things to do in syracuse: A Cultural and Historical Journey

Welcome to Syracuse, Sicily - a city deeply rooted in history, culture, and traditions. And learn what are things to do in Syracuse.

This beautiful coastal town in the southeastern part of Sicily has been a hub of activity for over 2,700 years.

Syracuse was once the most important city in the ancient Greek world, and it has played a significant role in shaping the history of Sicily.

Today, Syracuse is a popular destination for travelers around the world. It offers visitors a unique and authentic experience of Sicily's rich heritage.

Syracuse has impressive ancient ruins and charming medieval streets. It offers a journey through time, history, and culture.

So, let's dive into this fascinating city and discover what makes it such a great place to visit.

A Brief History of Syracuse

Of all the Italian cities, Syracuse played the largest role in the ancient Greek world. In its heyday, it surpassed even Athens in both importance and size.

It was also here that Plato tested his ideology of state as a guest of the local tyrant. Maybe not so surprisingly, the results were rather bad.

The most famous Syracusan of all time is Archimedes. In his own time (287 BC - 212 BC) he helped defend the city from the Romans with his self-invented devices.

A long history makes sure there are lots of things to do in Syracuse.

Syracuse is located in the south-eastern corner of Sicily, on the shores of Ionian Sea. This is the area hit hardest by the 1693 earthquake - and the tsunami after that.

The earth opened up under people's feet. Masses of people fell into the gaping holes. Whole towns collapsed.

The earthquake devastated the south-eastern corner of Sicily. A hundred and fifty kilometres west of Syracuse, it wiped out the towns of Ragusa, Noto and Modica.

And, of course, many smaller towns between.

Noto, Ragusa, and Modica were completely rebuilt, this time in the Baroque style. As such, they have survived to this day. Now these towns are among Sicily's main attractions.

After you have completed your trip to Syracuse, it's a good idea to head to these cities also.

Syracuse was also destroyed by the quake. Its famous Duomo, for example, collapsed to the ground.

Or at least almost all of it did. In its place was once, two and a half thousand years ago, the Temple of Athens. Those columns still stand there today.

1. Historic Centre of Syracuse: The Island of Ortigia

The old town itself is one of the attractions. It's worth wandering through its medieval alleys, stopping off at the piazzas. Enjoy the local life.

The center of the Old Town is the Duomo and the surrounding piazza. 

On the shores, there are large rocks where you can jump in for a swim. Or go there to sunbathe.

The light from the sea gives the town its unique atmosphere. The old houses stare out to the sea as if enchanted.

There are small cafés and ice cream stands, especially near the Duomo. There are many good restaurants in the alleys. It's a good idea to book in advance.

On the island, near the bridge of Umberto I, there is a market. There - or in the shops next to it - you can buy food and groceries.

2. The Duomo and the Surrounding Piazza

The history of Syracuse Cathedral goes back two and a half thousand years. At that time it was the site of the Temple of Athena.

Tyrant Gelon erected it to celebrate his victory over Carthage around 470 BC. In its day, the temple was famous for its splendor throughout the world.

The Byzantines converted the temple into a church in 535. Three hundred years later Arabs turned it into a mosque.

A couple of hundred years after that it was the Normans' time to conquere Sicily. They turned it into a church again.

No matter what the various conquerors had done to the place, it was all destroyed in an earthquake in 1693.

Or almost all of it. The Doric columns of the Temple of Athens are still standing. Now they are part of the Baroque church built around them.

On the roof of the cathedral, where there used to be the golden statue of Athena stands the statue of the Virgin Mary. With her is the patron saint of Syracuse, Santa Lucia.

Around Duomo is a semi-circular piazza. It serves as the living room for the townspeople. On the edges of the piazza, you can stop for a coffee, a snack, or an ice cream.

There are also palaces and the town hall on the edges of the piazza. At the back, there is the church dedicated to Santa Lucia.

Santa Lucia is the patron saint of Syracuse.

Lucia lived in Rome at a time when Christians were persecuted. When she refused an arranged marriage the would-be-husband sued her. As a result, Lucia was sentenced to prostitution.

When the law enforcement came Lucia refused to move. To everyone's surprise, even the bulls could not move her. So they tried to burn her - but that failed too.

In the end, they managed to kill her though.

You shouldn't miss this church when doing sightseeing in Syracuse. The reason is that in the church there is a painting by Caravaggio: "The Burial of Santa Lucia". Caravaggio had killed a man in Rome for which he fled to Syracuse.

Caravaggio is famous for his chiaroscuro style. Strong alternations of light and darkness dominate his paintings. "The Burial of Santa Lucia" also represents this style.

3. The Archeological Park (Parco Archeologico della Neapolis)

The archaeological park is on the other side of the modern center of Syracuse. From Ortigia, you can get there by local bus, tourist bus, or on foot.

The main attraction of the park is the Greek theatre. It dates back to around 470 BC. It was the largest Greek theatre of its time.

The Syracuse Theatre was once the venue for the later tragedies of Aeschylus. It was also the venue for the world's first comedies.

The same plays are still performed in the theatre in summer.

Near the theater is the Ear of Dionysius. It is a limestone cave used as a prison in the 16th century. The cave has a unique shape that creates perfect acoustics. So it allows whispers to be heard from one end to the other.

They say it used to house prisoners of war. This may be true. But the idea that the acoustics of this place made it an 'ear' for tyrant Dionysos might be only a story.

This story, like the name of the cave, goes back to the famous painter Caravaggio. He made them up while escaping a murder sentence in Syracuse.

The Roman amphitheater across the street dates from the first century CE. The Greeks taught, the Romans entertained. There were no plays in Roman theatres but gladiator games and horse races.

In the center of the arena is a pool used for fights against aquatic animals. The rest of the ground was sand which absorbed the spilled blood.

The archaeological park also contains the altar of Hieron II. It dates back to the 3rd century BC when Syracuse was one of the most important cities of the Greek Empire.

It is the largest sacrificial stone of antiquity. During the annual festivals, 450 bulls were sacrificed on it. The altar is the length of a stadium and is dedicated to Zeus.

After the sacrifice, they served the bulls' meat to the people at a large barbecue.

All in all, the archeological park is certainly one of the main things to do in Syracuse.

4. Archeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Paolo Orsi)

Five hundred meters east of the archaeological park is the Syracuse Archaeological Museum.

If you are particularly interested in the history of the area, you should visit this one too. It is one of the largest archaeological collections in Sicily.

The museum covers the history of the region of Syracuse from prehistory to the Roman times. 

5. Ortigia Street Market

The Ortigia market has been an important place in the city of Syracuse. It was the place where the city's inhabitants used to get all their food needs. Now the market has been replaced in part by supermarkets.

The market is open from morning to afternoon. This could be a good place to start your day before getting to other things to do in Syracuse. You should get there early. 

Here you can grab a snack for your trip. Or ingredients to make your own food.

There are also shops on the edge of the market which are well worth checking out. The most legendary is Caseificcio Borderi. It is famous for its delicious homemade mozzarella.

There, you can buy mozzarella on its own or between a sandwich. 

6. Puppet Museum (Museo dei Pupi)

In Sicily, puppet theatres are not only children's entertainment. The stories come from the wandering troubadours of the Middle Ages. They are usually about King Charlemagne and his knights.

In the old days, puppet shows were staged in markets to the accompaniment of live music. Now they are performed in theatres.

The Mauceri family has been making puppets for three generations. Their theatre is within walking distance from the puppet museum.

You can visit the theatre to see puppet shows. 

7. The Catacombs of Syracuse

There are two catacombs in Syracuse. There are the catacombs of San Giovanni on the mainland. And in Ortigia, are the catacombs of San Filippo Apostolo.

The catacombs of San Giovanni used to have a church. The remains of it are still there.

This church served as the city's cathedral until an earthquake in the late 1600s destroyed it.

The catacombs were not affected by the quake. The bodies of Christians were buried there in the 300s. Now most of the bodies are no longer there.

The catacombs of San Filippo are on the island of Ortigia and so are more accessible to many. To get there you have to take a guided tour. 

The catacombs of San Filippo are in the former Jewish quarter. At one time Jews constituted about 10% of the total population of Sicily.

In the catacombs, there's also an underground fountain that served in the Jewish purification rituals.

In the whole of Sicily, there are only two such fountains. The other is in Palermo. 

The place is easy to walk past. There are no big advertisements. Still a great place for little spooky underground things to do in Syracuse.

Food and Drink in Syracuse

No trip to Syracuse would be complete without sampling some delicious traditional Sicilian cuisine and wine.

The region is known for its fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and pastries.

Visitors can dine on fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants along the harbor. Or sample a traditional Sicilian pizza at a local pizzeria.

Syracuse is also home to some of the best wineries in Sicily. It is possible to make tours to them. This way, you can sample local wines in an authentic environment.

Festivals and Events in Syracuse

Syracuse is home to several festivals and events. They go on throughout the year.

The Greek Theatre Festival is a popular event. It takes place each summer.

The festival features performances by some of the best actors and musicians from around the world. A must-see for anyone interested in the performing arts.

Another major festival is Syracuse International Film Festival. You can see details here.

Outdoor Activities in Syracuse

Syracuse is also a good destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily. These include Fontane Bianche and Cala Mosche.

There travelers can soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, or participate in water sports.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there are plenty of hiking and cycling trails in and around Syracuse. A great way to take in the stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Accommodations in Syracuse

Syracuse has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and taste.

Visitors can choose from luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering apartments.

Many of the accommodations are located in Ortigia, making it easy to explore the many things to do in Syracuse.

Getting to Syracuse

Syracuse is easily accessible by air, train, or car.

The nearest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa, about 50 km (31 miles) from Syracuse.

Visitors can take the train from Catania or drive along the scenic coastal road from Catania to Syracuse.

Syracuse train station is about a fifteen-minute walk from the island of Ortigia. The general recommendation is to take accommodation there - in Ortigia, that is, not the train station.

If walking is not convenient, you can take a taxi. Local buses also come close to the train station, a block away. They also take you to Ortigia. 

If you are coming to the city by car and don't know where to leave it, you can drive to the Molo Sant'Antonio car park.

Ortigia is not accessible by car. 

Things to Do in Syracuse: Conclusion

Syracuse, Sicily, is a city rich in history, culture, and traditions. There are many things to do in Syracuse. 

The most charming part of the city is its old town on the island of Ortigia. Apart from its historical value this place also seduces with good food and communal life.

Syracuse is by no means a dead tourist town. People live here and enjoy their lives - and it shows. Syracusans are proud of their town. As they should.

Besides the general good vibes, Syracuse has also many of Sicily's main attractions. These include the old town of Ortigia, its Duomo, and the market.

Another of the top things to do in Syracuse is its archaeological park

Syracuse is also a good base from which to explore the other Baroque towns in the region. Having your own car is an advantage but not a necessity. You can also take a bus or hire a car with a driver.

Syracuse is a pleasant little town. It breathes in its own seaside rhythm. Visit the main attractions in a day or stay for longer.

See More:

History of Sicily

Sicilian Culture

Sicilian Food

Festivals in Sicily

Best Beaches in Sicily

Best Time to Visit Sicily

(Last edited: November 3, 2023.)

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