The east coast of Sicily is full of villages, towns and extraordinary locations that deserve to be visited at least once in a lifetime. Among these undoubtedly includes Syracuse, with its thousand-year history characterized by an extremely fascinating past.
Founded by the Corinthians around 734-733 BC, Syracuse tasted the taste of glory and success. During the period of Magna Graecia it reached its maximum splendor, so much to become main rival of Athens and Carthage. In the city there are still many testimonies of this historical phase: the Source Aretusa, the Ear of Dionysus, the Temple of Apollo and the Greek Theater are only some of the tracks in question, Most of which were wiped out by the violent earthquake of 1693.
After the tragedy, the city was totally rebuilt in baroque style, very evident among the streets of its center as well as on the outskirts. Here is a list of things to see if you are visiting Syracuse!
Ortigia Island and Fonte Aretusa
The first thing to see in Syracuse is definitely the Island of Ortigia, which, among other things, corresponds to its historic center and hosts both Piazza Duomo and the buildings used as institutional seats. Just cross one of the bridges that connect the island to the mainland to make a real leap into the past, surrounded by the white rocks. Here you will find the Fonte Aretusa, a spring of water that forms a small lake where still today grow the only spontaneous papyri in all of Europe.
Old town
The historic centre of Ortigia is full of churches, squares and baroque palaces. As mentioned, it houses the Duomo, one of the greatest examples of Sicilian Baroque, which rises where in the past there was an ancient temple dedicated to Athena.
Piazza Duomo is a small jewel that encloses elegant palaces and sumptuous churches. Don’t miss Palazzo Vermexio, on whose left corner you can still admire the small gecko sculpted by the artist of the same name, and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, dedicated to the Patroness of Syracuse, which preserves inside “The burial of S. Lucia” by Caravaggio.
Foto : Pixabay
Historic buildings
Starting from the old town and walking along the streets of Ortigia you can admire a long series of historical buildings as beautiful, as priceless. These include Palazzo Chiaramonte, Palazzo Bellomo, Palazzo Mergulese Montalto, Palazzo Gargallo and the Church of San Martino.
Archaeological Park of Syracuse
An attraction not to be missed is the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which houses the Greek Theatre and the Latomia del Paradiso; the latter, located under the theater, It houses the famous Ear of Dionysus, a huge rock that creates a curious acoustic effect (hence “ear”).
But not only, because the Archaeological Park also presents the Roman Amphitheatre and the Ara of Ierone, as well as the ruins of the Church of San Giovanni at the Catacombs and the Catacombs of San Giovanni, The only ones open to the public.
The Archimedes Technopark
Syracuse is the birthplace of Archimedes, so it’s quite normal that a square and a statue have been dedicated to him. What fascinates more, however, is the Tecnoparco Archimede: an immense space specially designed to reproduce the machines and inventions he created, open to tourists and families.
Castello Eurialo
In the hamlet of Belvedere it is recommended to visit Castello Eurialo, the largest castle from the Greek era that has survived to the present day. Carved directly into the rock, it offers a breathtaking view.
Giudecca
In Syracuse, then, it is suggested to visit the Giudecca, great testimony of the Jewish city. It is located between Via della Giudecca, Via Larga, Via Maestranza and Via Alagona. Unfortunately, there is not much of the old houses left, but crossing the basement of the Hotel Alla Giudecca you can visit an ancient miqweh: It is a system of tanks fed by running water that, in the past, was connected to the Synagogue.
After the visit, the advice is to make a jump at the Teatro dei Pupi (on the same street) to attend a typical show of local and regional tradition.
Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears consists of a very high church, with a conical shape, very charming. Within its walls it keeps a plaster effigy depicting the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which, according to some testimonies, in 1953 would have shed tears. The faithful who come here every year are really numerous and the atmosphere that you breathe inside is highly evocative.
Necropolis of Pantalica
If you have the opportunity to move around Syracuse, it is suggested to visit the Necropolis Rupestre di Pantalica: It is an archaeological site dating back to the first half of the thirteenth century BC, composed of more than 5 thousand tombs dug directly in the rock. Since 2005, the site has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Vendicari Nature Reserve
Still not far from Syracuse is one of the most beautiful natural oases in all of Europe, that is the Vendicari Nature Reserve. It covers 15 thousand hectares of land, on which you can make long walks among lentiscos, junipers and salicornia before reaching the sea. The reserve, in fact, also includes 13 kilometers of uncontaminated coast.
Cavagrande Nature Reserve
Finally, before leaving Syracuse, the advice is to make an excursion to the Cavagrande Nature Reserve of Cassibile. Dense forests are built around a natural canyon, where there is a kind of fresh water lake. Reaching it is neither comfortable nor easy, since you have to walk a large number of winding steps and without handrails; the ascent, then, is really challenging. Considering, however, what it is possible to admire and live at the finish line, it’s really worth it!
Copertina : Unsplash
