Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

St. Dominic’s Cathedral

By longstanding Sicilian tradition, the Cathedral of Syracuse was built right on the site of an ancient Temple of Athena. And now the city’s main square is adorned with a true masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque. The tall building, supported by columns and complemented by statues of bishops and saints, seems to glow from within. Shaded arcades are decorated with floral ornaments and patterns, and inside you can see fragments of the columns of the Temple of Athena, which were used in the construction of the Cathedral.

Greek theater

This ancient amphitheatre, dating back to the 5th century BC, is located on the grounds of the Archaeological Park of Syracuse-at the site of the former ancient city of Neapolis. It was built in such a way that its stone tiers, carved into the rock, face the sea. Against the backdrop of the sea horizon, the stage stood. The theatre could accommodate 15,000 people-one of the largest theatres of its time (its diameter is 138 m). After the Romans captured Syracuse, the theatre’s structure was heavily altered to make it convenient to hold gladiatorial combats here. In the mid-17th century, an eruption of Mount Etna severely destroyed the theatre. Today’s restorers have worked thoroughly to bring back its former grandeur, and performances and concerts are held here.

Roman Amphitheater

The ancient Roman amphitheater in Syracuse was the largest in Sicily; its dimensions are impressive: 140 by 119 meters. For its 22-century age, it has been preserved quite well: the internal corridors that gladiators and wild animals used to enter the arena have survived, as well as the seating for spectators and areas for high-ranking guests. Even ancient inscriptions remain, chiseled into the stone and mentioning one of the magistrates-the creators of the amphitheater. This secluded place is a must-visit, because the Roman theater in Syracuse is considered the third largest in all of Italy, coming only after the Colosseum and the Verona arena.

Ruins of the Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo is considered one of the earliest structures in Syracuse and dates back to the 6th century BC. This ancient site was modified over the course of different eras and even served as a Byzantine church-only the central staircase remains-then as a mosque, a Norman temple, and even Spanish barracks. Today, only a little of the Temple of Apollo has survived-a couple of walls, that very Christian staircase, and a low foundation. But nevertheless, the oldest religious building in Syracuse leaves a strong impression.

Castello Maniace

As in any respectable city on the water, Syracuse has its own fortress, rising above the entrance to the city harbor. Castello Maniace has stood here for eight centuries, serving the city both as an impregnable citadel and as a prison, rulers’ residence, and an arms store. Today, this impressive castle, thanks to its size, can be explored from the main gates all the way to the very last turret; you can stroll calmly along the cool arcades or race up the spiral staircases, making sure to take in the cozy bay from the upper bastions of the Castello. In short, the most fitting entertainment for a hot summer day.

Latomia del Paradiso Quarry

Near the Greek Theatre lies Syracuse’s most terrifying sight - the Latomia del Paradiso quarries. Despite the rainbow-like name “Paradise,” in antiquity this place was considered cursed. Day and night, unfortunate slaves chiseled stone to build beautiful temples, palaces, and amphitheaters for the wealthy. What’s more, there is a legend in Syracuse that in the 5th century BC, after defeat in a bloody battle, seven thousand Athenians were bricked up in the quarries. Whether it’s true or not is unknown, but visiting the ominous caves of the quarry workers at Canataccio and Selitry is definitely worth it.

Dionysius’ Ear Cave

The Ear of Dionysius is a famous limestone cave, named so because of its shape, which resembles the ear of a horse or a donkey. The word “ear” is also associated with the cave’s acoustic effects-thanks to the special shape of the space, even a quiet sound made at one end of the cave can be heard at the other end. The cave “Ear of Dionysius” received its name in 1586 from the painter Caravaggio, who invented a legend that the tyrant Dionysius used the cave as a prison and, by means of its acoustic properties, learned what the prisoners were talking about. Today, the cave continues to amaze visitors with its remarkable acoustics and remains popular with tourists from all over the world.

St. John’s Catacombs

A sinister underground Christian cemetery in Syracuse is very popular among thrill-seekers. These are the only catacombs in the city that are open to the general public. In the 4th-6th century, followers of Christ adapted an old Roman aqueduct for the cemetery and richly decorated the underground galleries and corridors with bas-reliefs and frescoes. To this day, the paintings on wet plaster have survived only in the tomb of the first bishop of Syracuse, as well as in the crypt of San Marciano. Wandering through the dark arcades of the underground, studying the ominous faces in the bas-reliefs, and stopping amid the ruins of ancient underground chapels is frighteningly fascinating.

Archimedes Museum Park

One of the most interesting and educational museums in Syracuse, right next to the Roman amphitheater: here you can see firsthand how the mechanisms invented by the great scientist and engineer work-for example, Archimedes’ screw for drawing water, numerous levers for lifting loads, a crossbow, a windmill prototype, as well as various military engineering devices. In addition, the Tech Park displays drawings made by Archimedes, and a substantial collection of tales and legends connected to the name of the greatest inventor of antiquity.

Archaeological Museum

Connoisseurs of antiquity will truly appreciate the grandiose collection of the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum of Syracuse, located not far from the Church of Madonna delle Lacrime. The history of the exhibition hall has already passed the one-hundred-year mark, and over this time, a substantial collection of artifacts has been amassed within the renovated building, which occupies more than 12,000 square meters. The statues, amphorae, and objects of both worship and everyday life discovered during excavations cover a vast span of history-from the Hellenistic and Roman eras to the early Christian period and the Middle Ages. The highlight of the collection here is the funerary statues of Venus Anadyomene and the Goddess of Dominion, dating back to the 4th-6th centuries BC.

Excursion to Syracuse

Visit the Archaeological Museum and tour one of the best-known coin collections in Europe. The coins that the Greeks minted in Sicily are among the most beautiful coins ever issued by humankind. The Catacombs of St. John, where stands the first Christian church in Europe in which the Apostle Paul preached. Old Syracuse, located on the island of Ortigia, where the city’s main attractions are concentrated. The Square of Archimedes and the Fountain of Diana, the Cathedral of St. Lucy with Caravaggio’s painting “The Burial of Saint Lucy”, the Arethusa spring. A walk through the oldest Jewish quarter on Ortigia, and a visit to the archaeological park of Neapolis.

Excursion to the city of Noto

The Italian city of Noto is called the pearl of Sicilian Baroque and the Golden City. After the 1693 earthquake, which caused extensive destruction, the towns of the Noto Valley began to be rebuilt from scratch, resulting in a unique architectural style known as “Sicilian Baroque.” And it was the color of the limestone from which these incredibly beautiful buildings were constructed that allowed the city to be called “golden.” All eight towns of the valley, including Noto, are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is located 32 kilometers from Syracuse. It consists of two tiers. The lower tier, based on the Vittorio Emanuele avenue, is the place where all of Noto’s main attractions are gathered. The upper tier is virtually free of tourists; only the Church of the Crucifixion is located there. People come here to enjoy true Italian everyday life.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view them after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account.”