Syracuse: Ortygia Walking Tour

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Tours Culture & history Activities Walking tours Art Wheelchair accessible

Explore Ortygia, the old town center of Syracuse, on a walking tour. Discover the Apollo temple, the unique baroque cathedral, and enjoy the beautiful panoramas of the sea.

Highlights

Discover Syracuse's enchanting town center
Visit monuments ranging from the Greeks to the baroque age
Choose between a private tour or shared group tour

Description

Embark on a walking tour crossing the picturesque streets of the old part of Syracuse and discovering the traces left by all the different people who governed Sicily. You will meet your guide at the ancient Greek Apollo Temple where you will be given a short introduction to the history of the town. After a short walk, you will reach Cathedral Square and be surprised by the magnificent bright limestone buildings: the town hall, Palazzo Beneventano, the bishop's palace, and St. Lucy's Church, but most of all the Cathedral itself. It is the only church still in use today which many years ago was a pagan temple, and you should not miss the opportunity to visit its interiors (optional visit, admission fee not included). The tour then continues to Aretusa Fountain near the sea. The myth of Aretusa was told by Ovidius and in its clear fresh water grows papyrus which was probably brought here when Archimedes lived in town. The way back leads through the Jewish Quarter to Via Maestranza, the street where the nobility of the town had their pompous homes. On Archimedes Square, the neoclassical Fountain of Diana remembers once more the glorious past of Syracuse. The tour will end at the local fish and fruit market where you can take a breath of local life, colors, and scents.

Includes

Walking tour with a licensed guide

Important Information

A dress code is required to enter places of worship, no shorts or sleeveless tops are allowed and shoulders must be covered for both men and women Please note that the market is open only in the morning and on working days The tour is bookable as a private tour all around the year with an English, German, or Italian-speaking guide. During some periods of the year also the shared group option is available Group tours are bookable only in English or Italian. The group tour will take place in the requested language or in rare cases of very small groups, the guide will explain both in English and Italian