Best things to do in Syracuse
Syracuse Unmissables
Syracuse's history spans more than 2,500 years, centred on the island of Ortigia and the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Ortigia holds the Baroque Cathedral built around a Greek temple, the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Arethusa and Castello Maniace. On the mainland, Neapolis brings together the Greek Theatre, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Ear of Dionysius, with the Paolo Orsi museum and the Catacombs of St John close by.
Ortigia
The small island that forms the historic centre of Syracuse, joined to the mainland by bridges and packed with Baroque churches, palaces and seafront walks.
Cathedral of Syracuse
A Baroque cathedral built around the Doric columns of a 5th-century BC Greek temple to Athena, still visible inside and along the side wall.
Piazza Duomo
Ortigia's elegant main square, a long, pale-stone space framed by the Cathedral, Baroque palaces and the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia.
Roman Amphitheatre
A large Roman amphitheatre, largely cut from the rock, where gladiator games were once held.
Catacombs of St John
A large network of early Christian burial tunnels beneath the church of San Giovanni, visited on guided tours.
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