Hotels in Syracuse

Syracuse

Syracuse (Siracusa) sits on the southeastern tip of Sicily, founded by Corinthian Greeks in 734 BC. It grew into one of the ancient Mediterranean's most powerful cities, rivalling Athens in population and military strength. The historic core splits across two zones: Ortigia, a compact island connected to the mainland by two short bridges, and the Archaeological Park of Neapolis on the mainland, home to a 5th-century BC Greek theatre still used for performances each summer.

Visitors come primarily for classical antiquity and Baroque architecture. Ortigia's Cathedral was built directly into the columns of a 5th-century BC Temple of Athena — the ancient Doric columns remain visible inside the nave. The same island holds Piazza del Duomo, considered one of Sicily's finest Baroque squares, and the Fonte Aretusa, a natural freshwater spring beside the sea referenced by ancient Greek poets. The Archaeological Park contains the Ear of Dionysius, a 23-metre-tall limestone cave with remarkable acoustic properties, and a 3rd-century BC Roman amphitheatre.

Syracuse sits roughly 60 km south of Catania and 230 km southeast of Palermo. Catania-Fontanarossa Airport is the nearest international gateway, about 55 km by road. Most hotels concentrate in Ortigia, where pedestrian streets limit car access; parking is available at the island's northern entry point.