SIRACUSA in ancient times it was the most important city in the western world; can be seen with a glance from his "Archaeological Park". There are many things to see: the Greek Theater, the Ear of Dionysus, the Roman Amphitheater, and many other monuments. The Theater Greco is arguably the most spectacular monument in the city, as well as one of the largest and best preserved Greek auditoriums. It was built into the rock with a semicircular shape, but over the centuries, it has undergone several changes.
The ear of Dionysus
Not far from the Theater there is a small road that leads to the latomie, ancient stone quarries that were also used as granaries. The best known purpose, however, was that of prison; the latomia del Paradiso is the most interesting, also for the artificial cave 23 meters high and 65 meters long, baptized "Ear of Dionysius". The name derives from Caravaggio, who stayed briefly in Syracuse. We also see the Roman amphitheater of elliptical shape, with a monumental appearance, which dates back to the third century; one of the largest in the world. The entrance ticket to the park costs € 10 but visiting it with the archaeological museum or Palazzo Bellomo in Ortigia, it costs € 13,50. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.
The catacombs and the basilica
The Catacombs of San Giovanni are also interesting. The catacombs that can be visited are those under the Basilica of San Giovanni. These catacombs were coveted because there was the tomb of San Marciano, the first bishop of the city. The catacombs can only be visited by taking part in a guided tour costing € 8. Archeology buffs can drop by Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum, the largest archaeological museum in Sicily as well as one of the main in Europe. Enchanting is also the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle The crime, which can be seen from virtually anywhere in the city.
The Basilica of Saint Lucia, buried inside the sepulchral temple, depicted in a statue; who apparently "sweated" during the Spanish siege of the city as a message of solidarity with Ortigia, the ancient nucleus of Syracuse. Ortigia is an islet 1 kilometer long and just 500 meters wide where concentrates in which over 3.000 years of history are preserved. We continue with the Temple of Apollo, the oldest in the Doric style in the area. Over the centuries the temple has undergone various transformations and adaptations.
Caravaggio in Syracuse
The temple was a Christian church in the Byzantine era, an Arab mosque with Muslims and a barracks during the Spanish domination. We also see the most beautiful square in Ortigia, and of all Syracuse, or Piazza Duomo. Here it is the Baroque that dictates the law. You can visit the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary every day from 10 to 18:30. Next to the Cathedral, on the corner with Piazza Minerva is the Town Hall of Syracuse, a palace, built between 1629 and 1633.
Church dedicated to the patron saint of Syracuse
Another attraction not to be missed in the square is the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, dedicated to the patron saint of the city. It has a beautiful and slender façade, and inside is the strong point of the church, the “Burial of St. Lucia di Caravaggio ". The hypogeum of Piazza Duomo is also interesting; an underground path rediscovered in 1869, consisting of a main gallery that connects Piazza Duomo with the Forum.
How to get to Syracuse
Then again we see Palazzo Bellomo, which houses a small but valuable museum where you can play the lion's share is The Annunciation by Antonello da Messina. The castle, commissioned by Frederick II in the thirteenth century, built on the ruins of ancient fortifications is beautiful. A visit to the Fonte Aretusa is essential, a semicircular lake a few meters from the sea, fed by a freshwater spring where papyrus plants grow and many fish swim.
The nearest airport is that of Catania from where there are frequent buses that arrive in Syracuse in an hour and 15 minutes.
