“Syracuse is the largest of the Greek cities and the most beautiful in the world; it really is. Their high position not only contributes to their security, but also has the consequence that the city from all sides, both by land and by sea, presents a very beautiful sight. Its harbors are within the city limits and partly surrounded by buildings; opening in two opposite directions, they merge at their inner corners, as a result of which that part of the city, which is called the Island, is separated by a narrow strait from the mainland, with which it is connected by a bridge.
Cicero
Syracuse (Syracuse) were founded in the 8th century BC. Greeks.
Thanks to the fertility of the soil and convenient harbors, the city soon became rich and prosperous. But its history was not peaceful: 415-413. BC. - war with Athens, in 409 BC. - the war with Carthage, during which unprecedented ships with four and five tiers of oars were built, powerful throwing machines were designed. In 316-289. BC. under the authority syracuse almost all of Sicily was located.
In 264 BC. The 1st Punic War began, during which syracuse the Romans besieged and only at the cost of large payments did they manage to get out of the war.
This was followed by a period of peace that lasted about 50 years.
At this time, Archimedes lived, among other things, he participated in the strengthening of the city.
But his engineering genius showed itself in full force during the 2nd Punic War in 212 BC. Archimedes built throwing machines that threw cannonballs and stones at the Roman troops and the Romans were forced to stop the assault.
Truth, syracuse were defeated by treason, and Archimedes was killed.
For syracuse the period of Roman rule began, it was the decline and decline of a prosperous city.
In 878, after a long and difficult siege, during which the defenders went as far as cannibalism, the city was conquered by the Arabs.
In 1038 General George Maniac conquered syracuse and restored Christian worship, restored military fortifications and erected a castle at the extreme tip of the ancient Ortigia still bears his name. Also Maniac took out the body Saint Lucia from the coffin (the relics of St. Rays - according to legend, heals those who have vision problems) and sent the body in a silver shrine to Constantinople.
But one bone remained in Syracuse on the island of Ortigia, in the chapel of St. Lucia.
In 1086 the power of the Normans begins. The city, due to its location, becomes a military fortress. Roger I of Sicily builds new quarters, restores the Cathedral, builds new churches.
In 1205-1220 syracuse are under the control of Genoa.
But already in 1221 the city was conquered by Frederick II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. At this time, Palazzo Bellomo was built. After the death of Frederick II, a period of anarchy and unrest followed, with the Angevin and Aragonese dynasties sharing power. And, in the end, Frederick III of Aragon came to power.
But in subsequent years, power also passed from one hand to another.
In 1693, a terrible earthquake severely damaged syracuse. But the city quickly recovered, acquiring baroque features.
In the 1700s after the death of Charles II, a war for power began between the Spaniards, the Savoy, Austrian dynasties and the Bourbons.
In 1860 syracuse were annexed to a united Italy.
In 1872, Archimedes Square was built, the historical districts of Ortigia, Sperduta, via del Littorio (now corso Matteotti - rebuilt during the fascist period) were restored.
In 1900 there was a memorable earthquake, called Santa Lucia, as it occurred on December 13 - the day of the patroness syracuse- Saint Lucia.
History Center syracuse situated on island of Ortigia. To get to the island you have to cross Umbertino bridge (from here you can take a boat trip around Ortigia).
Temple of Apollo (Piazza Pancali)- one of the first buildings in. It was built in the VI century. BC. The size of the temple around the perimeter is 58 x 24 meters. Then the temple was converted into a Byzantine church, from which the central ladder was preserved. The temple then became a mosque, a Norman church, and eventually part of a Spanish barracks.
Syracuse. Temple of Apollo.
Let's go through Corso Matteotti- This is one of the central shopping streets of the historical center. She brings to Archimedes Square (piazza Archimede). In the center of the square is a fountain by Giulio Moschetti with Artemis the Huntress in the center. 
Syracuse. Temple of Apollo.
Cathedral was built on the site of the temple of Athena (5th century BC during the time of the tyrant Gelon). The temple was rebuilt into a Christian church in the 7th century. After the earthquake of 1693, the cathedral acquired baroque features. Frescoes of the 17th century by Agostino Scilla and Luigi Vanvitelli have been preserved.
Cathedral. Interior.
Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia (S. Lucia alla Badia) and the Cistercian monastery are dedicated to the patron saint of the city.
Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia.
The first mention of the church dates back to 1427. In 1695 the church was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. The work is stored in the church Caravaggio "The Burial of Saint Lucia".
Caravaggio's Burial of Saint Lucia.
Further on via Picherali.
Here in a small square is Spring of Aretusa (Fontana Aretusa). In Greek mythology, Arethusa was an Eleatic nymph who was pursued by the river god Alpheus. With the help of Artemis, she fled to Sicily, where she turned to the source. There, Alpheus joined her, carrying his waters under the sea.
Syracuse. Spring of Arethusa.
At the far end of the island is maniac castle. The castle was built by the Byzantine general George Maniac in 1038. Later, the castle was owned by the Norman rulers, and then the Aragonese dynasty. Now there is a museum here.
Syracuse. Maniac Castle.
In the modern quarter syracuse situated archaeological park Neapolis. Here you can see well-preserved ancient ruins.
carved into the rock Greek theater(V century BC). The theater accommodated 16 thousand spectators. During the reign of Hieron I, the tragedies of Euripides and Aeschylus were staged on the stage of the theater. The Romans rebuilt the theater in such a way as to hold gladiator fights here. Nowadays, the theater shows classical Greek tragedies.
Syracuse. Greek theatre.
Near the theater is the entrance to Capuchin quarry Latomia - "Great pits open sky, which at first were quarries, and later turned into prisons, where the Athenians were imprisoned for eight months after the defeat of Nicias; they suffered in this huge ditch from hunger, thirst, unbearable heat and died in the mud, where all kinds of evil spirits swarmed.
Quarries were used until the 6th century BC. Stones from here went for the construction of city monuments. After the victory of Syracuse over Athens (415-413 BC), the wounded soldiers were closed in the quarries, leaving them to die. Later (until the 16th century) monks settled in the quarries. In 1868, the quarries became public property and were opened to the public.
Ear of Dionysius- This is a huge cave, which is about 65 m long and 23 m high, it has excellent acoustics. According to legend, the cave was created on the orders of Despot Dionysius in order to eavesdrop on the conversations of captives. With the light hand of Caravaggio, the cave began to be called the ear of Dionysius. But there are other versions: some scientists believe that this cave, connected to the theater, served as an underground hall for performances, because with its extraordinary resonance, the slightest sound is amplified to incredible proportions.
Syracuse. Ear of Dionysius.
Altar of Hieron I. Every year, hundreds of bulls were killed on this altar, sacrificing them to the gods.
Syracuse. Altar of Hieron I.
Roman amphitheater considered one of the largest amphitheatres. The amphitheater was built in the II century. and was used for chariot racing and gladiator fights. The dimensions of the amphitheater are 140 x 119 meters.
Syracuse. Roman amphitheater.
Not far from the archaeological park of Neapolis are Catacombs of San Giovanni. As you know, according to a Roman decree, Christians were forbidden to be buried inside the city walls. And Christians used underground Greek aqueducts for burial.
At the entrance to the catacombs is a ruined Basilica of San Giovanni, in this basilica in 254 the first bishop of the city, St. Marcian, was martyred.
Basilica of San Giovanni. Entrance to the catacombs.
Address of the catacombs: Via di San Sebastiano. Tue-Sun 9.00-12.30, 14.30-16.30. Photography is prohibited.
In 1953, a miracle happened in the house of a married couple - a small image of the Madonna wept. In 1966, the construction of a sanctuary dedicated to Weeping Madonna (Madonna delle Lacrime). The construction was completed and the temple was consecrated in 1994. Unusual shape the temple soars into the sky to a height of 74 meters, the spire is decorated with a 20-meter bronze statue of the Madonna, inside there is one crypt, where the ruins of a Roman temple are preserved.
Syracuse. Sanctuary of the Madonna della Lacrima.
Cuisine of Syracuse:
The cuisine is based on fish and meat.
Fish: swordfish, goldfish (orata), sea bass (spigole), lobsters (aragoste), shrimp, tuna, bluefish. Tuna with onions; smoked swordfish; octopuses; seafood soup.
Palazzolo sausages, Buccheri pork salami. Rabbit alla stimpirata.
Ravioli with homemade ricotta, spaghetti with eggplant and zucchini.
Artagine- fish restaurant. Via Catania, 19
Puppet Museum in Syracuse.
Piazza S. Giuseppe
The first museum in Italy dedicated to puppets: valiant knights - champions Christian faith and Saracen Moors, wizards, sorceresses and various monsters.
In addition to puppets, the exposition was made up of various documents that capture the main moments in the history of the Italian puppet theater: the puppet workshop of Vicolo del Ulivo, which has existed since 1978, and the birth of their theater.
Syracuse - The largest city in the region of Sicily. Now it belongs to Italy, but in Antiquity Syracuse was the possession of Greece. Syracuse became a Greek colony on the island of Ortigia. This policy was founded in the first millennium BC. On the island to this day there is a source fresh water. Syracuse arose around him.
According to the myth, Arethusa is a nymph who did not want to obey Alpheus, the river god. She turned into a source and commanded that a beautiful city should arise here. From the very beginning, it has become a great place for residents to live. Among the population were representatives of different territories of Greece.
The city was located on a hill, which contributed to safety, and the beautiful views that opened up to the residents still inspire tourists. Syracuse belongs to the Greek West. The capital of this part of Greece was created by the famous Greeks. Syracuse is one of the most beautiful cities. This is evidenced not only by the Greeks themselves, but also by numerous tourists. The soils here are still fertile, and the harbors are beautiful.
Syracuse is a polis that, first of all, became famous for its tyranny. It was in the history of this city-state that there were a lot of rulers who seized power by force. Among them was the Elder Dionisius in the 3rd century BC.
He imprisoned the rich, who fell into the list of his enemies, and divided their possessions among the poor townspeople, who once went bankrupt against their will. Dionysius also helped out money for the sale of other people's property. He hired workers for them. As a result, the ruler united under his wing almost the entire Sicilian nobility. The most “advanced” intelligence worked for Dionysius, which at any time of the day provided the most detailed information about the movement of his enemies. Hundreds of informers brought him good and bad news.
During the war with Athens, an advanced fleet was built, the ships of which fought in the war with Carthage. Four and five-tier masts were an enviable example even for the Athenians and Spartans themselves.
Dionysius was known as the most cruel and powerful tyrant in Greece. But, in addition to the fact that he issued inhuman laws, he managed to build a very a strong army. Thanks to her, Dionysius took almost all of Sicily into his possession. By the way, Dionysius became the founder of the tradition of royal people wearing festive clothes. For example, Dionysius was very fond of purple robes, and on his head he wore a wreath of gold.
If the people began to rally or even rose to an uprising, the tyrant brutally suppressed it and sent all opponents to a kind of concentration camp. Once it was a quarry.
Dionysius built himself a huge and rich castle, which stood on an island, right in the middle of the bay. The ruler was guarded by an army armed to the teeth. She had hundreds of catapults and ballistic guns at her disposal. The tyrant's fleet was no less majestic. He built ships with towers. They were equipped with catapults and ballistas. Such a ship could sink dozens of enemy ships.
Dionysius had a pupil and close associate. He came from the ranks of the aristocracy, and his name was Dion. The young man dreamed of conquering Sicily and creating a region on its territory that, in structure and political system, strongly resembled Plato's dreams of an ideal state. Plato was invited to Syracuse. But this thinker was very hostile to tyranny, therefore he expressed a number of conflicting thoughts regarding Dionysius, for which he was sent to his homeland.
When the tyrant died, his follower Dion inspired the ideas of the most perfect state to the eldest son of Dionysius. Companions again invited Plato. And not only him, but dozens of scientists and thinkers. Seething in Syracuse scientific life. It got to the point that scientists drew their intricate drawings right on the streets and taught the inhabitants complex sciences.
Political events were not in favor of Dion. Nevertheless, he did not manage to win over the younger Dionysius to his side to the end. The followers of tyranny drove Dion out of the city. Plato left.
Dion did not calm down and gathered a detachment to overthrow the tyranny in Syracuse and conquer Sicily. After Dion returned, the people rebelled under him against the younger offspring of Dionysius and overthrew him.
Around 200 BC. Archimedes lived in Syracuse. This is not just a thinker and scientist, he was a member of the movement in favor of strengthening his native city. Archimedes showed remarkable abilities during the 2nd campaign of the Punic War. He built weapons that acted crushingly against the Romans, who encroached on the territory of Greece and Syracuse.
Syracuse was struck as a result of the actions of traitors and Archimedes was killed, but his works remained not just in the history of mankind, but in its philosophical thought, mathematics and the consciousness of the Greeks.
Archimedes was educated in Alexandria. This figure became famous for the greatest inventions in the field of engineering and design, mechanics and mathematics. The first works of the scientist are devoted to mechanics. But later he developed his activities to such an extent that he invented the "Snail" to make it easier to irrigate the fields, as well as a special screw for lifting water. Not speaking about military equipment. Archimedes created it in the variety that was required for campaigns and defensive tactics.
When the siege of Syracuse by the Romans was so strong that people were dumbfounded by a two-sided onslaught, Archimedes saved the situation. He set in motion all the most advanced military technologies embodied in throwing weapons and other military equipment.
The Romans were hit by a hail of shells, and huge logs flew at their ships from the sea, which hit them with such force that they promptly sank.
Archimedes gave Syracuse the opportunity to defend perfectly. Therefore, no one attacked the city for a long time. There is a legend saying that Archimedes died an absurd death. When there was another battle with the Romans, a scientist, sitting at own house, creating new blueprints in the sand. A Roman running past stepped on only drawn diagrams, to which Archimedes swore heavily. The enemy, without thinking twice, killed the great scientist.
The Romans for a long time rampaged in the vicinity. They tried to subjugate the entire Hellenic world. There were many wars and destruction. Syracuse was empty, the island was covered tall grass and became unsociable.
It's been 150 years. Cicero came to these places. He visited Syracuse, inspecting the island as well. A tombstone from the tomb of Archimedes was found in an abandoned cemetery. It depicted a sphere and a cylinder. These symbols for the Greeks are the ideal of science. The relic has been preserved.
In the 1st century new era Syracuse was conquered by the Arabs. At the beginning of the 2nd century, the power of the Normans was restored in the city. Syracuse has become a real military fortress.
The first millennium of our era was marked by a very rapid development for Syracuse. Roger the First Sicilian, who came to power, began large-scale construction. New neighborhoods and churches appeared in the city.
At the beginning of the 13th century, the Roman emperor Frederick II came to the polis and began to rule. When the ruler died, power changed hands, and anarchy and disorder reigned in the city.
The end of the 17th century was tragic for Syracuse. The reason for everything is the riot of the forces of nature. People did not begin to live in the ruins, although the earthquake did a lot of trouble. Residents quickly restored the city and it became even more beautiful. At the beginning of the 18th century, the struggle for power began again. This time the Spaniards claimed Syracuse. However, the Italians took this tidbit for themselves and already in the 19th century they restored the most beautiful city, its buildings and main attractions. A new square was created, which was named after Archimedes.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a new earthquake, of great strength, destroyed part of the buildings, but everything was restored again. This time, the natural phenomenon was given a name. Since the disaster happened on the day of Saint Lucia, who is considered the patroness of the inhabitants of Syracuse, the earthquake is called "Santa Lucia".
Now Syracuse is visited by crowds of tourists. The most popular place that guests love is the Temple of Apollo. It is one of the main attractions, and not only because it was built in ancient times and has been restored and restored many times. No less popular is Archimedes Square with a beautiful fountain and statues.
Athens. City of great poets and philosophers.
The city of Athens is the capital of Greece, the heart of culture, which has preserved many monuments of ancient civilizations. We do not know of another city in the world that would have the history and, above all, the glory of the city of Athens. Blessed not only by nature, but also by the gods, the city of Athens is the city where high ideals, majesty, beauty and truthfulness were created during the classical period, which are the only true ray of light of human wisdom and inspiration.
Prominent Hellenes - Sophia Paleolog.
Sophia-Zoya Palaiologos - one of the prominent Greek women, was born between 1443 and 1449 in the Peloponnese. Her father was the Morean despot Thomas Palaiologos, and her uncle was the last emperor of the Byzantine Empire, Constantine XI.
Modern Elders of Athos Paisios Svyatogorets
Tourist trip to Greece: choose a resort and a carrier
The colorful beaches of Santorini.
The Greek island of Santorini is known throughout the world not only for its beautiful sunsets and as one of the favorite vacation spots of Hollywood stars, but also for its colorful beaches. The sand on the beaches of the island is actually different color: white, black and red. AT various parts Santorini beach sand has different colors due to the origin of the sand as well as various impurities.
Syracuse is one of the most curious and original cities in Sicily, in ancient times it was called Syracuse and was one of the largest and richest ports in the Mediterranean.
The Greeks, who landed on the shores of Sicily in 734 BC, contributed to the prosperity of the city for several centuries in a row. Aeschylus staged his tragedies in the local theater, the greatest philosophers of ancient Greece, including Plato himself, performed on the stage of Syracuse, and one of the most worthy sons of the city was Archimedes, about whom Cicero said: “I believe that this Sicilian had more genius than human nature can contain."
In today's article, we answer important questions: where to live in Syracuse, what sights of the city deserve attention, what places are ideal for lunch and dinner, and whether there are decent beaches in the area.
WHAT TO SEE: CITY SIGHTS
If you want to travel back 2700 years in a time machine, then you should visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park - part of ancient Syracuse. There is an ancient Greek theater with a huge sacrificial altar, quarries, the famous cave "Ear of Dionysius" and a Roman theater.
In the photo: the ancient Greek theater in Syracuse
If you dream of visiting the ancient catacombs, by the way, they are the second largest after the Roman ones, then you should head to the catacombs of San Giovanni. Nearby you can see a quaint modern temple Madonna delle Lacrime, and at the same time lovers of antiquities can visit the local Archaeological Museum of Paolo Orsi (Paolo Orsi).
In the photo: loculi in the catacombs of San Giovanni
The Archaeological Museum of Syracuse is one of the largest in Europe, everything or almost everything that was excavated and found in Sicily is collected right here, so it makes sense to take at least half a day even for a cursory acquaintance with the exhibits.
In Ortigia, the historical center of the city, where you will get after passing through a small bridge, on which the monument to Archimedes flaunts, a fair amount of antiquities is also concentrated. Here are the ruins of the temple of Apollo, and the ancient Jewish mikvahs, discovered by the will of fate in the dungeons of the current Alla Giudecca hotel, and the Cathedral, in which the ancient Greek temple of Athena is “imprisoned”.
Pictured: Syracuse Cathedral
In addition, in Ortija it is worth visiting the Papyrus Museum and art gallery in the Palazzo Bellomo, and art lovers can admire the canvas of Caravaggio in the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia. special attention the castle of Maniache and the museum of two geniuses - Leonardo da Vinci and Archimedes are also worthy. And, of course, do not miss the source of Aretusa (fonte Aretusa) - it is very beautiful place, and it is believed that it was here that Syracuse was born in ancient times.
In the photo: the source of Aretusa (fonte Aretusa) in Syracuse
Don't forget to check out the city market. It is open only until one in the afternoon, but is worthy of the most detailed study. A hubbub of street vendors inviting customers to their place, shops with the freshest local food, sellers who deftly make delicious panini with ham, olives and cheese in front of customers; a stern, pirate-looking oyster and prosecco dealer; and lively local fishermen selling freshly caught sea urchin caviar.
In the photo: a cheese shop in the market of Syracuse
Well, all the luxury of the southern market: olives, Sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, capers, sweet fruits of unprecedented size, seafood and generous Sicilian land - by the way, almost all local specialties can be tasted right at the counters. The market is located at: via Emanuele de Benedictis, which is just opposite the large covered parking Talete.
WHERE TO STAY IN SYRACUSE?
It is best to live in the historical center of the city - on the island of Ortigia, where a huge number of hotels and private apartments are located. There are options for every taste, most can be found on standard booking sites. What is good about Ortigia: within walking distance you have all the main attractions of the city, the sea, the promenade and shops. From here you can go on a boat trip along the coast. This area of the city is a lively and party place with many bars, cafes and restaurants.
If you don’t find apartments in the city center, you can also stay away from the center: between the railway station of Syracuse and Ortigia, along the streets via Malta, Corso Umberto I or Corso Gelone. Here accommodation is cheaper and parking is less difficult, which is important if you decide to rent a car.
ABOUT THE BEACHES AROUND SYRACUSE
Of course, you can swim in the city. It is possible, but not necessary. Syracuse is located in a bay, which is a port, so swimming in the vicinity of the only small sandy beach is prohibited. However, the ban stops few people, and in the heat people still climb into the water. There is the option of swimming from the pontoons at the Maniace Hotel, there is also a narrow strip of sand that rests against the city wall, but, frankly, the city of Syracuse itself is not the best place for beach holiday.
Per good sea we advise you to go to the nearest resort villages: Fontane Bianche, Arenella or the Plemmirio Peninsula - there are also small bays ideal for swimming. The only hotel with private beach in the Syracuse area - Il Minareto, but it is located outside the city. A little further away is the Arenella Resort hotel, which is also very good for a beach holiday, it also works on an all-inclusive basis.
WHERE TO EAT IN THE CITY?
Syracuse, due to the huge number of tourists, is a complex city in terms of gastronomy. Of course, this has its pluses - many local restaurants are open all day, which, however, does not cover the minuses - the quality of food in the kitchen and prices in tourist-oriented establishments leave much to be desired. Especially all of the above applies to restaurants that are open near the city's waterfront, apparently, their owners sincerely believe that the breathtaking view of the Syracuse Bay compensates for the mediocre quality of food.
For myself and my tourists, I looked after several establishments where you can eat tasty and high quality. So, the following places fall under the category of tasty and budget. Osteria Mariano- a small restaurant hidden in the streets of Ortigia. Local dishes worth trying here are seafood, snacks and pasta. Be sure to order ravioli with ricotta, cavatelli with meat sauce, penne with almonds or pasta with seafood: mussels, cuttlefish ink and sardines.
One of the restaurant's specialties is spaghetti ai fiore di zucca - spaghetti with pumpkin flowers, this dish is rarely seen today in restaurants in Sicily, it was popular in the past, but in Osteria Mariano it is prepared according to the recipe of the owner's grandmother. Address Osteria Mariano: Vicolo Zuccolà, 9, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy Tel: +39 0931 67444.
Restaurant L'ancora located in the heart of the old city. You should go here for fresh fish and seafood - these are the main specialties of the institution. The wine list of the restaurant is also above any basement. The restaurant has three halls, in addition, on the roof of L'ancora, a terrace is tripled, from where a highly poetic view of the sea opens. L'ancora address: via Guglielmo Perno, 7, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy, telephone: +39 0931 462369.
- Another great place in the historical part of the city. It is worth trying not only pizza, but also pasta - especially linguine with vongole, it is better to book tables on Saturdays in advance, since the Castello Fiorentino pizzeria is very popular with the local population, the restaurant is closed on Mondays. Address: Via del Crocifisso, 6, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy Tel: +39 0931 21097.
Worth a visit and Osteria Anima Sicula, the restaurant serves dishes exclusively from seasonal products, and the main specialties of the osteria are fish and seafood, address: Via della Dogana, 5, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy, tel: +39 327 544 0500. From the more expensive places I recommend Don Camillo(address: Via delle Maestranze, 96, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy, tel: +39 0931 67133), I got there on a tip from Fort Matthew, the author of the book “Sicily. Sweet honey bitter lemons. Don't be disappointed.
Text: Elena Anikeeva
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In Antiquity Syracuse, a city founded in 734 BC. e. colonists from Corinth, was the largest and most powerful on the island, its circumference, according to the historian Strabo, was equal to one hundred and eighty stages (33 km), and the population was approximately 500 thousand people. During the first Punic War, Syracuse sided with the Romans, then, however, they broke away from them, but in 212 BC. e. obeyed again. In 287 BC. e., the mathematician Archimedes, a native of Syracuse, died here.
Chic boutiques can be found on Corso Gelon in the New Town and Corso Matteotti on Ortigia. Small traditional shops are hiding in the streets of the Old Town. For example, Izzo jewelry store on Via Roma or ceramics shops on Via Cavour. In many workshops, the tradition of papyrus production is still preserved.
The Ponte Nuovo bridge leads to the island of Ortigenia. A few steps from the bridge are the remains of a bridge built around 570 BC. temple of Apollo. It is the oldest Doric temple in Sicily and was later used as a Byzantine church, an Islamic mosque, a Norman church and a Spanish barracks. Corso Matteotti leads to Piazza Archimede, surrounded by a 14th-15th century palazzo with the Artemis Fountain in the center.
Nearby is the beautiful Piazza del Duomo, lined with elegant buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. Cathedral in the 7th century was built into the building of the famous temple of Athena. Since the columns of the temple are still visible, the cathedral is called Santa Maria delle Colonne. The ancient building, erected in 480 BC after the victory over the Carthaginians near Ymera, was widely known in the ancient world. Today's main entrance with statues of the apostles Peter and Paul, as well as the baroque facade, were designed by A. Palma after the earthquake of 1693. Inside the cathedral, you should pay attention to the Norman font, a painting by Antonello da Messina depicting St. Zosimo, as well as sculptures by masters from the Gagini family. Next to the house is the city hall and the archbishop's palace, opposite the Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, built in 1788.
From the Cathedral Square you can walk to the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, and then down Via Picherali to the Arethusa Spring, a reservoir overgrown with papyrus, fed by a source of fresh water. The nymph Arethusa, fleeing the persecution of the river god Alpheus, threw herself on the eastern coast of the Peloponnese into the sea, emerging from the water on Ortigia in ancient Syracuse, as the Greek myth told by Virgil said.
The beautiful Palazzo Bellomo houses the Regional Gallery. Among the exhibits are medieval and renaissance works of art; adorn the collection of paintings "The Annunciation" by Antonello da Messina and "The Burial of St. Lucia" Caravaggio.
At the top of the island is the Staufen fortress Maniache, built around 1239, today a military unit is located here and access to the castle is closed.
The Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, one of the largest in Italy, is located in the Tyche area in the park of Villa Landolina. Its collection includes finds from the primitive era, as well as works of art from the early Christian and Byzantine cultures. Among the exhibits are such famous ones as the sculpted bust of Augustus from Centuripe and the sarcophagus of Adelphie from the catacombs of San Giovanni, decorated with relief images of scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Here you can see Landolin's Venus with a dolphin - a copy of a Hellenistic work (2nd century AD). In the garden of the villa is the grave of the German poet August von Platen (1796-1835). Opposite the museum, the monstrous church for pilgrims of the Weeping Madonna, consecrated in 1994, rushes into the sky.
In the urban area north of Viale Paolo Orsi and west of Viale Teracati, where Neapolis was once located, there is now an archaeological park where you can see ancient buildings. Beautiful view opens from the Viale Rizzo passing through the hill.
To the north of Viale Paradiso - a huge altar of Hieron II, partly made of rock, annually sacrificed four hundred and fifty bulls, then served to the citizens of the city during a festive meal.
The local Greek theater hosted the Sicilian premiere of Aeschylus's tragedy The Persians. This is one of the largest theaters of Greek Antiquity, with a diameter of 138 m (for comparison: the diameter of the theater in Athens is 100 m), it has sixty-one rows with about 15 thousand seats for spectators. Below them are two tunnels that led to the orchestra. In even years, performances of Greek plays (in Latin) were held here at the beginning of summer. Above the theater there is a colonnade, and in the rock behind it is the Nymphaeum, dedicated to the Muses, in one of the niches water from the source still flows, flowing through the ancient canal. On the left - the road along the tombs carved into rock niches in the Byzantine era.
In the ancient quarries of Latomia, starting from the 6th century. BC. criminals and prisoners of war served hard labor. At first they were underground and their vaults were supported by arches. The largest and most famous of the quarries is Latomia del Paradiso, the entrance to it is opposite the altar of Hieron. It has two adits, one of them is 60 m long, 5 to 10 m wide, and 23 m high; due to its acoustics, it is called the Ear of Dionysus. The legend says that the tyrant Dionysius from one end of this adit could hear even the whisper of his prisoners at the other. The second passage is called the Grotta dei Cordari, where rope walkers have worked for many centuries. Moving up Via Paradiso, we get to the Roman amphitheater. It was built in the III century, and part of it is carved into the rock. Today, concerts are held here from time to time. About 500 m northeast of the amphitheater is the small church of San Giovanni alle Catacombe, built by the first Christians. The stairs lead down to the crypt of St. Markian, made in the form of a cross. Initially, here, obviously, there was a Roman hypogeum, and in the 3rd or 5th century. the dungeon took on its current form. From here the catacombs of San Giovanni begin - this is a long underground necropolis built in the form of a labyrinth of the 4th-6th centuries, where round platforms are sometimes found at the intersections of the passages. On one of them was found the sarcophagus of Adelphia.
From the catacombs, follow Via Augusto von Platen and then follow Via Bassa Aradina past Cimitero di Vina Cassi to Latomia dei Cappuccini, a large, picturesquely overgrown quarry with strange rock paintings. The lush vegetation slightly softens the memory that here in 414 BC. about seven thousand Athenians who were captured, eked out a miserable existence, dying of thirst.
The Epipolai quarter, located about 8 km northwest of the city center, is almost deserted today, but in ancient times it was a large quarter of a significant city. Around 400 BC Dionysius surrounded it with a fortress and long walls. During the siege of the city by the Romans (213-212 BC), an incendiary glass designed by the mathematician Archimedes was installed in the fortress, with the help of which the besieged set fire to the sails of enemy ships. Here it would be nice to take a boat ride from the port downstream Chiane. During the walk, you can admire the columns of Olympion, the temple of Zeus in the 6th century. BC. From the high thickets of papyrus flows the spring of Chiana, also called Fonte Chiane or Testa della Pisma. The nymph, who bore the name of Kiana, who tried to prevent Pluto from kidnapping Proserpina and taking her to the underworld, turned into a source.
Sicily in the minds of many people is something primordially Italian, and is associated with Italy almost more than the same Rome. However, in the pre-Christian era, the island was a Greek colony with a Phoenician "admixture". Actually, it was the Corinthians who founded Syracuse, which quickly became the most significant Hellenic colony in eastern Sicily. Even Cicero described Syracuse as the largest and most beautiful city Ancient Greece. But in 241 BC. e. Sicily could not resist the expansion of the mighty Roman Empire. From that moment on, the "Italian" history of Syracuse began, and the picturesque remains of both great cultures - Roman and Greek - have survived to this day.
Closest to the city of Syracuse, where many European air carriers fly. AT summer time There are also direct flights to Catania from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities of Russia. Pick up suitable option flight can be in the form below.
From the airport to the city, the distance can be overcome in 45-60 minutes. There are several options here:
You can also get to Syracuse from other cities in Sicily and some cities in continental Italy by train. Direct flights can be found from Catania, Messina, and even. You can find out the train schedule and fare on the website of the Italian railways Trenitalia.
Syracuse is not only a historical, but also a seaside resort town, so the choice of hotels here is quite large. But it is worth remembering that in the summer Syracuse is a fairly popular holiday destination, so it is better to book a hotel in advance.
Among the most popular hotels are:
However, you can always choose your option that is suitable for cost and placement using the link below.
Syracuse is good for everyone, and we will talk about the brightest places later, but the first thing I want to emphasize is that it was here, in Syracuse in Sicily, that the great Archimedes himself was born, lived, worked and invented. Unfortunately, no artifacts directly related to the great scientist have survived to this day. All we have is ourselves native city Archimedes - Syracuse.
Many tourists fall for the myth about the “grave of Archimedes”, which is allegedly located on the territory of the current Archaeological Park. In fact, nothing really is known about the real burial place of Archimedes. Let us therefore regard the whole city of Syracuse as one great monument to a great Man.
The historical neighborhood with such an epochal figure as Archimedes is commonplace for the Sicilians, but the inhabitants of Syracuse still paid tribute to him, naming a picturesque square in honor of Archimedes. Its center is decorated with a fountain with a sculptural group by Giulio Moschetti. The main character of the composition is Artemis the huntress.
Archimedes Square is decorated with an elegant fountain with a sculpture of the goddess Artemis
You can go back in time for 25 centuries by visiting the ancient historic district Syracuse - Neapolis. The most significant exhibit of this unique architectural museum is the picturesque ruins of the Greek Theatre.
The Greek amphitheater in Syracuse is about 2500 thousand years old, and it continues to perform its direct function
The object is so ancient that its first reconstructions were carried out in the era of Carthage, and then the Roman Empire. The huge amphitheater, which at one time gathered up to 15 thousand spectators during a variety of events, has been well preserved to this day. Since the beginning of the last century, the National Institute of Ancient Drama has been holding festivals of Greek art here every year.
From Ancient Greece we move on to the era of the Roman Empire, and immediately we “stumble” on another majestic attraction of Syracuse - the Roman amphitheater. At one time, the building served the same purpose as its Greek counterpart - for the entertainment of the public. Only entertainment in this case was of a bloody character characteristic of Ancient Rome - gladiator fights were mainly held here.
The Roman amphitheater is worse preserved than the Greek
Amphitheater built in the 1st c. BC e. For many centuries it was buried underground, until it was discovered and dug up by archaeologists in the 19th century. The scale of the building is by no means provincial - this is the third largest Roman amphitheater after and.
Another important archaeological find, discovered on the island of Ortigia in Syracuse in Sicily in the middle of the century before last, are the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The temple was built according to some estimates in the III century. BC. His remains were discovered and revealed to the world by a group of archaeologists led by Paolo Orsi.
The Temple of Apollo dates from the 3rd century BC. BC.
The temple changed its religious purpose several times as Sicily came under the rule of the Christian Byzantines, Muslims and even the Normans. The picturesque ruins look very impressive and contrast against the background of modern buildings.
The greatest monument of the Christian pages of the history of Syracuse is the catacombs of St. John. The object is dated to the 4th c. AD The eminent archaeologist Paolo Orsi, mentioned above, devoted a whole ten years of his life to scrupulous exploration of the dungeons. In early Christian times, the catacombs served as a burial place for influential residents of the city. The most notable and interesting object is the sarcophagus of Marcian, the first bishop of Syracuse.
In the catacombs of San Giovanni, the inhabitants of the city fled from the bombing of the Second World War
It is noteworthy that the catacombs of St. John repeatedly saved the lives of many Syracusans already in the twentieth century. It was here that frightened citizens repeatedly took refuge from the bombings during the Second World War.
While in Syracuse, you can not miss the Cathedral. The first religious building that was built on this site in the 5th century BC. BC. by order of the tyrant Gelon, it was dedicated to Athena as a sign of victory over Carthage. Since then, the building has been rebuilt many times on the initiative of the next conquerors - first the Byzantines, then the Normans.
The city's cathedral is a prime example of Sicilian Baroque.
The temple was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1693, and was actually rebuilt, but in the Sicilian Baroque style. True, the architects managed to very harmoniously fit into the new ensemble the antique columns that have been preserved since the time of Ancient Greece. Some elements of ancient architecture were carefully transferred to the Paolo Orsi Museum of Archeology. This museum, by the way, deserves separate words.
If you want to get a clear idea of the cultural characteristics of the civilizations that dominated at different times in Syracuse and Sicily as a whole, you should definitely visit the Paolo Orsi Museum of Archeology. The famous archaeologist collected many artifacts found on the territory of Syracuse, and relating to all historical periods through which the city passed. The exposition contains the most interesting finds from the times of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, as well as the Norman, Arabic and Spanish periods.
Another extremely interesting cult object of Ancient Syracuse is the Altar of Hieron. It was built in the III century. BC, and served for its direct pagan purpose - for sacrifices. The scale of the structure and historical evidence suggest that whole bulls were sacrificed here. And, which is a little amazing to please the gods, animals were killed here by tens, if not hundreds, in one ceremony.
The base of the sacrificial altar
In addition to man-made monuments of antiquity, there are also unusually interesting objects in Syracuse. natural objects. The most famous of them, where tourists always rush, is the Ear of Dionysius - a picturesque grotto, the entrance to which nature itself carved into the rock in a characteristic "anatomical" form.
The grotto "Ear of Dionysius" was used as a prison for a long time.
The history of this place is rather gloomy - in the IV century. BC. the tyrant Dionysus arranged this place for a dungeon, and he himself, using the acoustic features of the cave, eavesdropped on the negotiations of the most “important” captives.
Continuing the theme of the natural attractions of Syracuse, one cannot fail to say a few words about the Arethusa Spring. According to an ancient romantic legend, at the dawn of a civilization of dazzling beauty, the nymph Arethusa captivated the heart of the god of the river Alpheus. The rebellious lover did not want to reciprocate Alfea and asked Artemis to turn her into a pure spring, thereby saving herself from the persecution of the obsessed lover. The idea was unsuccessful, since Alpheus, even in this form, found his beloved and reunited with her, carrying his waters under the sea.
The spring of Arethusa has been known in the city of Syracuse since antiquity.
The real source is fed by underground waters flowing from the Iblean mountains themselves. In the center of the reservoir is a small charming island, covered with thickets of the unique Syracusan papyrus.
Syracuse is also famous for its majestic palaces. The most famous and significant of them:
The Palace of Vermexio served for centuries as a meeting place for local authorities.
At the end of our tour of the sights of Syracuse, we will make a non-standard move and invite you to see the Church of the Weeping Madonna. Contrary to possible expectations, this is, to put it mildly, not ancient, but an amazing story is associated with this temple.
In 1953, a simple Syracusan family faced a real miracle - the image of the Holy Madonna "wept" in their house. Rumors about the weeping Madonna reached the officials of the Vatican, after which the high priests catholic church with the obligatory scrupulousness for such cases, they analyzed all the circumstances of the event for a long time before recognizing this fact as an “official” miracle in the 70s of the last century.
The Temple of the Weeping Madonna is made in an uncharacteristic futuristic style
Photos by: cc-by-2.0, Jerzy Strzelecki, Zde, Giovanni Dall'Orto, Sibeaster, Guillaume, Jerome Bon, Rollopack, Berthold Werner, Salvo Cannizzaro
