Siracusa is one of the most historically rich cities in the world. With three thousand years of history behind it, it boasts countless monuments, museums and itineraries.

One of the most important sights to see is the Temple of Apollo in Ortigia, for which no entrance fee is required as it is in the open and clearly visible to all. From here, continue to Piazza Archimede, on which stands the famous Fountain of Diana. Not far from here (about 200 metres away) is the Temple of Minerva, whose columns are incorporated into the Cathedral itself. The square on which it stands is by far one of the most atmospheric in Italy, with a series of Baroque-era palaces in succession, such as Palazzo Vermexio (seat of the City Hall), Palazzo Borgia del Casale and the Archbishop’s Palace. On the right side of the square is the Church of S. Lucia alla Badia, which even houses a painting by Caravaggio: “The Burial of St Lucia”. Continuing along the same road, one comes to the Arethusa Spring, from which, skirting the sea, one reaches Castello Maniace.

The Archaeological Park of Neapolis is also impressive and includes the Roman Amphitheatre, the Altar of Hieron, the Greek Theatre, the Latomia del Paradiso, the Cave of the Cordari and the Ear of Dionysius.

The “Paolo Orsi” Archaeological Museum is among the most important and prestigious in Europe for the quality and quantity of the exhibits it contains. It is divided into four sectors: A, B, C and D.
Sector A exhibits rocks, faunas and fossils as well as artefacts ranging from the Palaeolithic and Neolithic to the Historic Age.
Sector B is dedicated to the Greek colonies of Sicily and contains vases, bas-reliefs, terracotta and stone architectural elements that were part of the temples, as well as important statues (such as the Kouros of Lentini dating back to the 5th century BC).
Sector C is dedicated to the sub-colonies of Syracuse, such as Eloro, Akrai, Casmene and Camarina.
Sector D contains all materials from the Hellenistic to the Roman age.

How to get to Syracuse

By Train

Syracuse Central Railway Station (www.trenitalia.com) Piazzale della Stazione Centrale 21, 96100 – Syracuse.
Tel: 0931.69650

By Bus

AST extra-urban service – Azienda Siciliana Trasporti (www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it)
Tel. +39 0931. 462711, Toll-free number: 840.000.323, Autolinee Interbus, Segesta, Etna trasporti (www.interbus.it)
Tel. +39 0931. 66710

By Ship

The closest ports to Syracuse are Catania, Augusta (SR) and Pozzallo (RG)Port of Catania:
Connections with Naples: TTT lines, Tel: 899 018103 (www.tttlines.it)
Connections with Malta: VIRTU FERRIES Ltd. Tel: 095.535711 (www.virtuferries.com)Port of Pozzallo (RG):
Connections with Malta: VIRTU FERRIES Ltd. Tel: 0932.954062 (www.virtuferries.com)

By Plane

The nearest airport is Catania Airport, which is about 45 minutes from the centre of Syracuse.
Fontanarossa “Vincenzo Bellini” International Airport, Via Fontanarossa – 95121 Catania.
(www.aeroporto.catania.it)
Email: info@aeroporto.catania.it, Tel. +39 095. 7239111

By Car

From the North (Province of Messina and Catania):
Motorway NSA 339 Catania-Siracusa, follow the motorway junction (RA 15) Tangenziale di Catania that joins the SS114 Orientale Sicula continue in the direction of Syracuse.

A18/E45 Messina-Catania motorway, follow the motorway junction (RA 15) Tangenziale di Catania linking the NSA 339 Catania-Siracusa motorway and continuing along the SS114 Orientale Sicula continue in the direction of Syracuse.

From the South (Province of Ragusa)

Motorway A 18 SR-GELA/Siracusa-Rosolini, linking the entrance to the province with the municipalities of Avola, Noto, Rosolini, Pachino and Portopalo di Capo Passero.

From the west

A19 Palermo-Catania motorway, the main motorway axis. Once you reach the RA 15 motorway junction, Tangenziale di Catania, continue along the NSA 339 Catania-Siracusa motorway with indications “aut. CT-SR” and continue along the SS114 Orientale Sicula in the direction of Syracuse.