Things to do in Augusta

Syracuse

Syracuse faces the Ionian Sea. It is an ancient coastal city founded by the Greeks and is also the hometown of Archimedes. The heart of the city, the old town of Ortigia, is located on a small island connected to the mainland by bridges, with limestone streets and Baroque squares spreading along the coast. Beneath the Baroque facade of the Cathedral, the Doric columns of the ancient Greek Temple of Athena are still embedded, with the temple and the church layered within the same building. The Fountain of Arethusa by the sea is named after the Greek myth of the nymph who turned into a spring. Fresh water still gushes from the spring, and patches of papyrus grow in the pool just a few steps from the sea. The Castello Maniace at the tip of the island is a coastal fortress built by Frederick II, with its crenellated battlements facing the entrance to the natural harbor. Outside the old town, The Greek Theatre of Syracuse in the Archaeological Park, carved into the hillside, is magnificent. The Roman Amphitheatre and the "Ear of Dionysius" cave, known for its peculiar echoes, in the same park are also worth seeing. In the wetlands along the Ciane River south of the city, patches of wild papyrus grow, which is quite rare in Europe. Taking a small boat through the reeds often startles water birds. The Catacombs of Saint Lucia preserve early Christian tombs and Byzantine-era frescoes. If you have time, you can also head northwest to the Pantalica Canyon—thousands of Bronze Age tombs are carved into the cliffs along the Anapo River. It is now designated as a nature reserve, where you can enjoy the canyon scenery while hiking along the river.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Province of Syracuse

Island of Ortigia

The Island of Ortigia is the hometown of Archimedes and is located in the southeast of Syracuse. The Island of Ortigia has a long history, having experienced the ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Arab periods, among others. The island has many attractions worth visiting, including the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the Greek temple that has been converted into a Baroque-style cathedral, the magnificent and expansive Greek theater ruins, the quarry where Greek prisoners of war were once exiled, and the cave known as the "Ear of Dionysius," as well as the Piazza del Duomo Siracusa, which frequently appears in the movie "Malèna." It is one of the most popular places for visitors in Syracuse.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Province of Syracuse

Neapolis Archaeological Park

Parco Archeologico Neapolis is an archaeological park in Syracuse preserving remains from the ancient Greek and Roman periods. The site includes the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre, Altar of Hieron II, Street of Tombs, and ancient stone quarries. Visitors can also explore the Ear of Dionysius and other archaeological remains while learning about the history of ancient Syracuse.

The Greek Theatre of Syracuse

The Greek Theatre of Syracuse is one of the larger theatres in Sicily, located within the Archaeological Park ofSyracuse. The area around the theatre features quarries and the Ear of Dionysius, and spring water sometimes flows from the top of the theatre. The theatre is very old and weathered by time, but its steps remain clearly visible. Situated near a cliff, the theatre offers expansive views and overlooks the sea. It is worth mentioning that the great ancient Greek polymath Archimedes is also buried here.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Province of Syracuse

Syracuse Cathedral

Syracuse Cathedral is located on the Island of Ortigia. Originally the Temple of Athena, it was converted into a church in the 7th century after the Christianization of Sicily, becoming a typical Byzantine building. Later, it was damaged by an earthquake and, during 18th-century repairs, was transformed into a magnificent Baroque-style structure. Today, various architectural styles blend within the building, and the massive Doric columns, built in the 5th century BC, remain clearly visible. Syracuse Cathedral and the square opposite it were filming locations for the movie "Malèna," where the film's glamorous protagonist, Malèna, walked many times. Every weekend, the constant stream of worshippers and tourists adds a touch of vitality to this ancient building.

Temple of Apollo (Apollonion)

The Temple of Apollo (Apollonion) ruins in Syracuse, one of the world's earliest Doric column temples, are now reduced to ruins. From the remaining columns and fragments, one can still faintly see the temple's former grandeur. Despite its age, it still stands, a testament to the architectural and engineering skills of the ancient Greeks.

Ear of Dionysius

Ear of Dionysius is so named because its caveopening resembles a cat's ear, hence it is also called the Cat's Ear Cave. The shape here is quite unique, with a wide entrance and a winding, deep interior that looks as if it were intentionally carved. Speaking inside amplifies the sound significantly, acting as an amplifier.

Parco Aretusa

Faro del Capo di Santa Croce

Arethusa Spring

Arethusa Spring is a beautiful and tranquil freshwater spring. Greek mythology explains its origin: legend has it that Arethusa, a nymph and handmaiden of Artemis, was pursued by a river god. Unable to escape, she begged Artemis to turn her into a spring, which became Arethusa Spring. The papyrus plants in the spring are said to be the only natural growth of papyrus in Europe outside of Greece.