Ortigia is the historic center of ancient Syracuse and an island that has been inhabited for around 3,000 years. In a small area, you can encounter traces of different eras: columns from the Temple of Athena have been preserved on the north side of the cathedral, while Castello Maniace stands at the tip of Ortigia. Frederick II had the castle built between 1232 and 1240 on the site of an older fortification. These places tell different chapters of the city’s history—from antiquity to the Middle Ages.
Neapolis: theaters, quarries and ancient structures
The Neapolis archaeological area occupies the northern part of the district of the same name. Neapolis was one of the five districts that made up Siracusa in Greek and Roman times. Among its most impressive structures is the Greek Theater, carved entirely into the rock of Temenite Hill. It continues to serve as a venue for performances, tragedies and classical productions during the theater seasons. A simple walking tour following in the footsteps of the Greeks covers five sites and is designed to take two days. Check the accessibility of each site before visiting.
The area also includes the Altar of Hieron II, a monumental altar used for public sacrifices for the city. The Latomiae contain the Grotta dei Cordari and the Ear of Dionysius. The latter is known for acoustic phenomena such as amplification and echoes. Another site bears the name “Tomb of Archimedes”: the burial chamber carved into the rock face dates from Roman times. A Roman amphitheater is also part of the area; its date is disputed. It is attributed variously to Augustus and Septimius Severus. A visit lets you see different architectural forms and historical interpretations side by side, without treating the disputed dating as certain.
Ortigia: architecture and market life
Beyond its ancient sites, Ortigia also offers a variety of stops for a walking tour. Palazzo Bellomo is an important building of Swabian origin and houses collections of medieval and modern art. The Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring, forms a small semicircular pool inhabited by fish, geese and ducks. Ortigia’s market sells vegetables, meat, dairy products, legumes, fish and seafood, accompanied by the sound of the so-called “Vanniate.”
A wine route through the area includes a visit to Ortigia, Baroque churches and the market, and ends with a tasting at a local winery. Operators and availability may change; check whether the tour is running if you plan to include it. Among the finest wines are Siracusa Moscato, also available as passito or spumante, and red wines based on Nero d’Avola and Syrah.
River landscape and marine reserve
The Fiume Ciane e Saline di Siracusa Nature Reserve protects and revitalizes the papyrus along the Ciane River and preserves the environmental value of the Saline di Siracusa wetlands. The riverbank vegetation includes diverse plant communities with species that are rare in Sicily; the wildlife is adapted to river and wetland habitats. Alongside the buildings, this offers a different perspective on the surroundings of Syracuse, focusing on plant and animal life and the protection of wetlands.
The Plemmirio Marine Protected Area is designated as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance (ASPIM). It includes the ITA090030 Fondali del Plemmirio Special Protection Area. Underwater trails provide ten entry points to the seabed. At Capo Murro di Porco, visitors can observe large pelagic fish and marine mammals, including tuna, amberjacks, sharks, dolphins, whales and sperm whales. These natural attractions add a maritime dimension to the story of the city.
Getting around during your stay
Ortigia is connected to the rest of Siracusa by the Ponte Umbertino and Ponte Santa Lucia bridges. Siracusa railway station is about 1.5 kilometers from the center of Ortigia. Another archaeological site is Castello Eurialo in the Belvedere district, at the highest point of the Epipoli plateau. It is about eight kilometers from the city center and offers expansive views over the city. The approximate distances and different locations can help you plan your itinerary: focus on the island’s history, explore ancient structures, or add nature and marine attractions.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Avola, Brucoli, Fanusa, Floridia, Syracuse, Francofonte, Lentini, Lido Di Noto, Marzamemi, Noto, Portopalo Di Capo Passero, Sortino, Terrauzza, Solarino, San Corrado Di Fuori, Cassibile, Carlentini, Ognina, Arenella, Pachino, Palazzolo Acreide, Augusta, Agnone, Canicattini Bagni, Villasmundo, Rosolini, Villa Vela, San Lorenzo, Plemmirio, Fontane Bianche, Carrozziere, Testa Dell'acqua, Buccheri, Belvedere, Melilli, Ferla, Isab - Erg, Granelli, Calabernardo, Priolo Gargallo, CittĂ Giardino, Villa Bibbia.
For the broader travel overview: Sicily.
