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Cathedral of Syracuse

Cathedral of Syracuse: Our most recommended tours and activities

Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

1. Syracuse: Ortigia and Neapolis Guided Walking Tour

Explore ancient Syracuse on a 3-hour guided tour and learn about early Greek history through architecture and religious practices. The evidence of Syracuse as capital of the Mediterranean is ever-present, and seen in the glory of its Cathedral, the ancient Temple of Athena, the Greek Theater and the Roman Amphitheater. Admire the beauty of the Cathedral of Syracuse, which incorporates the pagan Temple of Athena. Learn about its various architectural styles from your guide. Continue to the Archeological Park to see the Paradise Latomia and the Ear of Dionysos. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Ionian Sea from the Greek Theater.

Ortigia: History and Architecture Walking Tour

2. Ortigia: History and Architecture Walking Tour

Discover the beauty that hides in the alleyways of Ortigia on a walking tour accompanied by a local guide. Stroll through Piazza Duomo, marvel at the Syracuse Cathedral, and see the stunning Fountain of Arethusa. Meet your guide and head to Piazza Archimede, strolling through the streets of the historic center and discovering marvelous details carved into the stone of a mantelpiece or an entrance portal. Get introduced to local tradition as well as the myths and legends that have made Ortigia famous. Arriving at Piazza Duomo, visit the magnificent Cathedral of Syracuse, a 1000-year-old home of the divine, which incorporates the ancient Doric temple dedicated to Athena. Marvel at the baroque facade and then step inside to see its Roman-style interior in all its glory. Admire fascinating dwellings set between period furnishings and frescoed vaults, resulting in a little-known jewel that represents the city's identity. See gorgeous marble statues of Santa Caterina, the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, and Santa Lucia. Next, go to the Arethusa Fountain, and listen to the famous myth of Arethusa and Alphaeus, as your gaze travels further until you catch sight of the tip of Ortigia, dominated by the massive Maniace Castle reflected in the waters of the Porto Piccolo.

Palermo: Bus Tour to Noto, Ortigia, and Siracusa

3. Palermo: Bus Tour to Noto, Ortigia, and Siracusa

Explore the beauty of Sicily on this bus tour from Palermo. Be picked up from your accommodation and enjoy air-conditioned transfers to the town of Noto, the island of Ortigia, and and the Archaeological Park of Siracusa. Enjoy the convenience of being picked from Palermo in the morning. Sit back and relax on the comfortable drive to the town of Noto. Spend some time wandering through the town on your own to see sights like the 18th-century Noto Cathedral or the balconies of the Nicolaci Palace. Continue to the the island of Ortigia. Take some free time to buy lunch or see sights like the natural freshwater spring known as the Fountain of Arethusa or the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cathedral of Syracuse. Finally, head to the Archaeological Park of Siracusa where you can purchase tickets to see the Greek theatre and the Roman amphitheater. Return to your accommodation in Palermo at the end of your tour.

Syracuse: Ortigia Island Bike Rental

4. Syracuse: Ortigia Island Bike Rental

Rent a bike and discover the island of Ortigia at your own pace. Create your own adventure as you explore the charming streets and the countryside of the island. Set off on your adventure on Ortigia and choose where to visit. Admire the beauty of the historic city of Syracuse. Ride along nature trails along the coastline and admire the views of the ocean. Head towards Plemmirio and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Explore the island at your own pace and create your own itinerary.

Syracuse: Ortygia & Neapolis Archaeological Park Guided Tour

5. Syracuse: Ortygia & Neapolis Archaeological Park Guided Tour

The guided tour of Syracuse will make you discover the historic center located on the island of Ortigia and the Nepolis. Let's start from one of the two bridges that connect Ortigia to the mainland, the Umbertino Bridge with a visit to the Temple of Apollo which dates back to 580 BC. and represents the oldest Doric temple in all of Sicily. We continue in the heart of the island discovering piazza Archimede square, dedicated to the great Syracusan mathematician, with the beautiful Diana Fountain. Walking through the alleys we arrive at piazza della Minerva square, made of white limestone with beautiful buildings that overlook the square. The most important building is the Cathedral of Syracuse dedicated to the Nativity of Mary Most Holy, founded on the remains of the ancient Temple of Athena of which some columns that re-emerge from the walls of the church are still visible both on the external side but above all by visiting the Cathedral at the internal. The imposing façade is built in Baroque and Rococo style and is surrounded by other beautiful buildings overlooking the square, such as the Palazzo del Vermexio seat of the Town Hall, Palazzo Beneventano and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, which preserves inside the splendid work of Caravaggio "The burial of Saint Lucia". We continue the guided tour walking towards the sea admiring the Fonte Aretusa, an unusual mirror of fresh water inhabited by fish and ducks and where papyrus plants grow. A few meters away we find the Alfeo seafront, where we conclude the first part of the visit, the oldest stretch of seafront on the island where you can admire the beauty of the sea that surrounds Ortigia and the imposing Maniace Castle, a fortress dating back to the Swabian period that in past it was prison and military barracks. We move to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis with the visit that starts from the Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari of the eleventh century and in the lower part where we find the Roman Pool, large water tanks dug into the rock with pipes that brought the water to the Roman amphitheater for nautical games and water fights. The nearby Roman amphitheater dating back to the Augustus era was in fact used for various shows, the most famous of which were the fights between gladiators: it has an elliptical structure carved into the rock and is spread over three levels. We continue our visit with the Altar of Hieron, the immense altar dedicated to Zeus where the sacrifices of the bulls took place. The guided tour continues towards the Latomie del Paradiso, quarries used for the extraction of stone, of which we will visit the most important, the Ear of Dionysus. The cave is 23 meters high and is very impressive due to the exceptional echo inside it. We conclude the visit to the Nepolis admiring the beautiful Greek theater carved into the stone, the most famous and important monument of the archaeological park, built by the Greeks and renovated by the Romans.

Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Sightseeing Cruise

6. Syracuse: Ortigia Island and Sea Caves Sightseeing Cruise

During this guided tour you will see the following monuments and historical buildings: Venetian Palace, Umberto I bridge, small harbor, Bourbons prison, Spanish walls and Eastern seafront, Viliena Fortress, Maniace Castle, Aretusa Source, Syracuse Cathedral, St. Lucy Church, Alfeo seafront and Porta Marina. We will then continue our tour on the coast with the sea caves exploration and you will live a unique experience: the boat will go into the caves to allow you to admire stalactites, stalagmites and corals. Some caves have peculiar shapes that you will recognize by approaching them, Dionysius ear cave, Lovers’ cave heart shaped, Doves cave. Last but not least, if you wish, you will have the chance to enjoy a swim in our crystal waters!

Other Sightseeing Options in Cathedral of Syracuse

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What people are saying about Cathedral of Syracuse

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 112 reviews

Giuseppe was an excellent guide providing my wife and I with a wonderful afternoon exploring all of the treasures of Syracuse’s Archeological Park as well as the must-see attractions of Ortigia. As a University of Catania-educated Archeologist he was a font of information on the history of Sicily and Syracuse and all of the various structures and sights that we visited. Engaging, intelligent and spirited, Giuseppe made sure we visited all of the important sights in the area and then brought them to life - highly recommended.

Giuseppe was a great guide. He provided informed commentary on the neopolis and Ortigia. He was also comfortable taking questions.

Giuseppe gave us a perfect and entertaining tour, which was also enjoyed by the younger members. Many Thanks!!

Giuseppe was outstanding. Knew everything about Syracuse and Ortigia and was a delight!

Anna is a FANTASTIC guide. So knowledgeable and a great story teller.