Discover Syracuse: Ortigia, History and Nature

Syracuse offers a range of interests to help you plan your trip: Ortigia, the oldest settlement, the archaeological area of Neapolis, buildings from different periods and a protected wetland on the Ciane. Ortigia and Neapolis are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient city of Syracuse. The cultural sites bring together Greek, Roman and Baroque influences. At the same time, the papyrus along the Ciane is part of a landscape whose salt pans serve as a resting place for migratory birds. If you are looking for a hotel in Syracuse, these highlights can help you shape the character of your trip.

Ortigia: Settlement History and Architecture

Ortigia is the oldest settlement in Syracuse and is connected to the rest of the city by two bridges. The island is home to several of the historic sites that define the area. At its farthest point stands Castello Maniace, built by Frederick II in 1239. The fortress from the Hohenstaufen period has a square ground plan, with sides measuring 58 metres; four cylindrical towers stand at the corners. Its clearly defined shape and dimensions give the building a distinct architectural presence.

The Fonte Aretusa is also on Ortigia: the freshwater pool is connected to a spring. Palazzo Bellomo offers another perspective on the island’s history. This well-preserved example of 12th-century Frederician architecture houses the Galleria Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo. Its medieval and modern art collections span the period from the Byzantine era to the 18th century. Here, architectural history meets an art collection spanning several centuries.

Ancient Sites and Sacred History

Alongside Ortigia, the archaeological area of Neapolis is the other explicitly named component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient city of Syracuse. The Catacomb of San Giovanni takes visitors back to another historical period: the complex dates from the 4th century. Its main gallery is almost 100 metres long, with loculi and arcosolia lining the walls. Loculi are wall niches, while arcosolia are arched tombs. These terms describe different forms within the complex and make the gallery’s layout easier to understand.

Another important date in the city’s history is 6 November 1994. On that day, Pope John Paul II consecrated the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime. Together with the catacomb, Castello Maniace and Palazzo Bellomo, the sanctuary shows the range of historical and religious themes in Syracuse. Your choice may therefore depend on whether you are especially interested in ancient sites, fortress architecture, art collections or religious architectural history.

Wetlands, Birdlife and Lemon Growing

The Fiume Ciane e Saline di Siracusa Nature Reserve encompasses the course of the Ciane and the salt-pan wetlands near its mouth. It protects the papyrus along the river and preserves the wetlands of the salt pans. As a resting place for migratory birds, the area has its own ecological significance. Birds found there include flamingos, ospreys, cormorants and various large wading birds. This diversity adds a landscape perspective to the city’s cultural themes: here, the focus is on the river, wetlands and birdlife rather than buildings and collections.

Lemon growing is also part of the area’s local character. In Syracuse, this tradition has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. Together with the nature reserve, it points to two different aspects of the landscape: the protected habitats along the Ciane and a long agricultural heritage. Culture, nature and agricultural history thus offer different themes to guide your trip planning. You can use these interests as a guide when looking for hotels in Syracuse for your stay.

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For the main travel overview: Syracuse.