7 Best Places To Visit In Syracuse, Sicily

Syracuse may not be as well-known as other Italian cities, but don't let that fool you. Syracuse is a small but lovely up-and-coming tourist destination that is well worth a visit. If you are planning to book your luxury Sicily vacation packages and are unsure whether Syracuse should be included in your itinerary, then have a look at the places we have mentioned below to visit in Syracuse and the surrounding areas.

Top 7 Places To Explore In Syracuse, Sicily

Island Of Ortigia

Syracuse's historical centre is the small island of Ortigia (or Ortygia), which once housed the majority of the city's population. Not surprisingly, many of the historic attractions, including the cathedral, are located in this Citta Vecchia (Old City). Its narrow lanes are lined with cafes and shops, and it's a popular spot for getting a sense of local life. Along one side of the beach, the Foro Italico promenade is a lovely place to stroll, with benches under the trees inviting you to sit and enjoy the shade and the view of the sea.

Temple Of Athena

The most famous, the Temple of Athena (erected in the 5th century BC), is now incorporated into the most modern Cathedral of Syracuse, built in the 17th century in full Baroque style. This imposing structure stands in the homonymous Piazza Duomo, which, along with Piazza Montalto, is one of the island's most important centres. It went through several transformations, first as a Byzantine church (the front staircase and traces of a door are still visible), then as an Arab mosque.

Piazza Duomo & The Ipogeo

Syracuse's broad Piazza Duomo, a beautiful ensemble of well-restored churches and public buildings, could be the poster child for Sicilian Baroque architecture. This space, which includes remnants of the Greek Temple of Minerva, encapsulates much of what UNESCO cited in inscribing Historic Syracuse as "a unique testimony to the development of Mediterranean civilization over three millennia."

Greek Theatre

The Teatro Greco is one of ancient Syracuse's most distinctive structures. The entire theatre is almost entirely made of a single rock formation, with ancient Roman/ Greek arena seating carved out in steps overlooking the main stage section. The theatre was built in the third century BC and dates back to at least the fifth century BC. However, much of its current structure (including its semi-circular design) is Roman in origin. During the Classical period, Deinolocus, Epicharmus, and Phormis held their theatrical performances here.

Orecchio Di Dionisio

The ear-shaped artificial grotto known as the Ear of Dionysius is a well-known curiosity at the heart of the Latomia del Paradiso (Garden of Paradise). According to Caravaggio, Dionysius had it built so he could listen in on the prisoners' conversations, but The grotto, which stands 23 metres tall and 65 metres deep, was most likely dug out as a rock quarry and later used as a sounding board for theatrical performances.

Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi

After the one in Palermo, Villa Landolina houses Sicily's second most important archaeological museum. Its collections span prehistoric to Byzantine times, but only those from the Classical period (fifth-fourth centuries BC) are on display; additional display space for the remainder is being built.

Some of the rare and beautiful works on display include an astonishingly complete sixth-millennium BC vase from the Stentinello civilization in Matrensa, a bronze tomb panel from the Castelluccio necropolis.

Aquarium Of Syracuse

The Syracuse Tropical Aquarium is located in the heart of the island of Ortigia, beneath the square overlooking the sea. Tropical fish from all over the world are welcome, and they are divided into various tanks: visiting the aquarium is a wonderful experience for everyone, even children.

It is divided into sectors with different tanks constructed to replicate the natural environments of the hosted fish. A significant portion is reserved for the marine life of the Mediterranean, which is recreated in all of its unique beauty: the marine biotype found in that part of the sea that laps the Province's coasts is recreated. So never miss to add this place in your luxury private tour of Sicily.