Discover Syracuse: Ortigia, Cultural Heritage and Nature

Ancient City, Island Centre and World Heritage

Syracuse offers several clearly distinguishable ways to explore history, architecture and landscape. Ortigia is the oldest settlement centre of Syracuse. The part of the UNESCO World Heritage site relating to the ancient city of Syracuse includes the island of Ortigia and the archaeological area of Neapolis. Ortigia is connected to the rest of Syracuse by two bridges.

From Greek Traces to the San Giovanni Catacomb

The monuments and archaeological sites in Syracuse combine Greek, Roman and Baroque cultural influences. The San Giovanni Catacomb, a complex dating from the 4th century, is particularly distinctive. Its main gallery is an almost 100-metre-long tunnel whose walls are lined with loculi and arcosolia. For your visit, this creates a cultural spectrum that encompasses not only individual buildings but also underground spaces and the city’s different historical influences.

The Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo presents medieval and modern art collections with works dating from the Byzantine period to the 18th century. Palazzo Bellomo, which houses the regional gallery, is also a well-preserved example of 12th-century Frederickian architecture. The Sanctuary of Madonna delle Lacrime was inaugurated by John Paul II on 6 November 1994. Syracuse’s cultural diversity thus extends from medieval art and Byzantine works to a more recent religious building.

Castello Maniace at the Tip of Ortigia

Castello Maniace is located at the very tip of the island of Ortigia. Frederick II built the fortress in 1239. Castello Maniace is a square Hohenstaufen fortress with sides measuring 58 metres and four cylindrical towers at the corners. Its precise form and position at the tip of the island make it an important point of reference when exploring medieval military architecture and the architectural character of Ortigia in Syracuse.

Wetland, Migratory Birds and the Spring on Ortigia

A nature-oriented side of the city can be seen in the Fiume Ciane e Saline di Siracusa Nature Reserve. It protects the papyrus along the River Ciane and preserves the salt marsh wetland. The area consists of the course of the Ciane and the salt marsh wetland near its mouth. The salt marshes near the mouth of the Ciane are an important wetland and resting place for migratory birds. The nature reserve is home to flamingos, ospreys, cormorants and various large wading birds, among others. Anyone wishing to observe waterscapes and birds in addition to ancient sites will find a distinctly different way of experiencing Syracuse here.

Water Source and Lemon Growing

Ortigia also has its own natural and culinary points of reference. The Fonte Aretusa on Ortigia is a freshwater pool connected to a spring. Syracuse also has a millennia-old tradition of lemon growing passed down from generation to generation.

More Destinations for Planning Your Sicily Trip

Other destinations you can discover on your journey through Sicily include Granelli, Priolo Gargallo, Francofonte, Terrauzza, Avola, Fanusa, Marzamemi and Carrozziere.

For the higher-level travel overview: Syracuse.