Siracusa (Syracuse)

Ortigia, Siracusa

A travel guide to Siracusa, Sicily, a major capital of the Ancient Greek world where they still hold outdoor concerts in the ancient theater and the cathedral is grafted onto a Greek temple

Why Siracusa?

Siracusa (Syracuse to some) was settled by Greeks in 733 BC and was the major power in Sicily from 480 BC through the Roman occupation. ( Siracusa history...)

With a perfect location at the center of the Mediterranean world, the heritage of this powerful trading port has left the modern city with everything from fantastic ruins—including one of the world's largest intact Greek theaters—and a baroque old quarter to one of Italy's finest archaeological museums and the only stands of papyrus that grow in Europe (supposedly a gift from Egyptian ruler Ptolemy II).

Siracusa makes a great base and good spot to slow down for a day or two, for while it has plenty of top-notch sights to keep you busy, it also sports a relaxed atmosphere, with pleasant cafes, seaside walks, and open-air restaurants to while away the hours.

Tips & links

Details

Siracusa tourist info:
Via Maestranza 33, Ortigia
tel. +39-0931-464-255

Via Mirabella 29, Ortigia
tel. +39-0931-464-657

Via San Sebastiano 45, mainland
tel. +39-0931-67-710

www.comune.siracusa.it
www.siracusaturismo.net

How long?

1.5–2.5 days » more

Best way to get there

Siracusa is in the southeast corner of Sicily, on Sicily's east coast about an hour south of Catania. If you are not driving, the best way to get there is by train. (Unless you're coming from a smaller town in the interior like Piazza Armerina or Caltagirone—plus, oddly, Palermo—in which case the bus is better.) » more

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Details

Siracusa tourist info:
Via Maestranza 33, Ortigia
tel. +39-0931-464-255

Via Mirabella 29, Ortigia
tel. +39-0931-464-657

Via San Sebastiano 45, mainland
tel. +39-0931-67-710

www.comune.siracusa.it
www.siracusaturismo.net

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