Siracusa and Ortigia: stage of history
A guided tour of the ancient city of Syracuse: explore the Neapolis Archaeological Park, visit the Temple of Apollo and stroll through the historic streets of Ortigia.
Syracuse
Passing through Syracuse one has the feeling of belonging to beauty and participating in an extraordinary balance between the wonders of creation and the human capacity to create unique things in the world. In Syracuse, the bond between man and nature takes shape, such as in front of the Greek Theatre looking out to the infinite sea in which the incomparable Ortigia is mirrored.
Itinerary
A guided tour of Syracuse, home to the marvellous Neapolis Archaeological Park. Please arrive 15 minutes before the departure time.
The Archaeological Park is a fascinating journey into the past, an ode to the greatness of ancient Greek civilisation. This extraordinary site, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains evidence of more than two millennia of history. Inside, the Ear of Dionysus, an artificial cave with a curious name, and the Latomie del Paradiso, limestone quarries that tell of an ancient mining activity. The Greek Theatre, dating from the 5th century B.C., offers an impressive stage show, a magnificent testimony to the ancient Greek civilisation, a well-preserved amphitheatre that has hosted plays by great Greek tragedians.
After the visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park, we set off to the island of Ortigia, the historic centre of Syracuse and a treasure trove of masterpieces, such as the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in the Greek West.
Proceeding down Corso Matteotti, one arrives at Piazza Archimede, dedicated to the historian after whom it is named, the centre of which is adorned by the Diana Fountain, related to the myth of the nymph Arethusa, transformed by the goddess Diana into a fountain to escape the amorous persecution of Alphaeus.
As you stroll through the streets of the historic centre and discover the marvellous details carved into the stone of a corbel or an entrance portal, you get the feeling that you are uncovering the stories of local tradition, as well as the myths and legends that have made Ortigia famous throughout the world.
The striking Piazza Duomo, with its cathedral built on top of a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, leaves anyone who comes across it amazed. It is an architectural masterpiece, with a marvellous 18th-century façade and a mixture of different cults.
Between suggestion and mythology, Fountain of Arethusa is one of the most mysterious places in Syracuse that keeps alive the memory of the myth of the nymph Arethusa who did not return the love for Alphaeus. Also known as the Fountain of the Papyri, vegetation growing inside it is fed by underground streams.
Useful information
Duration
The tour lasts about 6 hours
Passenger capacity
What’s included
- Transfer
- Guided tour
- Entrance ticket to the Neapolis Archaeological Park
- Entrance ticket to Syracuse Cathedral
- Water
Accessibility
Cancellation policies
Free cancellation up to 24h before the departure date to receive a full refund. In case of bad weather, if the excursion is cancelled, it is possible to either receive a full refund or to postpone the activity.
Meeting point
Molo Sant’Antonio Parking,
Via del Porto Grande, 96100, Siracusa
Please arrive 15 minutes before the departure time. Details of the meeting point and contact details will be provided in the booking email.
