Syracuse packs 2,700 years of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Baroque history into a walkable city split between the mainland archaeological zone and the island of Ortigia. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005, the city was once the largest in the ancient Greek world, larger even than Athens. Today its ruins, baroque piazzas, and seaside setting make it one of Sicily’s most compelling destinations. For weather planning, see the best time to visit Syracuse guide. Here are the essential things to do, organized by area.
Things to Do in Syracuse: Neapolis Archaeological Park
Greek Theatre
The 5th-century-BC Greek Theatre is the centrepiece of the Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (Neapolis Archaeological Park) and one of the largest ancient Greek theatres ever built, seating up to 15,000 spectators. Carved directly into the limestone hillside, it still hosts the annual Greek Theatre Festival each summer. The view from the upper rows across the stage toward the sea is spectacular, especially at sunset. The theatre was later modified by the Romans, who added the orchestra pit area for gladiatorial contests. Entry to the archaeological park costs 10 EUR (combined ticket including all park monuments). The park opens daily from 08:30, closing at 18:00 in winter and 19:30 in summer. Allow 60-90 minutes for the theatre alone.
Ear of Dionysius
The Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio) is a 23-metre-high limestone cave inside the archaeological park, shaped like a human ear canal. Its exceptional acoustics amplify even a whisper from the entrance to the top. Legend claims the tyrant Dionysius I imprisoned enemies here and eavesdropped on their conversations from above, though historians debate whether the cave was actually a quarry for the theatre’s stone. The entrance is a 5-minute walk from the Greek Theatre. Included in the 10 EUR park ticket. Visit before 10:00 or after 16:00 to avoid tour groups testing the echo, which can be noisy.
Roman Amphitheatre
Syracuse’s Roman Amphitheatre dates from the 3rd century AD and is one of the largest in Italy, though much of its stone was stripped for fortifications in the 16th century. It held gladiatorial contests and possibly water spectacles fed by an adjacent cistern. The elliptical arena measures 140 by 119 metres with two main entrances. It sits at the opposite end of the archaeological park from the Greek Theatre, about a 10-minute walk. The rectangular pit in the centre was part of the mechanical system for lifting animals and scenery onto the arena floor. Included in the 10 EUR park ticket.
Altar of Hieron II
The Altar of Hieron II (Ara di Ierone II) is a massive 3rd-century-BC sacrificial altar, measuring 198 metres long by 23 metres wide. It could accommodate the simultaneous sacrifice of 450 bulls during public ceremonies. Only the foundations remain today, but the scale is impressive. It sits between the Greek Theatre and the Roman Amphitheatre. The altar is visible from the park path; the remains are included in the general admission.
Things to Do in Syracuse: Ortigia Island
Piazza del Duomo
Piazza del Duomo is one of Italy’s most beautiful baroque squares, a sweeping oval framed by honey-coloured limestone palazzi. The Cathedral of Syracuse (Duomo) dominates one side, built around the 5th-century-BC Temple of Athena: the temple’s Doric columns are still visible inside the cathedral walls. The piazza is car-free and lined with cafes where an espresso costs 2-3 EUR at the bar or 5-7 EUR at a table. Visit in early morning (before 09:00) for near-empty photo opportunities, or in the evening when the floodlit Baroque facades create a warm glow. The cathedral is free to enter; the adjacent crypt and archaeological area cost 2 EUR.
Fonte Aretusa
The Fonte Aretusa is a freshwater spring just metres from the sea on Ortigia’s western waterfront. According to Greek myth, the nymph Arethusa was transformed into this spring by Artemis to escape the river god Alpheus. Papyrus plants grow here, one of only two places in Europe where papyrus grows wild (the other is the Fiume Ciane, also near Syracuse). The spring feeds a small pond with ducks and grey mullet fish. It is free to visit at any time and is especially atmospheric at sunset, with views across the Great Harbour toward the open Ionian Sea.
Castello Maniace
Castello Maniace is a 13th-century Swabian fortress at the tip of Ortigia, built by Emperor Frederick II between 1232 and 1240. The massive square keep with four corner towers guards the entrance to Syracuse’s Great Harbour. Inside, the vast single hall features Gothic ribbed vaulting. The castle served as a royal residence, prison, and military barracks over the centuries. Entry costs 4 EUR. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 08:30 to 13:30 (last entry 13:00); closed Mondays. The walk to the castle along the Ortigia seafront is worth the trip even when the castle is closed, especially at sunset when the stone glows golden.
Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo on Largo XXV Luglio, just across the bridge from mainland Syracuse to Ortigia, is the oldest Doric temple in Sicily, built around 565 BC. It was converted into a Byzantine church, then an Arab mosque, then a Norman church, then Spanish barracks, each layer leaving its mark. Today only the foundation and a few columns remain, excavated and visible at street level. It is free to view from the surrounding pavement at any time. The archaeological layers visible in the stone tell Syracuse’s entire history of conquest and conversion.
Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia
This small Baroque church on the south side of Piazza del Duomo houses Caravaggio’s Burial of Saint Lucy (1608), painted during the artist’s brief, tumultuous stay in Syracuse while he was on the run from a murder charge in Malta. The painting hangs above the altar and depicts the city’s patron saint being lowered into her tomb. Entry is free. The church is usually open from 10:00 to 16:00, though hours can be irregular. Caravaggio also painted a second Saint Lucy work for the Basilica of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro on the mainland.
Things to Do in Syracuse: Day Trips and Nearby
Catania
Catania, Sicily’s second city, is a 55-minute train ride from Syracuse central station (tickets 5-8 EUR each way). The city sits at the foot of Mount Etna and offers a dramatic Baroque historic centre rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, a bustling fish market (La Pescheria) every morning except Sunday, and the Roman-era Teatro Massimo Bellini opera house. Trains run roughly hourly. Catania’s airport (CTA) also serves Syracuse, making this a common route for travelers. The Baroque centre is a UNESCO site in its own right. Allow a full day.
Noto
Noto is a 35-minute drive (or 40-minute bus ride) southwest of Syracuse and is Sicily’s masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Entirely rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, the city’s honey-coloured limestone buildings along Corso Vittorio Emanuele form a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. The Cathedral of San Nicolo, with its broad staircase, and the Palazzo Ducezio are the highlights. The Infiorata flower festival in late May transforms the streets with elaborate flower-petal carpets. Buses depart from Syracuse’s Via Rubino terminal (near the train station) for 4-6 EUR.
Riserva Naturale Cavagrande del Cassibile
This nature reserve, 20km northwest of Syracuse, features a deep limestone canyon with freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls. A steep hiking trail descends about 300 metres to the valley floor (the climb back up takes 45-60 minutes; bring water and sturdy shoes). The deep pools at the bottom are cold even in summer, fed by the Cassibile River. No facilities at the bottom; pack food and water. No entrance fee. Best visited April through June or September through October, when temperatures are moderate for hiking. Avoid in July and August midday due to heat. Access is from the town of Avola; you will need a car or taxi.
Necropolis of Pantalica
Pantalica is a UNESCO-listed necropolis about 35km from Syracuse, containing over 5,000 rock-cut chamber tombs dating from the 13th to 7th centuries BC. The tombs are carved into limestone cliffs overlooking the Anapo River valley. Several hiking trails connect the different necropolis areas, with the most accessible starting from the Sella di Filiporto entrance. Allow 2-3 hours for the main trail. No entrance fee. Bring water and sun protection; there is almost no shade. Best visited in spring or autumn. You will need a car to reach Pantalica; public transport options are limited to an infrequent bus from Sortino.
