Syracuse and Ortygia - Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
Siracusa, Italy
08.09.2022
Syracuse and Ortygia: A Journey through Ancient History
In the southeastern coast of Sicily lies the magnificent city of Siracusa, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Syracuse and Ortygia. This ancient city, also known as the birthplace of famous mathematician Archimedes, boasts of a rich cultural and historical heritage that dates back to over 2,700 years.
The city of Syracuse was founded by Greek colonists from Corinth in 734 BC and quickly became one of the most powerful and important cities in the Mediterranean region. The city was strategically located on the coast, making it a major trading hub and a center for arts, literature, and science. Its historical significance and well-preserved ancient ruins have earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Syracuse is the Temple of Apollo, built in the 6th century BC and considered the oldest Doric temple in Sicily. The temple was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo and is a prime example of ancient Greek architecture. It is also said to be the place where Saint Paul preached during his stay in Syracuse.
The Agora of Syracuse, the ancient marketplace, was a bustling center of commerce and politics in the city. It was also a gathering place for intellectuals and philosophers, making it a hub of cultural exchange and innovation. Today, visitors can see the remains of the agora, including the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Temple of Zeus.
Ortygia, the small island just off the coast of Syracuse, was the original settlement of the city. It is connected to the mainland by three bridges and is home to some of the most impressive architectural wonders of the ancient world. The Duomo di Siracusa, a beautiful cathedral built on the site of an ancient Greek temple, is a must-see for visitors. The cathedral combines elements of Greek, Roman, and Baroque styles, and its interior is adorned with magnificent frescoes and sculptures.
Another must-see in Ortygia is the Fountain of Arethusa, a natural spring that was believed to be the source of the city's water supply. According to Greek mythology, the nymph Arethusa was transformed into a spring by the goddess Artemis in order to escape the advances of the river god Alpheus.
Today, Syracuse and Ortygia are not only popular tourist destinations but also serve as a living museum of ancient Greek and Roman history. Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient temples, theaters, and fortifications, or simply wander through the charming streets and piazzas of the city, admiring the blend of ancient and modern architecture.
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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 city and municipality, capital of the free municipal consortium of the same name, located in the autonomous region Sicily in Italy. As of 2025, with a population of 115,636, it is the fourth most populous city in Sicily, following Palermo, Catania, and Messina.
Situated on the southeastern coast of the island, Syracuse boasts a millennia-long history: counted among the largest metropolises of the classical age, it rivaled Athens in power and splendor, which unsuccessfully attempted to subjugate it. It was the birthplace of the mathematician Archimedes, who led its defense during the Roman siege in 212 BC. Syracuse became the capital of the Byzantine Empire under Constans II. For centuries, it served as the capital of Sicily, until the Muslim invasion of 878, which led to its decline in favor of Palermo. With the Christian reconquest, it became a Norman county within the Kingdom of Sicily.
During the Spanish era, it transformed into a fortress, with its historic center, Ortygia, adopting its current Baroque appearance following reconstruction after the devastating 1693 earthquake. During World War II, in 1943, the armistice that ended hostilities between the Kingdom of Italy and the Anglo-American allies was signed southwest of Syracuse, in the contrada of Santa Teresa Longarini, historically known as the Armistice of Cassibile.
Renowned for its vast historical, architectural, and scenic wealth, Syracuse was designated by UNESCO in 2005, together with the Necropolis of Pantalica, as a World Heritage Site.
