Discover Syracuse
A journey through history, nature and flavors
Syracuse is a city of timeless charm, where the past and the present intertwine in perfect balance. From the ancient Greek ruins to the enchanting streets of Ortigia, from the crystalline waters of its sea to the rich gastronomic tradition, this city offers a unique experience for every visitor.
Whether you want to explore its archaeological treasures, immerse yourself in the culture and legends that surround it, relax on suggestive beaches or savor the delights of Sicilian cuisine, Syracuse will conquer you.
In this guide you will find some of the unmissable places and experiences to make your stay unforgettable. Get ready to discover the authentic heart of Syracuse!
The small port
Porto Piccolo or Porto Marmoreo is located to the east of the island of Ortigia, which includes the innermost part of the Arsenale (Lakkios), home to the reclaimed Syrako lagoon. This allows our guests to access a small natural beach and take a wonderful swim with the historic center as a backdrop.
Ortigia
Numerous palaces and sacred buildings characterize the area, but some more than others are immortalized in thousands of photographs every year by the many tourists who visit Syracuse. Among these, we must mention the Castello di Maniace, a mighty construction that extends into the southern part of the island. Also in the southern part of Ortigia, we recommend going to see the Fonte Aretusa, linked to a legend according to which the nymph Aretusa, to escape Alpheus, madly in love with her, asked Artemis for help, who transformed her into a fountain to save her. On the island of Ortigia, there is also the city’s Cathedral, originally built in the 5th century BC as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and later modified with the transformation into a Christian basilica. Moving to the northern part of the island of Ortigia, a visit to the ancient temple of Apollo, considered the oldest temple in all of Sicily, will be very interesting. These are just some of the things not to be missed when visiting Ortigia, but at every corner you will notice that there will be something interesting to see, since most of the buildings exude centuries of history.
The Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears
Anyone who comes to Syracuse cannot fail to be struck by the monumental conical structure that dominates the city from its height of 74 meters. It is the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime, a sign of profound piety and faith, erected in memory of the miraculous event that saw in 1953, in a humble home in the nearby Via degli Orti, a plaster effigy of the Virgin Mary weep, placed at the bedside of a married couple from Syracuse. The miraculous event was repeated from August 29 to September 1, 1953, amidst the disbelief and amazement of a few at first and then in the general emotion of an immense multitude of faithful.
Visiting museums
The most beautiful beauties set in:
- Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum
- Palazzo Bellomo Regional Gallery
- Archimedes and Leonardo Museum
- Puppet Museum
- Papyrus Museum
- Archimedes Techno Park
- Archaeological Park
The small port
Ortigia
Numerous palaces and sacred buildings characterize the area, but some more than others are immortalized in thousands of photographs every year by the many tourists who visit Syracuse. Among these, we must mention the Castello di Maniace, a mighty construction that extends into the southern part of the island. Also in the southern part of Ortigia, we recommend going to see the Fonte Aretusa, linked to a legend according to which the nymph Aretusa, to escape Alpheus, madly in love with her, asked Artemis for help, who transformed her into a fountain to save her. On the island of Ortigia, there is also the city’s Cathedral, originally built in the 5th century BC as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and later modified with the transformation into a Christian basilica. Moving to the northern part of the island of Ortigia, a visit to the ancient temple of Apollo, considered the oldest temple in all of Sicily, will be very interesting. These are just some of the things not to be missed when visiting Ortigia, but at every corner you will notice that there will be something interesting to see, since most of the buildings exude centuries of history.
The Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears
Anyone who comes to Syracuse cannot fail to be struck by the monumental conical structure that dominates the city from its height of 74 meters. It is the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime, a sign of profound piety and faith, erected in memory of the miraculous event that saw in 1953, in a humble home in the nearby Via degli Orti, a plaster effigy of the Virgin Mary weep, placed at the bedside of a married couple from Syracuse. The miraculous event was repeated from August 29 to September 1, 1953, amidst the disbelief and amazement of a few at first and then in the general emotion of an immense multitude of faithful.
Visiting museums
The most beautiful beauties set in:
- Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum
- Palazzo Bellomo Regional Gallery
- Archimedes and Leonardo Museum
- Puppet Museum
- Papyrus Museum
- Archimedes Techno Park
- Archaeological Park
Eating good food
The Sicilian gastronomic tradition is certainly among the most important and rich in Italy, as it is the result of influences from all the cultures that have settled in Sicily over the millennia. It is a complex cuisine full of Mediterranean flavors, enclosed in a unique balance between land and sea. In the various areas of Sicily it is natural to discover typical Sicilian products that are always different and closely linked to the territory. It would be unforgivable to leave Sicily without having tasted at least half of the main culinary specialties of the island:
The Cannolo considered the king of Sicilian pastry, the cannolo boasts many centuries of history and consists of a fried dough wafer rolled up and filled with fresh ricotta. The Cassata if the cannolo is the king of Sicilian pastry, the cassata is certainly the queen. Another symbol of Sicilian gastronomy is the Arancino, commonly called arancina if we are in the western part of the island.
The Granita has been the typical breakfast of Sicilians since ancient times, especially in the hot months of the coastal areas. Among the tastiest Sicilian specialties, the first courses could not be missed, including the popular Pasta alla Norma which is characterized by typically Mediterranean flavors. With its dozens of variations, Sicilian caponata is a dish infused with Mediterranean flavors with a sweet and sour taste, used both as a side dish and as a main course accompanied by bread. Also called Pasta Reale because it is considered “worthy of a king” for its goodness, almond paste is another typical product of the island’s pastry shop.
Boat Trips
Experience Syracuse and its marine beauties. Book your boat trip at the stations at the entrance to Ortigia to admire the beauty of the Marine Caves until sunset, the enchantment of the visit to the Marine Protected Area of Plemmirio.
Mountain Bike Excursions
Mountain biking is one of the best ways to experience nature in Siracusa. To help you discover the region at its best, we’ve selected the 20 best MTB trails in the area. Click on Komoot.it to find one of the most beautiful mountain bike routes, browse photos and tips from other enthusiasts in the komoot community. Find the perfect trail for your next mountain bike adventure.
Boat Trips
Experience Syracuse and its marine beauties. Book your boat trip at the stations at the entrance to Ortigia to admire the beauty of the Marine Caves until sunset, the enchantment of the visit to the Marine Protected Area of Plemmirio.
Mountain Bike Excursions
Mountain biking is one of the best ways to experience nature in Siracusa. To help you discover the region at its best, we’ve selected the 20 best MTB trails in the area. Click on Komoot.it to find one of the most beautiful mountain bike routes, browse photos and tips from other enthusiasts in the komoot community. Find the perfect trail for your next mountain bike adventure.