Ortigia and her seductive profile
It is in Ortigia when you realize it. Just as you cross one of the two bridges that give access to this fortress, you are aware that you breathe a different air than the chaotic and already beautiful Sicily has accustomed us to.
On Ortygia, the island and original headquarters of the city of Syracuse, everything happens calmly, the streets are clean, the buildings give off a special light and the noise that usually prevails in the southeast of Italy seems not to have reached this corner in the east of the island yet (or maybe it has already left, who knows). It could be said that we are before the most elegant and civilized city of today's Sicily.
We enter?
Due to its strategic position as an island, during centuries of history the Corinthians, the Greeks, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans and, of course, the Romans have passed through here. That is why today, it is a destination that still retains the imprint of all these civilizations until it became the place it is today.
Due to the increase in population, the city had to expand, so Ortigia remained as the historic center Syracuse, which has an area of more than 2,000 square kilometers and almost 400,000 inhabitants.
In addition, also It is the city where the physicist, mathematician and astronomer Archimedes was born. Can you imagine formulating his famous 'eureka!' through the streets of Syracuse?
Its size, its restored buildings, its picturesque squares, its palpable history, its varied gastronomic offer and its mix between an Italian city and a charming summer town, place it as one of the best proposals to discover from it the eastern and southern part of Sicily.
Who will want to stay in Catania after discovering Syracuse? We assure you that you do not! Without a doubt, this is a city to enjoy with all five senses. Are you coming?
Piazza del Duomo
A TOUR THROUGH THE BEST OF SYRACUSE
If you have dropped by Syracuse and intend to make it a base camp for at least a few days, staying in the historic center of Ortigia will be the best of your options.
Accommodation does not imply a high cost and you will have within reach everything you want to enjoy a well-deserved vacation.
The first thing you need to know before crossing one of the two bridges (Ponte Umbertino and Ponte Santa Lucia) that connect the islet with the rest of the city is that only residents' cars have access to it. The rest of mortals must park in the other part and in the summer months you can arm yourself with patience because finding parking can be quite an odyssey. But even so, it is worth renting a car or a motorcycle to travel to the most characteristic points of the area.
The most emblematic of Ortigia can be seen in one day, but we assure you traveler that you will not want to leave it. The first mandatory stop is none other than its spectacular Duomo, Syracuse Cathedral, built between the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century by the Sicilian architect Andrea Parma and in the Baroque style.
If you go around it you will find the temple of athena, almost intact today. In the same piazza stand side by side the Palazzo Arezzo della Targia, Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, Palazzo della Sovrintendenza ai Beni Culturali and Palazzo Chiaramonte, authentic architectural beauties that are well worth a visit both outside and inside.
Shall we ramble?
A few steps from the cathedral is the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia , a redoubt of peace and tranquility that hides a great treasure inside: the painting called The burial of Saint Lucia painted by Caravaggio in 1608. A true relic that also honors the patron saint of the city: Saint Lucia.
If you move a little north and go in the direction of the Temple of Apollo from the Duomo square, do not miss the opportunity to visit Diana's Fountain representing the character of Greek mythology Arethusa.
The temple of apollo (or what remains of it) is located a few steps away and is dedicated to the Greek sun god. It has more than 2,000 years of history behind it and is considered the oldest Doric temple in all of Sicily.
If, on the other hand, your steps are directed towards the south of Ortigia, you can reach the Theater of Pupi (puppet Theater) . A show that, despite being in Italian, It is well worth seeing and booking in advance. In addition, in this same place you can see the workshop where they are made and even take one home as a souvenir.
Going down a little more, you pass by the Communal Theater , by Church of the Holy Spirit and the University of the Study of Catania , until reaching the most extreme point of the fortress, the Castello Maniace.
Castle Maniace
THE BEACHES AND NATURAL PARKS YOU SHOULD NOT MISS
But you know traveler that Sicily is the largest island in the entire Mediterranean, so it would be a crime to go on vacation to this paradisiacal place to be and not frequent some of its spectacular beaches.
If we stop in the city of Syracuse, you should know that you won't have to travel very far to discover true jewels of the sea and rocky or sandy surfaces where you can practice that dolce far niente that Italians love so much.
Less than an hour's drive south from Syracuse, there are beaches that rival those of northwestern Sicily. In the Vendicari Nature Reserve , the dunes occupy its more than 8 kilometers of coastline in an enclave that has more than 250 types of protected birds and on whose limit is located San Lorenzo beach.
Another reservation that you should not overlook is the Cavagrande del Cassibile Oriented Nature Reserve , one of the most beautiful natural spots on the entire island where you can go hiking and take a dip in some of the lakes, pools or waterfalls that you will meet along the way. Without a doubt, a green lung located just 40 kilometers away from Syracuse.
white fountain
And beaches? You have plenty of options to choose from in the area. Fontane bianche, Lido Arenella, Spiaggia di Eloro or the Plemmirio Marine Park (this last ideal for snorkel lovers) will become your favorites.
ITS DELICIOUS GASTRONOMY
A trip is not a trip without pay special attention to the gastronomic proposal. In Italy it is very difficult to eat badly, so this time it will not disappoint you either.
The most typical? Pasta, fresh fish and seafood, fried foods, cheese, cured meats, cannoli and gelato They will never be missing on your table. Swordfish, fresh tuna, Syracusan fish soup and pasta with prawns, Norway lobsters, mussels, octopus or lobster should be on your list of delicacies to try during your precious vacation.
And where to try them? When it comes to taking a break to eat before continuing to discover the city, in CalaPiada _(via Santa Teresa, 8) _ They make the best piadinas from it, at the cheapest price and simply delicious. A piece of advice: let yourself be recommended by the people in charge of the place!
Also within the Ortigia market you can find a classic of the city, the post of Caseificio Borderi. Their huge sandwiches For years, they have conquered both tourists and locals, who almost can also taste boards of sausages and cheeses.
for the pizza, Schiticchio Pizzeria _(via Cavour, 30) _ bears your name. Despite being in one of the streets most frequented by tourists, it is perceived from the first moment that It is a quality place because you will see it full of Italians tasting its spectacular proposals. And don't forget to try their calzones!
And the pasta? How to forget about her! A few steps from Schiticchio Pizzeria, is located the Trattoria La Tavernetta da Piero _(via Cavour, 44) _. Their pasta with frutti di mare It will be the best of your options. Unbeatable quality-price!
THE ESSENTIAL EXCURSIONS
If you have several days ahead of you, these are some of the most recommended excursions in Sicily for beginners:
-Discover the baroque jewel of Noto, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002.
-From Noto, get closer to the balcony to the sea that is the town of Avola.
-Visit the picturesque fishing village of marzamemi with a unique atmosphere that lives his second youth in the summer months, when tourists join the locals to enjoy the hot summer days.
-Go into the chaotic and vibrant Catania.
-Scroll to the historic and beautiful Taormina.
-If you want, upload Etna volcano and let yourself be impressed by its beauty and splendor, while praying to all the gods present on the island so that it does not erupt at that moment.
Booking holidays in 3,2,1...
Marzamemi and its fishing village charm