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Virtual Italy Tour of Siracusa

Overview of Siracusa

No trip to Sicily is complete without visiting this southeastern city of Syracuse or Siracusa as locals call it. This city is steeped heavily in Greek history and this is evidenced by the many ancient Greek structures found all over the place. With 2,700 years of history behind it, this city is rightfully named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a city that features lots of archaeological sites, ruins, monuments, and architecture that show the many different cultural influences it has had over the years.

Piazza del Duomo Siracusa

Piazza del Duomo Siracusa

Apart from the ruins, impressive structures, and tourist spots, Siracusa also has citrus orchards, spacious piazzas, and the sea for people to enjoy and marvel at too. There is also great cuisine and wine for everyone to enjoy, museums to explore, castles to roam in awe, and beaches to relax in. In short, Siracusa is a multi-faceted gem that you should not miss visiting when you are in Sicily.

Where to Go and What to See

Syracuse is chock-full of interesting places to go and things to see, that it may be somewhat difficult for you to pick just one or two out of the entire bunch. It might be a good idea to spend a few days here in order to thoroughly enjoy everything that the city has to offer, and these include attractions such as:

Parco Archeologico della Neapolis – This archeological site is where you will find remnants of ancient Syracuse during the Greek period. The Archaeological Park of Neapolis is one of the most important archaeological finds on the island. It is also the largest archaeological site in the Mediterranean. Some of the notable sights you will find here include the Greek Theater, the Cave of Nymphaeum, the Galermi aqueduct, and the   Roman amphitheater of Syracuse, to mention but a few.

Basilica & Catacombe di San Giovanni – If you are not scared of tight spaces, underground caverns, and the remains of ancient Syracusans, then the catacombs underneath the Basilica di San Giovanni is worth a visit. The catacombs once held great treasures, with the dead having been buried with some of their most precious keepsakes in the past. These have since fallen into the hands of tomb robbers, which means the thousands of niches that carry the remains of the dead are all that is left in these creepy yet historic caverns.

What to Do

Once you are done with your tour of the many ancient structures, ruins, and churches in Syracuse, you can relax and enjoy the culture of the city by indulging in activities that don’t involve crumbling monuments of stone and religious structures. Here are some of the other things you can enjoy doing in Siracusa:

Examples of Fish Art

Examples of Fish Art

Explore the Colorful Ortygia Market – Indulge your senses in the colors, smells, and noise that makes up the Ortygia Market. See for yourself how locals interact with each other and delight in the colorful marketplace that sells not only fresh produce but also the catch of the day, baked goods, spices, and many more. Aside from the vibrant colors of this marketplace, you also hear vendors trying to attract buyers to their stalls by shouting catchy phrases called “vanniate” in Sicilian.

Appreciate Art Inspired by the Sea – How would you like to see art works that depict the many different creatures of the sea using a variety of mediums and objects? Fish House Art is a quirky gallery that also sells sea-inspired artwork and souvenirs to its patrons. The work here is made by new as well as established artists, and the variety is pretty astounding. From hand-blown glass fishes to wooden sea creatures to recycled metal shaped into fish, you will find it all here.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, in terms of the many things you can see, do, and enjoy on Siracusa. Planning a trip to Sicily should always include a day or two (or even three) in this majestic city with lots of history. Whether you choose to go for a planned escorted trip around Sicily or are aiming for a custom trip with stops in places like Erice and Palermo, Tour Italy Now has the perfect trip for you. Contact us at 800.955.4418 or email us at info@touritalynow.com to find out more.

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