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Syracuse
the most beautiful Greek city in Italy
We have returned to Syracuse several times, most recently in 2025, and Ortygia has impressed us deeply on every visit. Its combination of Baroque architecture, beautiful places directly beside the sea, excellent food, and remarkable waterfront atmosphere makes it particularly memorable. Sunset over the water is especially spectacular and remains one of our strongest impressions of the city.
History of Syracuse:
Syracuse was founded by Corinthian Greek settlers in the eighth century BC, traditionally around 734–733 BC, with Ortygia forming the original nucleus. The settlement expanded onto the mainland and became one of the most powerful cities of Magna Graecia. Its position, natural harbours, fertile territory, and maritime connections contributed substantially to its early political and economic importance. Read More [...]
During the fifth and fourth centuries BC, Syracuse became a major Mediterranean power. Its forces defeated the Athenian expedition to Sicily between 415 and 413 BC. Later rulers, particularly Dionysius I, strengthened the city and its fortifications. The mathematician and inventor Archimedes was born here and participated in its defence before Rome captured the city in 212 BC.
Under Roman rule, Syracuse remained an important Sicilian centre but gradually lost the political dominance it had enjoyed during the Greek period. After the Western Roman Empire collapsed, it passed through Vandal, Ostrogothic, and Byzantine control. Emperor Constans II established his residence here in the seventh century, temporarily making the city the effective seat of Byzantine imperial government.
Arab forces captured Syracuse in 878 after a prolonged siege. Norman conquest followed in 1085, and the city subsequently passed through Swabian, Angevin, and Aragonese rule. Frederick II built major fortifications during the thirteenth century. The catastrophic earthquake of 1693 devastated southeastern Sicily and led to extensive reconstruction of Ortygia in the Sicilian Baroque style.
During the nineteenth century, Syracuse belonged to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies before joining the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1860. Allied troops captured the city during the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. The Armistice of Cassibile was signed in the municipal territory that September. In 2005, ancient Syracuse and Pantalica were inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Geography of Syracuse:
Syracuse lies on the southeastern coast of Sicily and is the administrative centre of the Free Municipal Consortium bearing its name. The municipality covers approximately 208 square kilometres and had about 115,400 residents in 2026. It is Sicily's fourth-largest municipality by population, after Palermo, Catania, and Messina, and an important economic and cultural centre in southeastern Sicily. Read More [...]
The urban area faces the Ionian Sea and extends partly across the mainland and partly onto Ortygia, the small island forming the historic centre. Ortygia is connected to the mainland by bridges and separates two natural harbour areas, Porto Grande and Porto Piccolo. Much of the coastline is rocky, with bays, headlands, small islands, and low coastal sections.
South of the main urban area, the municipal territory includes the Maddalena Peninsula and the protected coastal environment of Plemmirio. Farther southwest are the Anapo and Ciane rivers, while seaside communities include Arenella, Ognina, and Fontane Bianche. Inland terrain gradually rises toward the limestone landscapes and plateaus characteristic of southeastern Sicily and the Hyblaean region.
Noto lies approximately 32 kilometres southwest by road, Catania about 66 kilometres north, Ragusa roughly 90 kilometres west, and Messina around 160 kilometres north. Palermo is approximately 260 kilometres northwest. Reaching mainland Italy requires crossing the Strait of Messina - Naples is about 650 kilometres away by road, Rome around 865 kilometres, and Milan roughly 1,400 kilometres.
Transport to/in Syracuse:
By train: The principal railway station is Siracusa, located southwest of the central urban area and within walking distance of Ortygia. Trenitalia operates regional and Intercity services toward Catania, Taormina, Messina, Noto, Ragusa, and other Sicilian destinations. Longer-distance Intercity trains also provide connections toward mainland Italy using the train-ferry crossing of the Strait of Messina. Read More [...]
By road: Northbound traffic uses the SS114 and the Catania–Syracuse motorway corridor toward Catania and Messina. The A18 Syracuse–Gela motorway extends southwest through southeastern Sicily, serving destinations including Avola, Noto, Rosolini, and Ispica. The SS115 provides additional connections toward southern Sicily, while the SS124 crosses inland areas toward the Hyblaean Mountains.
By bus: Regional coach services connect Syracuse with Catania, Catania Airport, Palermo, Noto, Ragusa, and numerous other Sicilian destinations. Operators include Interbus, SAIS Autolinee, and other regional companies. Several intercity services use stops around Corso Umberto I and the railway-station area, providing convenient access to the mainland centre and the bridges leading into Ortygia.
By air: The closest major airport is Catania Fontanarossa Airport, approximately 60-65 kilometres north and connected with Syracuse by direct coach services. Comiso Pio La Torre Airport is another option, approximately 82 kilometres away by road. Catania offers by far the broader selection of domestic and international flights for travellers visiting southeastern Sicily.
Getting around Syracuse: Urban bus services are operated by SAIS Autolinee with routes covering Ortygia, Neapolis, residential districts, peripheral neighbourhoods, and outlying communities. For visitors, walking is particularly practical in Ortygia because the island is compact and many streets have restricted vehicle access. The archaeological district is farther inland but can also be reached on foot from the centre.
Tourist Attractions in Syracuse:
Ortygia contains many of the city's most important monuments. Piazza Duomo is dominated by the Baroque Cathedral of Syracuse, constructed around the surviving columns and walls of an ancient Temple of Athena. Nearby attractions include the ancient Temple of Apollo, the waterfront Fountain of Arethusa, and thirteenth-century Castello Maniace at the southern tip of the island. Read More [...]
The principal archaeological monuments are concentrated in the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Its most famous structure is the vast Greek Theatre of Syracuse, cut partly into the Temenite hill. The park also contains the Roman Amphitheatre, the large ancient quarry known as Latomia del Paradiso, and the acoustically distinctive cavern traditionally called the Ear of Dionysius.
Important museums and religious sites include the Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum, whose collections document prehistoric, Greek, and Roman Sicily, and the modern Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears. In Ortygia, Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, and Piazza Archimede add further examples of the city's Baroque and later architectural heritage.
Events in Syracuse:
The Classical Performances at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, organised by the INDA Foundation, are among Italy's most important recurring theatrical events. Ancient Greek tragedies and comedies are staged in the original theatre, primarily during May and June. The tradition of modern classical performances at the archaeological site began in 1914 and continues with new productions each season. Read More [...]
The city's principal religious celebration is the Feast of Saint Lucy, dedicated to its patron saint. The main festivities take place around December 13, when the silver simulacrum and relics leave the cathedral for a long procession to the Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro. A return procession takes place on December 20, while another celebration occurs in May.
Frequently Asked Questions about Syracuse:
Is Ortygia an island?
Yes. Ortygia is a small island forming the historic heart of Syracuse. It is connected to the mainland by bridges and can easily be explored on foot. Read More [...]
Is Syracuse a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes. Ancient Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica have formed a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005 because of their exceptional archaeological heritage.
What traditional foods should visitors try?
Local cuisine includes fresh seafood, pasta with local ingredients, arancini, granita, almond-based sweets, citrus products, and dishes characteristic of the wider southeastern Sicilian tradition.
Can Catania be visited as a day trip?
Yes. Catania is about 66 kilometres away by road and is connected with Syracuse by regular trains and coaches, making a day trip straightforward.
Can Noto be reached by train?
Yes. Trenitalia operates direct regional trains between Siracusa and Noto, making the Baroque town one of the easiest excursions from Syracuse.
Does Syracuse have beaches?
Yes. Sandy and rocky coastal areas lie around the municipality, with popular seaside locations including Fontane Bianche, Arenella, and the coastline around Plemmirio.
What is the best-known market in the city?
The Ortygia Market, around Via Emmanuele De Benedictis, is known particularly for fish, seafood, vegetables, fruit, cheeses, spices, and other Sicilian food products.
Can the historic centre be explored without a car?
Yes. Ortygia is highly walkable, and walking is generally the most practical way to explore its squares, waterfronts, narrow streets, churches, and historic buildings.
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