Syracuse

Syracuse takes two days for the island of Ortygia and the Neapolis archaeological park and a third for a day trip, because the ancient and the Baroque parts of the city are seen separately. Corinthians founded the Greek city in 733 BC, and Cicero called it the most beautiful and the largest of the Greek cities.

The walk starts on Ortygia, because the city began there: Corinthians led by Archias founded it on an islet off the coast. Of the ancient remains, the first to appear is the Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo), the oldest Doric temple in Sicily, which stands on Largo XXV Luglio. It is seen from outside and is free, free.

From there you go on to Piazza Duomo, where the cathedral is built on the foundations of the Temple of Athena. Entry is €2, the cathedral is open March and October 9–17.30; April, June and September 9–18.30; July and August 9–19, and its closed day is Sunday (May–September).

From the square the way runs to the sea and to the Fountain of Arethusa, a spring right on the shore with papyrus growing around it. Entry is €5, open Mon–Fri 10–13; Sat–Sun 18–21. The island ends at its southern tip with Maniace Castle, raised by Emperor Frederick II in 1240, entry €6.

The second part of the visit crosses to the mainland, to the Neapolis archaeological park: the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio) and the Roman amphitheatre stand in the same park, entry €14. After it comes the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum, entry €10, closed Monday, with a joint ticket for the park. The last stop is the Catacombs of San Giovanni, visited only with a guide and by timed slot, €14.

The third day goes to trips to Noto, Marzamemi and Pantalica, while the sea is found on three beaches with different shores. Outside the main six stops remain Euryalus Castle, the Bellomo Palace Gallery and the Temple of Apollo itself; they have a page of their own. You get to the town like this: Catania – Vincenzo Bellini airport (CTA), Interbus coach, direct line airport–Syracuse.