08/09/2015
Siracusa is an ancient town on the sea, which was of immense importance as Greek Syracuse. It has a superb archaeological zone and a lovely historic centre on the island of Ortigia.
Siracusa is a pleasant town, with plenty to occupy tourists for at least a couple of days. A fine cultural destination, its significance is recognised with a UNESCO heritage listing. It's also a good base for seeing the south-eastern corner of Sicily, including the Baroque towns of Ragusa and Noto, several archaeological sites, and the lively city of Catania.
The majority of Siracusa's fine sights are archaeological and historical, bearing witness to the grand past of this Sicilian town. The attractive historic centre on the island of Ortigia is a good place to stroll, shop and eat, but for the main monuments you'll need to head ashore.
Ortigia is the hub of tourist Siracusa, but Greek Syracuse covered a large area inland, and many of the finest archaeological sights are to be found in the less built-up area around the archaeological park, or among the modern streets.
The city's finest sight is its superb Archaeological Park of Neapolis, which includes a range of monuments in its limits, with more to be seen just outside (don't miss the vast Altar of Hieron, which can be seen from the little approach road). Tickets are purchased in a separate building, past a row of gaudy souvenir stalls and toilets (no need to use these fee-paying ones though, as there are free facilities inside the archaeological park). The park is open daily, and is on Viale Paradiso.
