Weekend trip to Syracuse
The most beautiful places in the old town of Syracuse
If you can spend an entire weekend in Syracuse, then you will not only get to know the city in all its beauty, but you can also try out the culinary delights and visit one or the other lesser-known attractions. Day 2 of the weekend tour through Syracuse is devoted entirely to the old town island of Ortigia, the nucleus of today's Syracuse.
Day 2 - Morning:
- Today's tour starts in the Piazza Pancali, at the entrance bridge to the old town. Here are also the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in Sicily.
- From the Temple of Apollo you follow the Corso Matteotti to the Piazza Archimede. The beautiful palaces and cafes around the Piazza with the Fountain of Artemide, an art nouveau fountain, are worth seeing.
- It is best to leave the Piazza Archimede in the West End, then immediately turn left onto the Piazza Duomo. The harmonious, white gleaming limestone buildings are magnificent.
- At the site of the current cathedral of Santa Maria delle Colonne once stood the Temple of Athena of Syracuse. The ancient temple was built into the existing church and its pillars are still visible at the entrance. The inside of the church is an impressive contrast between the ancient temple and the baroque church. At the far end of the cathedral there are two nice cafes which are perfect for a short lunch break.
Day 2 - Afternoon:
- The afternoon starts again directly at the cathedral. A tour through the Ipogeo, the underground tunnel system of Syracuse, gives you a glimpse of the underworld of the city.
- From the exit of the tunnel system, it is only a few steps to the Fonte Arethusa, the mythical spring of fresh water.
- Art lovers can now reach the Palazzo Bellomo over the Via Capodieci, which houses the Art Gallery of Syracuse.
- From the Palazzo Bellomo, after a few metres, you will reach the southern edge of the old town island with the imposing Castello Maniace.
The best way back leads along the sea promenade Lungomare Alfeo and the Cathedral Square, where you can enjoy the ambiance of the city properly again.
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