Syracuse was famously described by Cicero as “the most beautiful city in Magna Graecia,” and he was undoubtedly correct. Today, the remnants of its ancient grandeur can be felt in its streets, churches, and monuments, highlighting its rich religious and cultural heritage. Syracuse is a must-visit destination for any traveler, and with Sicily’s Mediterranean climate, it can be enjoyed throughout the entire year.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, the city preserves ancient treasures in every nook and cranny, from classical relics to exquisite Baroque architecture, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking beauty.
The UNESCO site includes two distinct locations: the cave necropolis of Pantalica and the historic center of Syracuse, both of which testify to the evolution of ancient civilizations.
Syracuse
Positioned in a prime geographical location, Syracuse became a vital hub for trade when the Greeks arrived. Today, it stands as a testament to the customs and traditions of the numerous Mediterranean cultures that have influenced it, including the Byzantines, Bourbons, Arabs, Normans, and Aragonese.
Sùraka, as Syracuse is known in Sicilian dialect (meaning “an abundance of water”), was one of the main settlements in Magna Grecia, renowned for its artistic excellence and commercial strength. It was also a significant center for Christianity during the Middle Ages and entered its Baroque golden age following the earthquake of 1693.
The oldest part of the city, however, is located on the small island of Ortygia, home to the Temple of Apollo, the oldest temple in Sicily. The remnants of the Temple of Athena (dating back to the 5th Century B.C.) were later transformed into the Cathedral, while the Temple of Zeus is now reduced to just a pair of columns, a testament to its former grandeur.
During the 4th Century B.C., Syracuse expanded to include residential areas such as Tyche and the monumental Neapolis, alongside the existing districts of Ortygia, Acradina, and Epipoli. The legacy of Roman conquest is evident in the iconic Amphitheatre, while the magnificent Castello di Maniace stands as a Byzantine fortress commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia.
The Cave Necropolis of Pantalica
Not far from Syracuse, near open quarries, lies the cave necropolis of Pantalica, where natural beauty converges with archaeological significance. This site emerged as a settlement on the plateau of the Iblei Mountains, established by coastal inhabitants fleeing the Sicels and other Italic groups in the early 8th Century B.C. (the period to which these striking necropolises belong).
The complex comprises approximately 5,000 tombs carved into the rock, alongside the Anaktoron (Prince’s Palace), which sits atop a hill, reminiscent of the grand Mycenaean palaces.
The village absorbed the customs and traditions of a variety of peoples, and in the Medieval Age, it provided refuge to those fleeing from invasions. Pantalica’s scenic beauty can be appreciated in its natural oasis, home to stunning flora (such as anemones, orchids, and oleanders) and diverse wildlife (including peregrine falcons, wolves, and river crabs).
Interesting FactsThis region is famous as the birthplace of Archimedes, the esteemed Greek mathematician and physicist of the 3rd Century B.C. Additionally, Caravaggio arrived in Syracuse in 1608 after escaping from prison in Malta; here, he painted The Burial of St. Lucy, the city’s patron saint. Along the banks of the River Ciane grows Cyperus Papyrus Linneo, one of the many species of papyrus found worldwide. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Papyrus Museum, which opened its doors in 1989.
