The island in the island: it is precisely this Ortigia, the oldest and most authentic part of the city of Syracuse that, despite its small size, proves to be a great jewel to discover.
Its history is at least millenary: since the Bronze Age it has been a reference point for commercial and cultural exchanges between different peoples, including Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Byzantines and Spaniards. Today, Ortigia retains the prestige of the past and offers a stay full of history, culture and, above all, relaxation.
There are so many things to see in Ortigia: here’s the ones you absolutely must not miss!
Foto : Unsplash
Cathedral of Syracuse and Temple of Athena
The Cathedral of Syracuse has an elegant baroque facade. It stands in Piazza Duomo, surrounded by white palaces in baroque style and custodian of the ancient Temple of Athena, among the most famous and best preserved in Doric style in Sicily.
Even today, the temple enjoys most of its peristyle columns. Commissioned by Gelon, tyrant of Syracuse, in 480 BC, it was then incorporated into a church during the sixth century AD. In particular, The Byzantines have transformed its structure into a 3-nave Christian basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Later, during the Arab domination, the building was used as a mosque, and then returned to be a Christian church with the Normans.
Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo was built in the early 6th century and is the oldest example of Sicilian Doric architecture. Its history is very similar to that of the Temple of Athena: from an early Christian church it became a mosque and then was transformed into a basilica with the Normans.
Its architecture is revolutionary to say the least, because it marks the transition from a construction style based on wood to one based on stone (giurgiulena, in this case). Initially, the temple was composed of 46 monolithic columns and the fact that it was dedicated to Apollo is demonstrated by an inscription present on a step of the eastern base, which shows “Kleomede made for Apollo (the temple), the son of Knidieidas, and raised the colonnades, beautiful works”.
Regional Gallery of Palazzo Bellomo
La Fonte Aretusa
Ortigia is also famous for the Fonte Aretusa, a fresh water spring whose history is linked to a beautiful legend: It is said that Arethusa was a young nymph in the service of Diana and that one day, near a river in Arcadia, she attracted the attention of the river god Alphaeus, He fell in love with her. But Arethusa did not like this attention and asked for help from Diana, who turned her into a water source. Alfeo, not being able to resign himself, obtained the mercy of Jupiter that transformed it into a stream of groundwater that, even today, feeds the source.
Castello Maniace
Not far from the Fonte Aretusa stands Castello Maniace, It was built by Frederick II of Swabia as a fortress to protect the port of Syracuse and a symbol of homage to the valiant Byzantine general Giorgio Maniace.
The building has a square shape, with perimeter walls and 4 cylindrical towers at the corners. The ribs of the internal vaults and the limestone columns are decorated with sculptures of lions, a telamon and a possible head of Frederick II.
White House Ritual Bath
The heart of Ortigia also hosts an ancient Mikve, a Jewish ritual bath dating back to the 6th century A.D. and one of the oldest in all of Europe. It is located 18 meters below the ground and is fed with spring water. Its basins, vaults carved in the rock and pillars illustrate aspects of community life, including rites and female images; The mikve, in fact, has always had the task of removing ritual impurities and immersing itself in its waters allows to restore purity.
Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia
Beneventano del Bosco Palace
In Piazza Duomo is located Beneventano del Bosco Palace, a splendid example of baroque architecture. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, it stands majestic and imposing, with wrought iron balconies, ornamental sculptures and windows with elaborate frames. The interior is equally charming, with elegant halls embellished with stucco and period decorations.
Church of San Giovannello
The Church of San Giovanni Battista, also known as Church of San Giovannello, is among the historic buildings of Syracuse. In medieval times it was a real place of worship, with its very simple facade erected on the remains of an early Christian basilica. Beautiful the portal fifteenth, accompanied by a large rose window.
Palazzo del Vermexio
Finally, the current seat of the Syracuse City Hall is located inside the Vermexio Palace, an imposing historic building that has always played a significant role in the city: It has been the seat of the city’s senate and other institutions since ancient times. Its architecture is characterized by the Renaissance style on the ground floor and baroque elements on the upper floor. It has undergone several renovations over the years but, fortunately, has retained its historical and architectural charm.
Copertina: Unsplash
