In New York, Syracuse is the name of a renowned university. In Sicily, Syracuse, or Siracusa, is the name of one of the world's ancient
and
powerful cities. A city with aquaint, yet historic, feel.
The home of Archimedes, one of the last great Ancient thinkers, and ancient relics, Siracusa deserves a place on any itinerary of Sicily.
Because of
its location, across a narrow channel on the eastern side of Sicily and historical remnants of a celebrated past, tourists like to include the island
on trips of Sicily. The city, which is perfect for those who like to walk, has a train station, monuments and ancient relics within its borders.
The history of Siracusa is a mini-history of the Ancient world. The island city was founded in the eighth century BC by Corinthian colonists.
After
winning battles with the Athenians in the fifth century BC, the Greeks left Siracusa alone and the city became one of the most powerful in the
world. In the early third century BC, the ruler Gelon built a market area and necropolis, which are now famous archaeological sites filled with
temples, theaters and buildings.
Siracusa, began its decline as a the world's greatest city in 212 BC when Romans attacked and conquered the city. During the two-year battle,
Archimedes, whom the Romans eventually killed, invented many of the city's defensive weapons. The city became the capital of the Byzantine Empire
in 663 AD, but for the most part, Siracusa became the main port of Sicily and never regained its world prominence.
It is hard to believe that the main part of the great city was packed into an island only about a half a kilometer across and one kilometer in
length. More than two millennia worth of ancient history is preserved on Siracusa's island Ortygia.
Ortygia's main square is the Piazza Archimede. It is filled with bars and cafes, and you can sit and enjoy the sights of the ancient city. If
you
travel down the road a bit to the Via del Montalto, you will see the Palazzo Montalto which, though not open to the public, is famous for its double
and triple-arched windows. Construction of the building began in 1397 and it is constantly being renovated.
The main promenade for Ortygia is the Foro Italico. The promenade begins with the Fonte Aretusa, a fresh water fountain. The fountain, which is
nearly
out at sea, is considered a miracle because of its fresh water. As you leave the fountain and walk down this tree-lined promenade, you'll find more
bars and cafes along the shore and yachts lining the water, where mainly locals visit.
Many of the sights of historic Siracusa remain for tourists to enjoy. Near the Ponte Nuovo stands the oldest Sicilian Doric temple, the Temple of
Apollo. Though little remains of the once magnificent temple, two pillars and parts of some walls attract visitors. To see what the actual temple
would have looked like, visit the Archaeological Museum in Siracusa, which has a model of the original.
Siracusa's Archaeological Museum is the most extensive in all of Sicily. Its collection includes fossils and figures of Ancient Siracusa. Its
jewel,
however is the statue 'Venus Anadiomene', in which Venus rises from the sea.
For those who are archaeologists at heart, a definite addition to the itinerary should be Archaeological Park. Most of the structural remains of
buildings date back to between 475 BC and the third century BC. One of the best-preserved structures includes the Greek Theater, originally chiseled
from the side of a hill in 475 BC. In its glory, the theater could seat about 15,000 people. Fans of classical Greek drama should visit the area in
May and June when actual plays are staged in the theater.
Ironically, not too far from the Greek Theater is the Roman Amphitheater, which was built in the third century BC. Whereas the Greek Theater was
the
host site of classical plays, the Roman Amphitheater's eerie past includes vicious gladiatorial games in which man and beast competed. Though the
Amphitheater is not as large as the Colisseum in Rome, it is still well worth the visit.
Siracusa is a great travel destination because it appeals to many interests, especially those who enjoy the political, archaeological and
dramatic arts.
For more information on historical Siracusa, visit here.
This article was written by staff writer Karyn Dest. | | |
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