Cathedral of Syracuse

Embark on a fascinating 2-hour shared group tour, led by our expert guides, to uncover the captivating history and cultural treasures nestled within Ortigia, the old town center of Siracusa. The journey commences at the ancient Apollo Temple. This impressive doric style building was the first large stone temple built by ancient Greeks in the western colonies. From there, we traverse through the lively Archimedes Square, alive with the echoes of past civilizations. Immerse yourself in the charm of Diana Fountain, a beautiful centerpiece, before arriving at the illustrious Piazza Duomo, the cathedral square. Here, a splendid ensemble of palazzi and ornate churches stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage. You will learn about the town hall (Palazzo Vermexio), Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, St. Lucy's church and the cathedrale. The cathedral is frequently chosen as a wedding venue. When accessible to visitors, we provide the opportunity to explore the church's interior with our guide (entrance ticket of €2 not included), or alternatively, to enjoy a brief coffee break. Our journey progresses to the legendary Aretusa Spring, a place steeped in mythical lore and famous for its papyrus plants, followed by a leisurely stroll along the picturesque seafront promenade. The tour continues with a walk through the historic Giudecca, offering glimpses into the former Jewish district and its past. Throughout the tour, our guide will offer insights into the town's rich history, both ancient and recent, delving into local traditions and religious celebrations such as the revered St. Lucy's feast and its grand procession, providing a comprehensive understanding of Siracusa's cultural heritage and the daily life in Sicily. This tour starts at the Apollo temple at the entrance of Ortigia and ends at Piazza Archimede. Feel free to ask your guide for suggestions about other monuments to visit, nearby towns, restaurants or activities. Our tours are designed for an intimate experience, ensuring a maximum group size of 25 participants, though typically our groups consist of around 10 enthusiastic explorers, allowing for a more personalized and engaging journey through Siracusa's wonders.

Join a food tour to discover the secrets of Syracuse's culinary tradition. Explore the nuances that the street food of the former ancient Greek colony has to offer, including arancini (fried rice balls), impanate (breaded snacks), the fried cone of freshly caught fish (only during summertime), and granita or cannoli. Follow your guide to the ancient market in Syracuse for a tasting of paninetti with locally produced cheeses and cured meats. Enjoy a typical local liqueur. Relax and cool down on a hot afternoon with a Sicilian granita – made from fresh fruit and sugar – served in a glass with ice. Become a true expert on Syracuse cuisine as you relish Arancini fried rice balls stuffed with meat, cooked ham, spinach, pistachios, aubergines, and more. Then, during summertime, it’s time to munch on a fried fish cone filled with various kinds of fried fish, caught that day. Savor an impanate, a delicacy with strong flavors. Relish this artisanal bakery product typical of Sicily, an oval-shaped, golden-colored calzone that can be stuffed with tomato sauce, vegetables, meat, cheese, potatoes and sausage, shrimp, and black olives. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a cannoli wafer, traditionally molded around a hot metal bar, filled with a sweet and creamy preparation made with ricotta cheese, candied fruit, crunchy pistachios, or dark chocolate chips.

The tour takes place on board a typical tuk tuk called in Italy "APE CALESSINO", it can carry a maximum of 4 people. The 2-hour tour includes: During the Ape Calessino Tour in Ortigia, you will have the opportunity to admire the majestic Cathedral of Syracuse (20-minute stop), the Aretusa fountain (5-minute stop), the terrace of the Maniace castle (15-minute stop) the Temple of Apollo (5-minute stop) the fountain of Diana (5-minute stop) in Piazza Archimede, the JEWISH quarter and the picturesque Porto Grande. Along the way, the driver will share fascinating anecdotes about Sicilian culture, giving you an authentic perspective of this fascinating island. An unforgettable experience to discover the hidden treasures of Ortigia, the visit of the city of Syracuse includes a visit to the SANCTUARY of the Madonna delle Lacrime (stop 15 minutes), a visit to the Basilica of Santa Lucia where you can admire the painting of "CARAVAGGIO", we will also pass by the church of SAN GIOVANNI ALLE CATACOMBE, when booking, please indicate what time you prefer to start the tour.

The main attractions, the most important monuments, the curiosities, the legends, the places frequented by the locals, the best restaurants, the typical dishes, and the anecdotes of people who have always lived in the city. These are the elements I would like to find in a tour when I travel and that is exactly what you will find inside this digital tour! What will you need for this tour: - Smartphone - Internet connection - Some energy! You will walk about 3 km but it is feasible regardless of athletic training (so the tour must be done moving through the streets of Siracusa and Ortigia and not just by phone). You can start the tour at any time: once purchased you will receive link and password to start your experience! Everything is going to be into GetYourGuide Voucher so read all the info!  Once purchased, the tour can be used for the duration of the booked day + 2 extra days so: no rush at all! During the tour, you can freely enter the monuments (entrance fees are not included) and spend as much time as you like on the various visits! Unlike standard tours where you have to run after a guide, the beauty of this experience is that you can decide whether to relax, read historical insights, or spend more time on food or views! The experience is totally in your hands!

Excursion by GT bus with an guide on board and local guide on site. A short stop for services is scheduled during the trip. On arrival in Syracuse, guided tour of the Neapolis Archaeological Park, the most characteristic part of the old Greek town. Visit the Greek Theatre, the Latomia del Paradiso, the Ear of Dionysius and the Roman Amphitheatre. We will then visit the island of Ortigia, the historical centre of the city of Syracuse. A walk along the Foro italico will take you to the Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring that forms a natural pool with papyrus plants, located on a large terrace overlooking the sea. Next, the Cathedral Temple of Apollo and the magnificent Baroque square in which it stands. Free time. Departure immediately afterwards in the direction of Noto, called the ‘capital of Baroque’. its historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Through the Porta Reale (Royal Gate) we will walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, an elegant street that crosses the historical centre of the city, to admire the Church of S. Chiara, Palazzo Landolina, the Cathedral of S. Nicolò, until we reach the Church of S. Domenico and the Municipal Theatre. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for visiting the churches.

Discover the Ancient Wonders of Syracuse on a 3-Hour Small Group Tour Step back in time with a guided walking tour through the historic heart of Syracuse — one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Greek world. Explore the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park of Neapolis, home to some of Sicily’s most iconic ancient ruins, including the Greek Theater, Roman Amphitheater, and the mysterious Ear of Dionysius, carved into the limestone cliff. Stroll through Ortigia Island, Syracuse’s elegant old town, and admire the breathtaking Cathedral of Syracuse, built directly over the ancient Temple of Athena. Discover layers of history through Doric columns, Baroque facades, and early Christian relics — all narrated by your expert guide. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, walk through the lush Paradise Quarry (Latomia del Paradiso), and hear fascinating stories of mythology, religion, and power that shaped this timeless city. Perfect for lovers of history, culture, and scenic beauty — this tour is a must-do in Sicily.

Embark on a walking tour crossing the picturesque streets of Ortigia, the old part of Syracuse and discovering the traces left by all the different people who governed Sicily. You will meet your guide at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple where you will be given a short introduction to the history of the town. This is a private walking tour with a professional guide so you will enjoy the relaxed walk and flexible itinerary. After a short walk, you will reach Cathedral Square and be surprised by the magnificent bright limestone buildings: the town hall, Palazzo Beneventano, the bishop's palace, and St. Lucy's Church, but most of all the Cathedral itself. It is the only church still in use today which many years ago was a pagan temple, and you should not miss the opportunity to visit its interiors (optional visit, admission fee not included). The tour through Ortigia then continues to Aretusa Fountain near the sea. The myth of Aretusa was told by Ovidius and in its clear fresh water grows papyrus which was probably brought here when Archimedes lived in town. The way back leads through the Jewish Quarter to Via Maestranza, the street where the nobility of the town had their pompous homes. On Archimedes Square, the neoclassical Fountain of Diana remembers once more the glorious past of Syracuse. The tour will end at at Piazza Archimede in the heart of Ortigia but you can also ask your guide to end at the local fish and fruit market where you can take a breath of local life, colors, and scents.

You will be welcomed by Simona at the information point and, after a brief explanation of the tour on the map, also in English and French, you will be accompanied to the boarding point, located a few meters away, where, after a welcome from Captain Roberto, you will set off to discover the island of Ortigia with all its monuments seen from the sea: the Marina promenade, the Cathedral, the Aretusa Fountain, Maniace Castle, and the entire Levante seafront. The bow will then turn towards the northeast coast of the new city of Syracuse, where you can admire the high rocky ridges and caves, which, thanks to this type of boat, can also be visited inside. During the trip, you can also stop for a swim in our crystal clear waters. On the way back, we will return from Porto Piccolo with a picturesque passage under the three bridges that connect Ortigia to the mainland and return to the starting point. We look forward to seeing you 20 minutes before the tour to check in at our "Papyrus Excursion" stand located at Largo Porta Marina, 2, right next to the Porta della Marina monument.

In the heart of Ortigia, the Cathedral of Syracuse is a unique monument where history, art and spirituality have been intertwined for more than 2,500 years. Founded as the Temple of Athena in the 5th century B.C., it still preserves the imposing Doric columns incorporated into the walls. Transformed into a Christian church in the 7th century AD, during Arab rule it was stripped of furnishings and decorations, only to be reconsecrated by the Normans in 1085. After the 1693 earthquake, its façade was rebuilt in splendid Sicilian Baroque style, giving the Cathedral of Syracuse the dramatic appearance that now dominates Cathedral Square. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Syracuse is a veritable book of stone, where history, art and faith are intertwined.

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.