The city of Syracuse in Sicily is the birthplace of Archimedes. Syracuse attractions, hotels, how to get

Sicily in the minds of many people is something original Italian, and is associated with Italy almost more than Rome itself. However, in the pre-Christian era, the island was a Greek colony with a Phoenician "admixture." In fact, 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 in ancient Greece. But in 241 BC e. Sicily could not resist the expansion of the powerful Roman Empire. From this moment the “Italian” history of Syracuse began, and the picturesque remains of both great cultures - Roman and Greek - have survived to this day.

How to get to Syracuse

The airport closest to the city of Syracuse is in Catania, where many European air carriers operate flights. In the summer, direct flights fly to Catania from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian cities. You can find the right flight option in the form below.

From the airport to the city, the distance can be covered in 45-60 minutes. There are several options here:

take the bus. InterBus and AST buses run in this direction. Buses run once an hour, on the way you will have to spend a little more than an hour. The cost of one-way tickets is 6.2 euros, both ways - 9.6.
order a transfer. It is very convenient to book a transfer to Syracuse by the appointed time of arrival. This can be done through the KiwiTaxi service. At the appointed time, the driver will be waiting for you with a sign at the exit of the airport arrival terminal.
rent a car at the airport. Of course, rental companies can also be found upon arrival at the airport, however, if you plan to visit Sicily in season, it is better to book a car in advance. It will help to make a choice of the world famous booking service - Rentalcars. Follow the E45 to get to the city from the airport.

You can get to Syracuse from other cities of Sicily and some cities of mainland Italy by train. Direct flights can be found from Catania, Messina, Taormina, Salerno, Naples and even Rome. You can find out train schedules and fares on the Trenitalia Italian Railways website.

Hotels in Syracuse

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 rather popular destination, so it is better to book a hotel in advance.

Among the most popular hotels are:

However, you can always choose your own option, suitable for cost and placement, from the link below.

Sights of the city of Syracuse

There was Archimedes ...

Syracuse is good for everyone, and we will talk about the brightest places further, but the first thing I want to emphasize is exactly here, in Syracuse in Sicily, 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 the native city of Archimedes - Syracuse.

Many tourists come across the myth of the "grave of Archimedes", which is supposedly located on the territory of the current Archaeological Park. In fact, nothing really is known about the real burial place of Archimedes. Therefore, let us consider the whole city of Syracuse as one huge monument to the great Man.

Archimedes Square

For Sicilians, a historical neighborhood with such an epoch-making personality as Archimedes is commonplace, but the inhabitants of Syracuse nevertheless paid tribute to him, having named the picturesque square in honor of Archimedes. Its center is decorated with a fountain with a sculptural group by Julio Mosketti. 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

Greek amphitheater

You can go back in time for 25 centuries by visiting the ancient historical district of Syracuse - Neapolis. The most significant exhibit of this unique architectural museum is the picturesque ruins of the Greek Theater.

The Greek amphitheater in Syracuse is about 2500 thousand years old, and it continues to fulfill its direct function

The object is so ancient that its first reconstruction was 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 various events, has been well preserved to this day. Since the beginning of the last century, the National Institute of Ancient Drama holds festivals of Greek art every year.

Roman amphitheater

We pass from Ancient Greece to the era of the Roman Empire, and immediately “stumble” on another magnificent sight of Syracuse - the Roman Amphitheater. At one time, the construction served the same purpose as its Greek counterpart - for the entertainment of the public. Only the entertainment in this case was of a bloody character typical of Ancient Rome - gladiatorial fights were mainly held here.

Roman amphitheater preserved worse than Greek

Amphitheater built in the 1st century BC e. For many centuries it was buried underground until it was discovered and excavated by archaeologists in the 19th century. The scale of the construction is by no means provincial - it is the third largest Roman amphitheater after the Colosseum and the arena in Verona.

Temple of Apollo

Another important archaeological find discovered on the island of Ortigia in Syracuse in Sicily in the middle of the century before last is the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The temple was built according to some estimates in the III century. BC. A group of archaeologists led by Paolo Orsi discovered and revealed to the world his remains.

The Temple of Apollo dates back to the 3rd century. BC.

The temple changed its religious purpose several times as Sicily fell under the rule of Christian Byzantines, Muslims, and even Normans. The picturesque ruins look very impressive and contrasting against the backdrop of modern buildings.

Catacombs of St. John

The greatest monument of the Christian pages of the history of Syracuse is the catacombs of St. John. The object of the 4th century is dated. AD The above-mentioned outstanding archaeologist Paolo Orsi devoted ten years of his life to rigorous exploration of the dungeons. In early Christian times, the catacombs served as the burial place of influential residents of the city. The most visible and interesting object is the sarcophagus of Marcian, the first bishop of Syracuse.

In the catacombs of San Giovanni, city residents escaped from the bombing of World War II

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 bombing during World War II.

Cathedral

Being in Syracuse, you can not pass by the Cathedral. The first religious building, which was built on this site back in the V century. 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 at 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 harmoniously fit into the new ensemble the ancient columns that have been preserved since ancient Greece. Some elements of ancient architecture were carefully transferred to the Museum of Archeology of Paolo Orsi. This museum, by the way, deserves separate words.

Regional Museum of Archeology Paolo Orsi

If you want to get a clear idea of the cultural features of civilizations that dominated at different times in Syracuse and Sicily as a whole, you should definitely visit the Museum of Archeology Paolo Orsi. The famous archaeologist has collected many artifacts found in the territory of Syracuse, and relating to all historical periods through which the city passed. The exposition contains interesting finds from the times of Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, as well as the Norman, Arab and Spanish periods.

Hieron's Altar

Another extremely interesting cult object of the Ancient Syracuse is the Altar of Hieron. It was built in the III century. BC, and served in its direct pagan designation - for sacrifices. The scale of the structure and historical evidence suggests that whole bulls were sacrificed here. And, which is a little amazing, to satisfy the gods, animals were killed by dozens, if not hundreds, in one ceremony.

Foundation of the Sacrificial Altar

Ear of Dionysius

In addition to man-made monuments of antiquity, Syracuse has unusually interesting natural objects. The most famous of them, where tourists always flock, 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" has long been used as a prison

The history of this place is rather bleak - in the IV century. BC. the tyrant Dionysus arranged this place under dungeon, and he, using the acoustic features of the cave, overheard the negotiations of the most “important” captives.

Arethusa Spring

Continuing the theme of natural attractions of Syracuse, one can not say a few words about the Source of Arethusa. According to an ancient romantic legend, at the dawn of civilization of dazzling beauty, the nymph Aretus captivated the heart of the god of the river Alfey. The rebellious lover did not want to reciprocate with Alfey 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 Alfey even in this form found his beloved and reunited with her, carrying his waters under the sea.

Aretusa spring has been known in the city of Syracuse since ancient times.

The real source is fed by groundwater flowing from the Ibleyan mountains themselves. In the center of the reservoir is a small charming island, covered with thickets of a unique Syracuse papyrus.

Palaces of Syracuse

Syracuse is also famous for its magnificent palaces. The most famous and significant of them:

Vermeksio Palace built in 1633 (located near Cathedral Square).

Vermexio Palace for centuries served as a meeting of local authorities

Montalto Palace on the island of Ortigia. In its appearance, a significant influence of Gothic is visible. In the vicinity of the palace, archaeological excavations are still being carried out.
Moniace Palace is the most monumental and impressive building in Syracuse. The palace is located in the south of the island of Ortigia. The first stone of the building was laid in 1240. For a long time the palace served as the residence of the emperor of Sicily, then it was chosen by the monarchs of the kingdom of Aragon. Since the middle of the XVI century. the palace and nearby fortifications served exclusively military defensive purposes.

Church of the Weeping Madonna

At the end of our tour of the sights of Syracuse, we will make a non-standard move and offer you to see the Church of the Weeping Madonna. Contrary to possible expectations, it is, to put it mildly, not antiquity, but an amazing story is associated with this temple.

In 1953, a simple Syracuse family faced a real miracle - the image of the Holy Madonna "cried" in their house. Rumors about the crying Madonna reached the Vatican officials, after which the senior priests of the Catholic Church, with the obligatory scrupulousness for such cases, analyzed for a long time all the circumstances of the event before they recognized 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

Immediately after the Vatican verdict, it was decided to erect the Church of the Weeping Madonna, and in 1994 the building was built. Even then, the Roman Catholic Church demonstrated certain progressive views - the futuristic architectural style of the church built does not look like not only other religious Christian buildings, but nothing from anything built earlier, anywhere.