Sicily, the magic world of Syracuse: top attractions & exotic beaches - Italy travel guide
Welcome to #Syracuse (or Siracusa) in #Italy! An exciting travel destination in the beautiful island of #Sicily
#Video #Content :
00:01 Intro
00:41 Sicily
01:10 Syracuse
01:58 #maps
02:12 Syracuse #port
02:30 #Ortygia #bridge
02:58 #Archimedes #statue
03:05 #Porta #Urbica
03:18 Via dell' #Apollonion
03:44 #Temple of #Apollo
04:11 St. Paul Church
04:16 Ortygia alleys
04:48 #citadel
05:08 #Cathedral
05:51 #Piazza #Duomo
06:34 #Aretusa spring
07:10 Lungomare #Alfeo
07:25 #Largo Aretusa
07:45 #giardini
08:06 #Foro V. Emanuele 2
08:14 #Passeggio Aretusa
08:31 #Fontana di #Diana
09:12 #Castello #Maniace
10:34 #Market
11:01 Largo #Forte San Giovannello
11:23 Lungomare di #Levante
11:58 #Solarium #pubblico
12:21 #Ortigia #beaches
12:44 #Basilica #Santuario #Madonna delle Lacrime
12:52 #Neapolis #archaeological #park
13:05 #Greek #Theatre
13:16 #Latomie del #Paradiso
13:35 #Spiaggia #Massolivieri
It was the most #important city of Magna Graecia. It defeated the mighty Athens in 413 BCE and was home to many a great Greek, including the inimitable Archimedes. At the height of its economic, political and military powers, the city had a population of 300,000 and, according to Cicero, was “the greatest Greek city and the most #beautiful of them all”.
It is relatively easy to #visit in a day, though obviously deserves rather more time. A visit can be split into two easy parts: one dedicated to the archaeological site, the other to the island of Ortygia.
Ortigia - Syracuse's #island heart
The best way to see the island of Ortygia is just to #wander. It’s difficult to get lost (it measures just 1km by 500 metres), but packed with over 2,500 years of history. Architectural styles vary widely, encompassing Greek and Roman remains, Mediaeval Norman buildings and a great deal of (relatively) understated Baroque. #Restaurants, #trattorie and #bars abound and it is especially nice to sit out on the western side in the late afternoon, warmed by the sun and with a view over the #lagoon.
The historical highlight of the western side is the fountain of #Arethusa. Legend has it that Arethusa, originally an Arcadian #nymph, fled underwater to Syracuse in an attempt to rid herself of the persistent amorous advances of the river God Alpheios. The Goddess Artemis transformed her into the freshwater spring that we can see today. All was in vain, however, as Alpheios located his prey and mixed his own waters with hers. Legend also has it that the spring is directly connected under the sea to the river at the sanctuary of #Olympia.
Going straight on will take you first to the remains of the Temple of Apollo, which, being built in the 7th century BCE was supposedly the first great Doric temple of its kind in Sicily. Continuing up Corso Matteotti will bring you to Piazza Archimede, named after the town’s most famous son.
From here it is a short walk to the real centre of Ortygia, the Piazza del Duomo. This delightful pedestrian square is home to the wonderful Cathedral built on the site of an ancient Temple of #Athena as can clearly be seen from the original Doric columns that were incorporated into the building’s main structure. Also on this square is the beautifully symmetrical Baroque Palazzo Beneventano and the church of Santa #Lucia, the town’s patron saint.
Turning left at the entrance to the island will take you immediately to the colourful daily morning street market, which sells a fantastic array of fruit, vegetables, fish and meat. At the end of the market is a must-see for food lovers: a #delicatessen of rare quality called I Sapori dei Gusti Smarriti. Here you can find cheeses, hams and cured meats of the very best quality, many of which, especially those produced in Sicily, you will find nowhere else.
Other sights of interest on Ortygia include the Byzantine miqwe (Jewish baths) under the Hotel alla Giudecca.
The archaeological site, situated in the northwest of the town, is home to a staggering number of well-preserved Greek (and Roman) remains. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Greek theatre that dates back at least until the 5th century BCE. Its cavea is amongst the largest ever built: its 59 rows could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. The theatre is still used for an annual Greek theatre festival
The old stone quarries (latomie). Of most interest is the famous Ear of Dionysius
The Roman amphitheatre, built in the 3rd century CE, is also very impressive.
The Archaeological Museum contains a great collection of exhibits
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