Sicilian Holiday (Part 3): Syracuse - Day 4

This week we continue our travel through the East coast of Sicily.

So, take a bus to Siracusa (bus station is close to Catania central station). The trip should last about 1 hour.

Siracusa was once a mighty Greek colony about triple the size of today's city. There are many Greek and Roman sites of interest, including a Greek theater and Roman arena. Stay 1 entire day and 1 night in Siracusa.

It’s a beautiful city and you should go and visit it.

What to see:

• The Greek Theater, the largest theater in Sicily, was begun in the 6th century BC and held 15,000 spectators.
• The Roman Amphitheater, one of the largest arenas of its kind, dates from the 3rd century AD.
• The Castle of Eurialo was an important Greek military installation built in the 4th century BC.

• The Altar of Hieron II, the largest altar in Magna Grecia, was built around 225 BC but only the base remains.

• Ear of Dionysus Cavern, Orecchio di Dioniso, is part of the huge stone quarry that provided the stone for the building of the city.

• Santa Lucia Church incorporated a Greek temple to Athena into its building and added a Baroque facade. It's built on the spot where Santa Lucia, Syracuse's patron saint, was martyred in 304AD. On Santa Lucia Day, December 13, a huge silver statue is paraded from the duomo to the church. This is an amazing church. If you go inside you can see a Caravaggio work of art! It’s really worth a visit

• Ortygia Island has a small but interesting historic center. Its duomo started as a 5th century BC Doric temple and was turned into a church in the 7th century AD. It has a dramatic Baroque facade. On the island you'll find temples, churches, squares, shops, and seaside bars. During the evening it lights up with lovely bars and restaurant where you can eat nice Sicilian food

While you are in Ortigia, please stop at Fontana Aretusa (Aretusa Fountain): people from Siracusa believe that this is the only place outside Egypt where papyrus grows.  There is also a lovely story about this fountain, a story of love and tragedy. As kids, we are all convinced it’s true (In Greek mythology, the nymph Arethusa, daughter of Nereus, is pursued by the river god Alpheus and transforms herself into a stream.)

Where to stay:

Cavalieri Hotel: http://www.hotelcavalierisiracusa.it/

Mediterraneo Hotel: http://www.hotel-siracusa.com/it/hotel.html

*Hotel borgo Pantano: http://www.borgopantano.com/    - - * It’s a lovely relaxing place but it’s outside Siracusa and you’ll need to go there with a taxi

Where to eat:

Rutta e ciauli: lovely restaurant and amazing food. Book a table outside. Don’t believe the review about the poor service. It’s Sicily and people are more relaxed…it’s not NYC so if you want super fast service, you are in the wrong Country! http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187891-d1875758-Reviews-Ristorante_Jonico_a_Rutta_e_Ciauli-Syracuse_Sicily.html

Thanks to: http://goitaly.about.com/od/sicilyitaly/p/syracuse_sicily.htm for some of the above contents

www.trisori.com