The name Siracusa, or Syracuse, comes from the Siculian Syraka or Sùraka, for the abundance of water it was blessed with from the many rivers and marshland. Founded by Corinthian Greeks under the command of Archias in 734 BCE, in just a few years it became a Pentàpoli with five districts: Ortygia, Acradina, Tiche, Neàpolis and Epipoli. In 212 BCE, after a heroic resistance effort that included Archimedes and his creative war machines, it was conquered by the Romans and became the capital of the Province of Sicily. A slow but relentless period of decline brought on by the frequent sackings and barbarian invasions followed, and in 878 it eventually fell into Arab hands. Centuries later, in the XI century, the Byzantines finally recaptured it and it then came under Norman control. Although in the XIII century it was briefly under Genovese dominion, it basically took part in the history of all of Sicily: the Kingdom of Sicily in the XII, the XIX century Kingdom of Two Sicilies and then the Kingdom of Italy.

Defined by Cicero as “the largest and most beautiful of all the Greek cities”, Syracuse is a city full of surprises, a unique and fascinating place. Its territory starts from the sea and from the beaches of the east coast and, after a flat stretch, it begins to climb up to reach the Iblei mountains. Since 2005 it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a source of pride in the Sicilian landscape. Every tourist who chooses Eastern Sicily as a destination for their journey already has in mind a list of what to see in Syracuse: from the Greek Theater to the island of Ortigia, from the Archaeological Museum to the splendid golden beaches in which to relax. Have a nice trip to discover the beauties of Syracuse!

Strolling around Ortigia, you can’t help but notice how fascinating are all the buildings, the churches and the statues which embellish the historical centre, surrounded by the brightness of limestone structures. The beauty of the Cathedral dominates over all, due to its charming Baroque facade and its structure which treasure one of the most important and famous Doric monument in all Sicily: the Temple of Athena. The Greek Temple was built in 480 b.C. by the tyrant Gelone according to the victory against Cartago in the battle of Himera. Currently are clearly visible almost all columns and some parts of the interior chamber. The Byzantines in the 6th century converted the temple into a church: included the exterior colonnade in the outer walls of the church and opened eight arches on each side of the interior chamber to create a building with three naves, dedicated to Virgin Mary.

Quails’ Land, refuge of gulls, quiet harbor or simply U ‘Scogghiu (the rock), as it is called by its inhabitants, the island of Ortigia takes over the centuries different names and titles, which always leave intact its identity as a welcoming place.
During their millennial processes, the Sea and the Sirocco wind shaped its landscape and molded its character, marking the destiny of this part of Sicily. Situated in a halfway between East and West, between Carthage and Rome, Ortigia welcomed Greek and Christian ships in the arms of its port, and that’s why along its labyrinthine alleys and through its many squares, you can live a unique experience and breathe the scent of the Mediterranean Sea.
‘Discovering Ortigia‘ means come into contact with different cultures, but above all to know Sicily in its most intimate aspects. Palazzi, courtyards, churches and monasteries give way to temples, castles and fountains, composing a fine white stone mosaic, which precious tiles shine in the sun.

Events