City of Siracusa
Syracuse is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, above all for its archaeological and historical significance. Fourth most inhabited city in Sicily after Palermo, Catania and Messina, Syracuse is located on the east coast of the Island and was declared a World Heritage site along with the Pantalica Necropolis.
The city developed on the mainland but also on an island renowned in tourism: Ortigia, where Globetrotter is located.
the imprint of the Greek
The Grecian mark imprinted on the city’s architecture has been the
subject of much praise, an example of its splendour being the
Aretusa Fountain, set in the heart of Ortigia dedicated to the much
celebrated by poets and writers alike myth of Aretusa and Alfeo. The
archaeological area of the Neapolis, the ancient city centre, holds
an Ancient Greek Theatre of impressive acoustic dimensions, home to
the oratory and theatrical events that animated the cultural and
political life of the city. Nowadays, the theatre hosts the annual
classical showings of the INDA (National Institution of Ancient
Theatre) that attract millions of tourists from all over the world.
the architecture of ancient Greece
Dionysus’s Ear, an artificial chamber dug into stone, often holds seasonal shows of importance. Not far off is the Ierone Altar erected by Gerone II. The city was in the past protected by a perimeter wall, headed by the Euralio Castle, a unique example of an intact Greek fortress as it was never taken by storm. Diverse prisons were built in this era, one of the most famous being the Cappuccini prison in which were confined and left to starve the enemy soldiers from the war with Athens. Syracuse has a number of well-preserved temples, the most famous being the Apollo Temple, the oldest in Sicily and located in Ortigia; whereas Zeus’s temple named ‘Rue Culonne’ (The Two Columns) because the two pillars are all that have remained upright throughout the years, is the second eldest temple of the city.
Roman Period
It is the Roman period that gave Syracuse the reputed splendor and archaeological importance it is recognized for worldwide. Masterpieces abound such as the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the biggest in Italy, used for gladiator and circus performances but also the naval battles. The Roman Gymnasium and the intricate network of catacombs (the most extensive after the one in Rome) are not to be missed.
Museums
Here are a few museums that assemble the Syracuse’s historical evidence:
The Archaeological Museum Paolo Orsi
The museum of Cinema (Third in Italy)
The Museum of INDA (National Institution of Ancient Theatre) that holds temporary exhibitions dedicated to the story of classic performances
The Museum of Sicilian Puppets
The Shrine of Our Lady
The Madonnina of Tears Sanctuary, recently constructed, was erected due to a miracle that took place years ago when a painting of the Madonna suddenly began to cry. It is a place of rest for pilgrims and hosts millions of visitors every year. When at Syracuse, it would be unwise to miss a beautiful wander amongst the
alleyways of central Ortigia, not to mention along the waterfront.
Main Distances:
Catania: 50km, Taormina: 110km,
Vulcano Etna: 70km
Piazza Armerin: 14km, Ragusa: 90km,
Palermo: 250km.