One of the most popular destinations for all who come to Sicily is Syracuse, famous for its historical beauty, Baroque architecture, typical Mediterranean landscapes and the beauty of the sea and its caves. This city with several UNESCO heritage sites can be discovered in just two days! But let’s see in detail what are the things to see in Syracuse and not to be missed during a visit to the city.

What to see in Syracuse? Start with the enchanting Ortigia

One of Syracuse’s main attractions is the famous Ortigia Island, the city’s historic centre so well preserved that it can be considered a veritable open-air museum. One of the island’s peculiarities is its being connected to the rest of the city by three bridges, thus making the area easily accessible.

The best time to start a visit to Ortigia is definitely in the morning, when the sunlight illuminates the white stone of the historic buildings and when the alleys are still quiet and there are no crowds of tourists.

For a truly immersive experience, you might consider leaving in the morning to see the island’s main attractions, then returning in the evening simply to take a stroll through the city lights.

What to see on the island of Ortigia?

The majestic Piazza del Duomo represents the very essence of Ortigia. The Cathedral, built incorporating the ancient temple of Athena, is an extraordinary example of layered architecture that tells two thousand years of history.

Its Doric columns, still visible both inside and out, bear witness to its ancient Greek origins. An evening visit to the cathedral is particularly impressive, when artificial lighting enhances the details of the Baroque façade.

A stone’s throw away is the Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, a sublime example of Sicilian Baroque, while in the nearby Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia you can admire Caravaggio’s famous painting ‘Il Seppellimento di Santa Lucia’ (The Burial of Saint Lucy).

The charm of the sea and legends

The Arethusa Spring, with its natural papyruses growing just a few metres from the sea, is particularly impressive during sunset. This mythological site lends itself perfectly to a contemplative pause during a tour of the city.

Continuing along the promenade, you will reach Castello Maniace, a Frederician fortress that dominates the tip of the island. Sunset tours of the castle offer spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and are particularly popular with photographers.

For those who love the sea, boat excursions around the island of Ortigia are available that allow you to admire the city from a unique perspective and, in fine weather, also include breaks for swimming in the crystal-clear waters. The boat excursions also take you to the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area, a beautiful promontory that forms part of the Maddalena Peninsula and Capo Murro di Porco, with dreamy natural scenery.

The Neapolis Archaeological Park

The Neapolis Archaeological Park deserves a thorough visit, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense heat, especially if you are travelling in summer or spring.

The Greek Theatre, which is still used during the summer for classical performances, is particularly impressive at sunset. During the summer season, in fact, it is possible to combine a visit with an evening performance to fully appreciate the beauty of the Greek theatre.

The Roman Amphitheatre and the Latomie, with the famous Orecchio di Dionisio cave, are other unmissable stops in the park. The unique acoustics of the Ear of Dionysus are best appreciated during guided tours, when guides demonstrate its extraordinary sound properties.

Culture and spirituality: a visit to the regional archaeological museum and the sanctuary

The Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, one of the most important in Europe, is certainly one of the attractions not to be missed if you are in Syracuse for two days.

It is recommended to visit the museum especially during the hottest hours of the day or in case of rain. During your visit to the museum, you can fully appreciate ancient history and discover numerous archaeological finds that reconstruct the habits and customs of the time.

Finally, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears, which offers an interesting contrast to the city’s ancient architecture, is a must-see. A point in its favour is certainly its panoramic terrace that offers a spectacular view of the whole of Syracuse.

Flavours and traditions

The Ortigia market is worth a morning visit, when the atmosphere is more authentic and the stalls have just been set up. Food tours of the market and the alleyways of Ortigia are an excellent opportunity to sample local specialities such as Pachino tomatoes, black olives, local cheeses and fresh fish.

For example, with a food and wine tour in Syracuse it is possible not only to savour the goodness of local dishes but also to discover typical products and recipes. This is possible thanks to the support of a local guide who tells the history of the place and the origins of the dishes linked to Syracuse’s traditions and history.

Why take a walk tour to see Syracuse in two days?

If you are planning to visit Syracuse in two days, a recommended solution could be the half-day tour that takes you to discover the Archaeological Park and the Island of Ortigia. The tour allows you to discover the history and origins of Syracuse while walking among the ruins preserved in the famous archaeological park.

The walking tour of Ortigia Island, with a local guide, allows you to discover the most beautiful and ancient part of the Sicilian city. In a walk of about two to three hours you can see some of the main attractions in the area and get to the beautiful Piazza Duomo. With the tour, you can also reach the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, where there is a wonderful painting by Caravaggio inside.

To see Syracuse in two days and have a truly typical and distinctive experience, participating in the various tours that are organised in the city allows you to have local expert guides at your side to allow you to fully discover the traditions and peculiarities of one of the most popular destinations in eastern Sicily.

Escursioni

VIVI LE PIU’ BELLE ESPERIENZE IN SICILIA, ABBIAMO SELEZIONATO PER VOI LE PIU’ BELLE ESCURSIONI PRESENTI IN SICILIA. 

Alloggi

CERCHI UN HOTEL DI LUSSO, CASALI ESCLUSIVI,  VILLA CON PISCINA O B&B? SCEGLI L’ALLOGGIO PIU’ ADATTO A TE

Noleggio auto

IL NOLEGGIO DI UN’AUTOMOBILE IN SICILIA È IL MODO MIGLIORE PER SCOPRIRE LE PRINCIPALI BELLEZZE DELLA REGIONE SENZA ALCUN VINCOLO