Syracuse is a city located in the eastern part of the Italian island of Sicily. It used to be a Greek metropolis, where Archimedes was born. According to the New Testament, it was in Syracuse that the apostle Paul and the evangelist Luke arrived.

Syracuse as a Tourist Destination

Syracuse is a must-visit city in the eastern part of Sicily. It is also a great base for exploring the region, especially if you don't want to rent a car. The city has a well-developed transportation system (trains, buses) and a pleasant historic city center for walking and spending time. It is definitely a better option than the bustling city of Catania. The railway line runs along the eastern coast of Sicily, making it easy to reach other towns. The train journey from Catania to Syracuse takes about two hours.

What to See in Syracuse?

Ortigia Island

The heart of Syracuse is Ortigia Island, the historic center of the city. Here, you will find a labyrinth of narrow streets closed to traffic, which are worth exploring. The island is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The most valuable monuments in Syracuse are located here:

1. Ruins of the Temple of Apollo

They are located right at the entrance to the island. It is the oldest Greek temple in Sicily, dating back to the 6th century BC. Unfortunately, only a few remains of it have survived.

2. Cathedral Square

The impressive cathedral with a rich history is the main attraction here. Inside, you will find Caravaggio's painting "Burial of St. Lucy" (photography is prohibited). The cathedral was built on the site of the ancient Temple of Athena and was also a mosque for a period of time.

3. Fountain of Arethusa

This natural freshwater spring is located right by the sea! It is situated at the edge of the island. According to Greek mythology, it is the place where the nymph Arethusa, fleeing from the unwanted love of the god Alpheus, transformed into a spring by the sea. One interesting fact is that papyrus grows naturally by the spring, making it one of the three places in Europe where it can be found!

4. Fountain of Artemis

This fountain is dedicated to the myth of the nymph Arethusa. It depicts Artemis with a bow and a dog, who was the protector of Ortigia in ancient times. At her feet stands the nymph Arethusa, transforming into a fountain.

5. Citadel and Castle in Syracuse

At the very end of the Ortigia Island, you will find the citadel and castle in Syracuse. Originally, the castle could only be accessed via a bridge over the moat. The castle can be visited.

Syracuse - Beaches

The beaches in Syracuse itself are small and rocky, squeezed between defensive walls. However, a small sandy beach can be found near the park by the Fountain of Arethusa. If you take a train further south, you can reach the sandy beach of Fontane Bianche.

Syracuse - Hiking and Trekking

If you enjoy hiking, we recommend taking a walk along the former railway line along the coast to the neighboring town of Targia - you can walk there and return by train. The trail surface is suitable for bicycles, strollers, and bikes with trailers. The entire trail is about 6.5 km long and is sometimes carved into the rocks. The trail offers a view of Mount Etna.

Easy

directions_walk directions_bike

Syracuse - Targia Pedestrian and Bicycle Path

straighten 6.6km

timer 1h 48min

north_east 60m

south_east 71m

Interesting hiking paths for an active walk can be found on the neighboring peninsula to the south of Syracuse, from the town of Isola to Plemmirio. Bus line 23 from Syracuse goes to the peninsula (the bus stop in Syracuse is poorly marked), but the frequency of buses is low.

Syracuse - Viewpoints

Walking along the defensive walls of the island will provide beautiful views, and on a clear day, you can see Mount Etna. However, if you have more time, it is worth going a bit further to have a view of the entire island. One of such viewpoints is the small rocky beach mentioned earlier, located on Via Ciomone street. Another viewpoint is from the monument to the Italians who died in Africa, from where a walking trail towards the town of Targia begins.

Syracuse - City of Cats

Syracuse is a port city, and in the morning, a fish market is set up on Ortigia Island, where you can buy fish and fresh seafood. Cats can be found everywhere while strolling around the city!

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Author: Adelina
Publish Date: 2022-08-09