Syracuse: Private Tour of Ortygia

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A private walking tour exploring Ortygia, the old town center of Syracuse. It is enchanting for its position and fascinating for its ancient history. Explore 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
Tour with pa rivate guide and tailor made itinerary

Description

A private walking tour lasting about 2 hours, 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 about 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

Private walking tour with a licensed guide
Admissione fees

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