recommend Don Camillo(address: Via delle Maestranze, 96, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy, tel: +39 0931 67133), I got there on a tip from Fort Matthew, the author of the book “Sicily. Sweet honey bitter lemons. Don't be disappointed.

Text: Elena Anikeeva

Syracuse - The largest city in the region of Sicily. Now it belongs to Italy, but in Antiquity Syracuse was the possession of Greece. Syracuse became a Greek colony on the island of Ortigia. This policy was founded in the first millennium BC. On the island to this day there is a source of fresh water. Syracuse arose around him.

Syracuse. Legends and reality

According to the myth, Arethusa is a nymph who did not want to obey Alpheus, the river god. She turned into a source and commanded that a beautiful city should arise here. From the very beginning he became great place habitation of inhabitants. Among the population were representatives of different territories of Greece.
The city was located on a hill, which contributed to security, and great views, which opened before the residents, still inspire tourists. Syracuse belongs to the Greek West. The capital of this part of Greece was created by the famous Greeks. Syracuse is one of most beautiful cities. This is evidenced not only by the Greeks themselves, but also by numerous tourists. The soils here are still fertile, and the harbors are beautiful.

Tyranny

Syracuse is a polis that, first of all, became famous for its tyranny. It was in the history of this city-state that there were a lot of rulers who seized power by force. Among them was the Elder Dionisius in the 3rd century BC.
He imprisoned the rich, who fell into the list of his enemies, and divided their possessions among the poor townspeople, who once went bankrupt against their will. Dionysius also helped out money for the sale of other people's property. He hired workers for them. As a result, the ruler united under his wing almost the entire Sicilian nobility. The most “advanced” intelligence worked for Dionysius, which at any time of the day gave the most details about the movement of his enemies. Hundreds of informers brought him good and bad news.
During the war with Athens, an advanced fleet was built, the ships of which fought in the war with Carthage. Four and five-tier masts were an enviable example even for the Athenians and Spartans themselves.
Dionysius was known as the most cruel and powerful tyrant in Greece. But, in addition to the fact that he issued inhuman laws, he managed to build a very strong army. Thanks to her, Dionysius took almost all of Sicily into his possession. By the way, Dionysius became the founder of the tradition of royal people wearing festive clothes. For example, Dionysius was very fond of purple robes, and on his head he wore a wreath of gold.
If the people began to rally or even rose to an uprising, the tyrant brutally suppressed it and sent all opponents to a kind of concentration camp. Once it was a quarry.
Dionysius built himself a huge and rich castle, which stood on an island, right in the middle of the bay. The ruler was guarded by an army armed to the teeth. She had hundreds of catapults and ballistic guns at her disposal. The tyrant's fleet was no less majestic. He built ships with towers. They were equipped with catapults and ballistas. Such a ship could sink dozens of enemy ships.
Dionysius had a pupil and close associate. He came from the ranks of the aristocracy, and his name was Dion. The young man dreamed of conquering Sicily and creating a region on its territory that, in structure and political system, strongly resembled Plato's dreams of an ideal state. Plato was invited to Syracuse. But this thinker was very hostile to tyranny, therefore he expressed a number of conflicting thoughts regarding Dionysius, for which he was sent to his homeland.
When the tyrant died, his follower Dion inspired the ideas of the most perfect state to the eldest son of Dionysius. Companions again invited Plato. And not only him, but dozens of scientists and thinkers. In Syracuse, scientific life was seething. It got to the point that scientists drew their intricate drawings right on the streets and taught the inhabitants complex sciences.
Political events were not in favor of Dion. Nevertheless, he did not manage to win over the younger Dionysius to his side to the end. The followers of tyranny drove Dion out of the city. Plato left.
Dion did not calm down and gathered a detachment to overthrow the tyranny in Syracuse and conquer Sicily. After Dion returned, the people rebelled under him against the younger offspring of Dionysius and overthrew him.

Archimedes

Around 200 BC. Archimedes lived in Syracuse. This is not just a thinker and scientist, he was a member of the movement in favor of strengthening his native city. Archimedes showed remarkable abilities during the 2nd campaign of the Punic War. He built weapons that acted crushingly against the Romans, who encroached on the territory of Greece and Syracuse.
Syracuse was struck as a result of the actions of traitors and Archimedes was killed, but his works remained not just in the history of mankind, but in its philosophical thought, mathematics and the consciousness of the Greeks.
Archimedes was educated in Alexandria. This figure became famous for the greatest inventions in the field of engineering and design, mechanics and mathematics. The first works of the scientist are devoted to mechanics. But later he developed his activities to such an extent that he invented the "Snail" to make it easier to irrigate the fields, as well as a special screw for lifting water. Not to mention military equipment. Archimedes created it in the variety that was required for campaigns and defensive tactics.
When the siege of Syracuse by the Romans was so strong that people were dumbfounded by a two-sided onslaught, Archimedes saved the situation. He set in motion all the most advanced military technologies embodied in throwing weapons and other military equipment.
The Romans were hit by a hail of shells, and huge logs flew at their ships from the sea, which hit them with such force that they promptly sank.
Archimedes gave Syracuse the opportunity to defend perfectly. Therefore, no one attacked the city for a long time. There is a legend saying that Archimedes died an absurd death. When there was another battle with the Romans, the scientist, sitting at his own house, created new drawings in the sand. A Roman running past stepped on only drawn diagrams, to which Archimedes swore heavily. The enemy, without thinking twice, killed the great scientist.
The Romans for a long time rampaged in the vicinity. They tried to subjugate the entire Hellenic world. There were many wars and destruction. Syracuse was deserted, the island was covered with tall grass and became unsociable.
It's been 150 years. Cicero came to these places. He visited Syracuse, inspecting the island as well. A tombstone from the tomb of Archimedes was found in an abandoned cemetery. It depicted a sphere and a cylinder. These symbols for the Greeks are the ideal of science. The relic has been preserved.

Syracuse. Conquest and modernity

In the 1st century AD, Syracuse was conquered by the Arabs. At the beginning of the 2nd century, the power of the Normans was restored in the city. Syracuse has become a real military fortress.
The first millennium of our era was marked by a very rapid development for Syracuse. Roger the First Sicilian, who came to power, began large-scale construction. New neighborhoods and churches appeared in the city.
At the beginning of the 13th century, the Roman emperor Frederick II came to the polis and began to rule. When the ruler died, power changed hands, and anarchy and disorder reigned in the city.
The end of the 17th century was tragic for Syracuse. The reason for everything is the riot of the forces of nature. People did not begin to live in the ruins, although the earthquake did a lot of trouble. Residents quickly restored the city and it became even more beautiful. At the beginning of the 18th century, the struggle for power began again. This time the Spaniards claimed Syracuse. However, the Italians took this tidbit for themselves and restored it already in the 19th century. most beautiful city, its buildings and main attractions. A new square was created, which was named after Archimedes.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a new earthquake, of great strength, destroyed part of the buildings, but everything was restored again. This time natural phenomenon gave a name. Since the disaster happened on the day of Saint Lucia, who is considered the patroness of the inhabitants of Syracuse, the earthquake is called "Santa Lucia".
Now Syracuse is visited by crowds of tourists. by the most popular place which guests love, the Temple of Apollo. It is one of the main attractions, and not only because it was built in ancient times and has been restored and restored many times. No less popular is Archimedes Square with a beautiful fountain and statues.

Plaka in Athens

The old, medieval center of Athens is Plaka. Plaka is Athens as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries. The easiest way to get to Plaka is from the Monastiraki metro station.

We read and speak Greek. Basic phrases and expressions

If you are going to go to Greece and do not want to be completely dependent on Russian speaking guide then you need to know of English language at least at an average level. And if you want to try to travel around Greece on your own, visiting non-tourist places, if you want to feel the real Greece in the countryside and on the sea coast, then here you need to learn Greek at least at the very initial level and learn how to read at least the simplest inscriptions.

Labyrinth of the Minotaur and modern Labyrinth in Greece.

Mantinea: Thebans vs. Spartans

The battle of Mantinea, in July 362 BC, is still cited in textbooks of military strategy and tactics as an example of the fact that in a well-organized battle, one can win even without command. On the side of the Thebans there was a numerical superiority over the enemy forces, and brilliantly organized tactics. But its consequences were irreversible. The Thebans lost their leader and lost hope for hegemony, and Sparta lost its former power.

The Cyclades are the largest group of islands in the Aegean. Their name is derived from the ancient Greek word "kyuklos" (circle), more precisely - from the adjective "kyuklis" (round). In literal translation, the toponym means “lying around”, although a more poetic perception is also possible: “leading a round dance”.

Sicily in the minds of many people is something primordially Italian, and is associated with Italy almost more than the same Rome. However, in the pre-Christian era, the island was a Greek colony with a Phoenician "admixture". Actually, it was the Corinthians who founded Syracuse, which quickly became the most significant Hellenic colony in eastern Sicily. Even Cicero described Syracuse as the largest and most beautiful city Ancient Greece. But in 241 BC. e. Sicily could not resist the expansion of the mighty Roman Empire. From that moment on, the "Italian" history of Syracuse began, and the picturesque remains of both great cultures - Roman and Greek - have survived to this day.

How to get to Syracuse

Closest to the city of Syracuse, where many European air carriers fly. In the summer, direct flights fly to Catania from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia. You can choose the appropriate flight option in the form below.

From the airport to the city, the distance can be overcome in 45-60 minutes. There are several options here:

• use the bus. Buses of InterBus and AST companies run in this direction. Buses run once an hour, you will have to spend a little more than an hour on the way. The cost of one-way tickets is 6.2 euros, in both directions - 9.6.
• order a transfer. It is very convenient to order a transfer to Syracuse by the appointed time of arrival. This can be done through the KiwiTaxi service. At the appointed time, the driver of the car will be waiting for you with a sign at the exit of the airport arrivals terminal.
• rent a car at the airport. Of course, car rental companies can be found upon arrival at the airport, however, if you plan to visit Sicily during the season, it is better to book a car in advance. The world-famous booking service - Rentalcars will help you choose. To get to the city from the airport, follow the E45.

You can also get to Syracuse from other cities in Sicily and some cities in continental Italy by train. Direct flights can be found from Catania, Messina, and even. You can find out the train schedule and fare on the website of the Italian railways Trenitalia.

Hotels in Syracuse

Syracuse - not only historical, but also seaside resort town, so the choice of hotels here is quite large. But it is worth remembering that in the summer Syracuse is a fairly popular holiday destination, so it is better to book a hotel in advance.

Among the most popular hotels are:

However, you can always choose your option that is suitable for cost and placement using the link below.

Sights of the city of Syracuse

Archimedes was here...

Syracuse is good for everyone, and about the most bright places we will talk further, but the first thing I want to emphasize is that it was here, in Syracuse in Sicily, that the great Archimedes himself was born, lived, worked and invented. Unfortunately, no artifacts directly related to the great scientist have survived to this day. All we have is ourselves native city Archimedes - Syracuse.

Many tourists fall for the myth of the "grave of Archimedes", which is allegedly located on the territory of the present archaeological park. In fact, nothing really is known about the real burial place of Archimedes. Let us therefore regard the whole city of Syracuse as one great monument to a great Man.

Archimedes Square

The historical neighborhood with such an epochal figure as Archimedes is commonplace for the Sicilians, but the inhabitants of Syracuse still paid tribute to him, naming a picturesque square in honor of Archimedes. Its center is decorated with a fountain with a sculptural group by Giulio Moschetti. The main character of the composition is Artemis the huntress.

Archimedes Square is decorated with an elegant fountain with a sculpture of the goddess Artemis

Greek amphitheater

You can go back in time for 25 centuries by visiting the ancient historical region of Syracuse - Neapolis. The most significant exhibit of this peculiar architectural museum- the picturesque ruins of the Greek theater.

The Greek amphitheater in Syracuse is about 2500 thousand years old, and it continues to perform its direct function

The object is so ancient that its first reconstructions were carried out in the era of Carthage, and then the Roman Empire. The huge amphitheater, which at one time gathered up to 15 thousand spectators during a variety of events, has been well preserved to this day. Since the beginning of the last century, the National Institute of Ancient Drama has been holding festivals of Greek art here every year.

Roman amphitheater

From Ancient Greece we move on to the era of the Roman Empire, and immediately we “stumble” on another majestic attraction of Syracuse - the Roman amphitheater. At one time, the building served the same purpose as its Greek counterpart - for the entertainment of the public. Only entertainment in this case was of a bloody character characteristic of Ancient Rome - gladiator fights were mainly held here.

The Roman amphitheater is worse preserved than the Greek

Amphitheater built in the 1st c. BC e. For many centuries it was buried underground, until it was discovered and dug up by archaeologists in the 19th century. The scale of the building is by no means provincial - this is the third largest Roman amphitheater after and.

Temple of Apollo

Another important archaeological find discovered on the island of Ortigia in Syracuse in Sicily in the middle of the century before last is the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The temple was built according to some estimates in the III century. BC. His remains were discovered and revealed to the world by a group of archaeologists led by Paolo Orsi.

The Temple of Apollo dates from the 3rd century BC. BC.

The temple changed its religious purpose several times as Sicily came under the rule of the Christian Byzantines, Muslims and even the Normans. The picturesque ruins look very impressive and contrast against the background of modern buildings.

Catacombs of Saint John

The greatest monument of the Christian pages of the history of Syracuse is the catacombs of St. John. The object is dated to the 4th c. AD The eminent archaeologist Paolo Orsi, mentioned above, devoted a whole ten years of his life to scrupulous exploration of the dungeons. In early Christian times, the catacombs served as a burial place for influential residents of the city. most notable and interesting object- the sarcophagus of Marcian, the first bishop of Syracuse.

In the catacombs of San Giovanni, the inhabitants of the city fled from the bombing of the Second World War

It is noteworthy that the catacombs of St. John repeatedly saved the lives of many Syracusans already in the twentieth century. It was here that frightened citizens repeatedly took refuge from the bombings during the Second World War.

Cathedral

When in Syracuse, you can not miss Cathedral. The first religious building that was built on this site in the 5th century BC. BC. by order of the tyrant Gelon, it was dedicated to Athena as a sign of victory over Carthage. Since then, the building has been rebuilt many times on the initiative of the next conquerors - first the Byzantines, then the Normans.

The city's cathedral is a prime example of Sicilian Baroque.

The temple was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1693, and was actually rebuilt, but in the Sicilian Baroque style. True, the architects managed to very harmoniously fit into the new ensemble the antique columns that have been preserved since the time of Ancient Greece. Some elements ancient architecture were carefully transferred to the Paolo Orsi Museum of Archeology. This museum, by the way, deserves separate words.

Regional Museum of Archeology Paolo Orsi

If you want to get a clear idea of ​​the cultural characteristics of the civilizations that dominated at different times in Syracuse and Sicily as a whole, you should definitely visit the Paolo Orsi Museum of Archeology. The famous archaeologist collected many artifacts found on the territory of Syracuse, and relating to all historical periods through which the city passed. The exposition contains the most interesting finds from the times of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, as well as the Norman, Arabic and Spanish periods.

Altar of Hieron

Another extremely interesting cult object of Ancient Syracuse is the Altar of Hieron. It was built in the III century. BC, and served for its direct pagan purpose - for sacrifices. The scale of the structure and historical evidence suggest that whole bulls were sacrificed here. And, which is a little amazing to please the gods, animals were killed here by tens, if not hundreds, in one ceremony.

The base of the sacrificial altar

Ear of Dionysius

In addition to man-made monuments of antiquity, there are also unusually interesting objects in Syracuse. natural objects. The most famous of them, where tourists always rush, is the Ear of Dionysius - a picturesque grotto, the entrance to which nature itself carved into the rock in a characteristic "anatomical" form.

The grotto "Ear of Dionysius" was used as a prison for a long time.

The history of this place is rather gloomy - in the IV century. BC. the tyrant Dionysus arranged this place for a dungeon, and he himself, using the acoustic features of the cave, eavesdropped on the negotiations of the most “important” captives.

Spring of Arethusa

Continuing the theme of the natural attractions of Syracuse, one cannot fail to say a few words about the Arethusa Spring. According to an ancient romantic legend, at the dawn of a civilization of dazzling beauty, the nymph Arethusa captivated the heart of the god of the river Alpheus. The rebellious lover did not want to reciprocate Alfea and asked Artemis to turn her into a pure spring, thereby saving herself from the persecution of the obsessed lover. The idea was unsuccessful, since Alpheus, even in this form, found his beloved and reunited with her, carrying his waters under the sea.

The spring of Arethusa has been known in the city of Syracuse since antiquity.

The real source is fed by underground waters flowing from the Iblean mountains themselves. In the center of the reservoir is a small charming island, covered with thickets of the unique Syracusan papyrus.

Palaces of Syracuse

Syracuse is also famous for its majestic palaces. The most famous and significant of them:

• Palace of Vermexio built in 1633 (located near Cathedral Square).

The Palace of Vermexio served for centuries as a meeting place for local authorities.

• Palace of Montalto on the island of Ortigia. In his appearance, a significant influence of the Gothic is visible. Archaeological excavations are still being carried out in the vicinity of the palace.
• The Moniace Palace is the most monumental and impressive building in Syracuse. The palace is located in the south of the island of Ortigia. The first stone of the building was laid in 1240. For a long time the palace served as the residence of the Emperor of Sicily, then it was chosen by the monarchs of the Aragonese kingdom. From the middle of the XVI century. the palace and nearby fortifications served exclusively military-defensive purposes.

Church of the Weeping Madonna

At the end of our tour of the sights of Syracuse, we will make a non-standard move and invite you to see the Church of the Weeping Madonna. Contrary to possible expectations, this is, to put it mildly, not ancient, but an amazing story is associated with this temple.

In 1953, a simple Syracusan family faced a real miracle - the image of the Holy Madonna "wept" in their house. Rumors about the weeping Madonna reached the officials of the Vatican, after which the highest priests of the Catholic Church, with the scrupulousness required for such cases, analyzed all the circumstances of the event for a long time before recognizing this fact as an “official” miracle in the 70s of the last century.

The Temple of the Weeping Madonna is made in an uncharacteristic futuristic style

Photos by: cc-by-2.0, Jerzy Strzelecki, Zde, Giovanni Dall'Orto, Sibeaster, Guillaume, Jerome Bon, Rollopack, Berthold Werner, Salvo Cannizzaro