- The city was once the largest and most populous in the ancient world, rivaling Athens at the height of its power during the 5th century BC.
- Syracuse is the site of the ancient 'Parley of the Syracuse' where the philosopher Plato famously visited to mentor the tyrant Dionysius II.
- The city’s unique underground geography includes an extensive network of ancient aqueducts and tunnels that were repurposed as air-raid shelters during the Second World War.
- Syracuse maintains an ancient tradition of 'pupi' (Sicilian marionette) theater, a UNESCO-recognized craft that portrays chivalric legends dating back to the Middle Ages.
- The dialect spoken in the Syracuse region, known as 'siracusano,' preserves archaic Greek linguistic roots that are distinct from standard Italian and other Sicilian dialects.
About Syracuse, Sicily
Syracuse is a historic coastal city in southeastern Sicily, once one of the most powerful city-states in the ancient Greek world and the birthplace of mathematician Archimedes. The city core is split between the modern mainland and the ancient island of Ortigia, where the Syracuse Cathedral stands as a unique architectural hybrid built upon a former Greek temple. Visitors encounter layers of history from ancient ruins like the Greek Theatre of Syracuse to the baroque fountains found in the city center. The urban landscape remains defined by its maritime legacy and strategic position along the Ionian Sea, reflecting a blend of Greek, Roman, and Baroque influences.
Highlights of Syracuse, Sicily
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This ancient theater remains one of the largest in the Greek world and still hosts classical drama performances.
Temples
The structure features visible Doric columns from the original 5th-century BC temple integrated into its later Christian facade.
Historical places
As the oldest Doric temple in Sicily, these monolithic stone columns provide a rare look into archaic Greek construction techniques.
Places of interest
This limestone cave is named for its unique shape resembling a human ear and its remarkable acoustic amplification properties.
Places of interest
Located in the heart of Archimedes Square, this ornate fountain depicts the myth of the nymph Arethusa being transformed into a spring.
Historical places
A rare natural freshwater spring located just steps from the sea, historically associated with the Greek myth of the nymph Arethusa.
Museums
This museum houses a significant collection of prehistoric and Greek artifacts retrieved from excavations throughout eastern Sicily.
Temples
This modernist landmark features a massive reinforced concrete spire that is visible from across the city.
Top things to do in Syracuse, Sicily
The 216 highest-rated places in Syracuse, Sicily, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
The Temple of Apollo in Syracuse is the oldest Doric-style Greek temple in Sicily, dating back to the early 6th century...
2
Historical places
The Greek Theatre of Syracuse is one of the largest ancient Greek theaters ever constructed, dating back to the 5th cent...
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Historical places
Fonte Aretusa is a freshwater spring located on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, Sicily. It is one of the few places i...
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Temples
Syracuse Cathedral is a unique architectural palimpsest built directly onto the remains of a 5th-century BC Doric Temple...
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Places of interest
The Ear of Dionysius is a massive, ear-shaped limestone cave located within the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse...
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Places of interest
The Fontana di Diana is a central monumental fountain located in the heart of Piazza Archimede in Syracuse's Ortigia dis...
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Temples
The Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime is a massive concrete sanctuary in Syracuse, Sicily, defined by its cone-sh...
8
Parks
Aretusa Park is a large aquatic amusement facility located in the Melilli district near Syracuse. The park features a di...
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Places of interest
The Catacomba di San Giovanni is an expansive subterranean paleochristian burial site located beneath the Basilica of Sa...
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Museums
The Archimede & Leonardo da Vinci Museum, located in the historic center of Ortygia, focuses on the mechanical engineeri...
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Museums
The Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi is one of the most significant archaeological museums in Europe, housing a m...
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Beaches and ponds
Spiaggia dell'Arenella is a prominent sandy beach located 10 kilometers south of Syracuse, Sicily, known for its shallow...
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Temples
The Santuario di Santa Lucia al Sepolcro is a historic religious complex built over the traditional site of Saint Lucy's...
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Parks
The Necropolis of Pantalica is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring over 5,000 man-made cave tombs carved into the lim...
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Venues
The Syracuse Roman Amphitheater is a 3rd-century AD structure carved directly into the bedrock of the Neapolis Archaeolo...
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Places of interest
Faro Santa Croce is an active lighthouse situated on the eastern coast of Sicily in the town of Augusta. It sits on the...
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Places of interest
The bronze statue of Archimedes in Syracuse stands as a tribute to the city's most famous mathematician, physicist, and...
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Parks
Plemmirio is a protected Marine Protected Area located on the Maddalena Peninsula southeast of Syracuse, Sicily. The are...
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Museums
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Temples
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Historical places
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Temples
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Historical places
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Places of interest
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Museums
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Temples
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Beaches and ponds
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Museums
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Syracuse, Sicily on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Syracuse, Sicily
May to June or September to October, when the Mediterranean climate is warm but avoids the extreme heat and peak tourist crowding of mid-summer.
2-3 days, allowing one full day for the island of Ortigia and another for the extensive archaeological park and museums.
The historic center of Ortigia is best explored on foot, while public buses serve the connection between the island and the mainland archaeological sites.
Stay in Ortigia for proximity to historical architecture and evening dining, or look toward the modern city area for easier access to public transit links.
Mid-range; accommodation costs fluctuate significantly based on proximity to the island of Ortigia versus the mainland.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 216 curated attractions in and around Syracuse, Sicily, ranked by traveller ratings.
Temple of Apollo (Apollonion) is the highest-rated place to visit in Syracuse, Sicily right now.
The largest category is temples, with 88 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Rome, Milan, Galatina.
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