Syracuse and Ortygia - Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
Siracusa, Italy
08.09.2022
Syrakus und Ortygia, located in the stunning city of Siracusa, Italy, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. This historic area is a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the Mediterranean region.
Syrakus, also known as Syracuse, was once one of the most powerful cities in the ancient world. It was the birthplace of famed mathematician and philosopher Archimedes, and its strategic location on the island of Sicily made it a coveted territory for many empires throughout history.
The heart of Syrakus is the island of Ortygia, which is connected to the mainland by two bridges. This small island is bursting with charm and character, with its narrow streets, quaint shops, and stunning baroque buildings. It is a pedestrian-only zone, making it the perfect place to explore on foot and soak in the atmosphere.
One of the main attractions on Ortygia is the Piazza del Duomo, a magnificent square surrounded by impressive buildings such as the Baroque Cathedral of Syracuse and the Archbishop's Palace. The cathedral itself is a masterpiece of architecture, with its ornate facade and impressive interior. The nearby Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring surrounded by lush greenery, is a peaceful spot to relax and take in the beauty of the island.
Syrakus and Ortygia are also home to several other notable sites, including the ancient Greek theater, the Orecchio di Dionisio (Ear of Dionysius), and the Temple of Apollo. These sites offer a glimpse into the city's rich past and are a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
In addition to its historical significance, Syrakus and Ortygia are also known for their delicious cuisine and vibrant culture. The seafood here is renowned, and visitors can enjoy fresh catches at the many restaurants and cafes scattered around the island.
Overall, a visit to Syrakus and Ortygia is a journey back in time, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and charm of an ancient city while also indulging in its modern delights. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a picturesque destination, Syrakus and Ortygia in Siracusa, Italy, have something for everyone.
The site consists of two separate elements, containing outstanding vestiges dating back to Greek and Roman times: The Necropolis of Pantalica contains over 5,000 tombs cut into the rock near open stone quarries, most of them dating from the 13th to 7th centuries BC. Vestiges of the Byzantine era also remain in the area, notably the foundations of the Anaktoron (Prince’s Palace). The other part of the property, Ancient Syracuse, includes the nucleus of the city’s foundation as Ortygia by Greeks from Corinth in the 8th century BC. The site of the city, which Cicero described as ‘the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of all’, retains vestiges such as the Temple of Athena (5th century BC, later transformed to serve as a cathedral), a Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheatre, a fort and more. Many remains bear witness to the troubled history of Sicily, from the Byzantines to the Bourbons, interspersed with the Arabo-Muslims, the Normans, Frederick II of the Hohenstaufen dynasty (1197–1250), the Aragons and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Historic Syracuse offers a unique testimony to the development of Mediterranean civilization over three millennia.
Syracuse ( SY-rə-kewss, -kewz; Italian: Siracusa [siraˈkuːza] ; Sicilian: Saragusa [saɾaˈuːsa]) is a historic city on the Italian island of Sicily, the capital of the Italian province of Syracuse. The city is notable for its rich Greek and Roman history, culture, amphitheatres, architecture, and as the birthplace and home of the pre-eminent mathematician and engineer Archimedes. This 2,700-year-old city played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. Syracuse is located in the southeast corner of the island of Sicily, next to the Gulf of Syracuse beside the Ionian Sea. It is situated in a drastic rise of land with 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) depths being close to the city offshore although the city itself is generally not so hilly in comparison.
The city was founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans and became a very powerful city-state. Syracuse was allied with Sparta and Corinth and exerted influence over the entirety of Magna Graecia, of which it was the most important city. Described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all", it equaled Athens in size during the fifth century BC. It later became part of the Roman Republic and the Byzantine Empire. Under Emperor Constans II, it served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire (663–669). Palermo later overtook it in importance, as the capital of the Kingdom of Sicily. Eventually the kingdom would be united with the Kingdom of Naples to form the Two Sicilies until the Italian unification of 1860.
In the modern day, the city is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site along with the Necropolis of Pantalica. In the central area, the city itself has a population of around 125,000 people. Syracuse is mentioned in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles book at 28:12 as Paul stayed there. The patron saint of the city is Saint Lucy; she was born in Syracuse and her feast day, Saint Lucy's Day, is celebrated on 13 December.
