Syracuse

A Greek colony that was founded by the Corinthians circa 700 B.C. it developed quickly thanks to its natural port and the fertility of its land. Under the rule of Dionysus the city became a “Pentapolis” where the arts flourished, poets, dramatists, philosophers and scientists migrated there, and one for all Archimedes. The cities period of decadence began with the Roman occupation, a phenomenon that increased with the fall of the empire. Thereafter, the beginning of a period that characterized the whole of Sicily, the following Arab, Norman, and Spanish dominations did not favour the rebirth.

Panorama of the Port

A scene from a Play

Syracuse’s splendid golden period are present today and are evidence of the cities glorious past.

Of  these we list:

The Greek Theatre – constructed or rather dug 3^rd C. B.C. a great monolithic theatre, in which the works of great Greek dramatists like Eschilo, Euripides, and Sophocles were represented. Even today every other year these immortal works are represented in an atmosphere that takes us back many centuries.

The Roman Amphitheatre – one of the largest in the world is testimony of the magnitude to which the city had risen. It was however partly demolished and its blocks were used to raise fortifications.

The Greek Theatre

The Roman Amphitheatre

The Altar of Hieron – is a great altar used by Hieron for the public celebration of animal sacrifices. The Latomie of Paradise, Cordari, and Orecchio di Dioniso (Ear of Dionysus) are enormous natural caves in which prisoners and slaves were held. Legend has it that the particular acoustics of the Ear of Dionysus permitted the tyrant to eavesdrop on the whisperings of his prisoners. .

The Ear of Dionysus & other Caves

The subsequent tyrants enlarged the Castle of Euryalus built by Dionysus to fortify the city. It was armed with ballistic weapons of that era in order to resist long periods when under siege.

The Catacombs    - a large complex dating to the 4^th & 5^th C. A.D.

The Archaeological Museum – a large museum recently extended to include a section for geological and also prehistoric exhibits and another for Hellenistic exhibits from Syracuse and surrounding area. Outstanding is Venus Anadyomene dating back to 1^st C. B.C. and other important Greek sculptures.

The Cathedral

Ortigia

The Cathedral – built on the ruins of an ancient Doric temple of which some columns are still visible, it has endured deep transformations over time, the most radical following the earthquake in 1693. The baroque facade is from this period. It contains precious statues and excellent frescoes. For thoroughness we must mention the Ciane river and the culture of the papyrus and the Island of Ortigia, that can be considered the ancient part of Syracuse; connected to the mainland by a bridge, it emanates a particular charm with it’s closely built houses, narrow roads, and its extraordinary position on the sea. Ortigia alone warrants a trip to Syracuse.