Ancient Syracuse Tour

Synopsis >

Once a rival to Athens as the most important city in Ancient Greece, Syracuse has been an influential economic and political hub throughout the ages. The city is unrivaled in its abundance of ancient architecture including its famous Greek Theater, The Ear of Dionysius, the Temple of Apollo, the Tomb of Archimede and the Fountain of Arethusa. Located on the Ionian Sea and nestled by the Monti Iblei mountains, Syracuse is a picturesque and welcoming city. Our tour guide will introduce you to this 2,700 year old city and share her eclectic mix of ancient history and modern-day culture.

Who named The Ear of Dionysius?

Did you know that there is evidence of human settlements in Syracuse dating all the way back to the 14th century BC?! Allied with Sparta and Corinth, Syracuse was the capital of Greek culture in Sicily for centuries. Perhaps the most famous Ancient Syracusan, the mathematician and philosopher Archimedes was born and died here. Our tour guide will help you discover the architectural history of this memorable city as well as the living culture. In fact, to this day live performances still remain a tradition in the summer months at the outdoor Greek Theatre where Plato performed in ancient times. We will visit The Ear of Dionysius: a limestone cave-like structure which was where prisoners were kept in ancient times. The cave's extraordinary echo feature allowed prison guards to keep track of all the conversations. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears in Syracuse is said to be the site of a miracle which draws Catholics from all over when tears fell from the statue of Mary in 1953. Just outside of Syracuse, lays the town Noto, known as the Baroque capital of the world. During Noto's Baroque Spring Festival the city is covered in flower petals. As the World Heritage Centre simply put it, “Ancient Syracuse was directly linked to events, ideas and literary works of outstanding universal significance.” You can’t afford to miss it!