Sicily holidays by Volcano Etna

Thanks to Vic15

Syracuse is situated on the Southeastern coast of Sicily, but it’s not only Italian city – this city is surely of the European value. The glory of Syracuse resounded during the antique times – it was an important center for the Ancient Greece. The look of modern Syracuse is a mix of Greek classicism, Medieval and Renaissance styles and a lot of other features brought here by numerous nations who lived here.

Two ports as well as agriculture played an important role in development of the economy of Syracuse, but nowadays it’s tourism that brings the major income. Tourists from all over the world are attracted by traces of antique history, beautiful sea and picturesque nature.

The city of Syracuse appeared as Greek colony. Then it belonged to the Romans, Arabs and the Normans who founded a kingdom of Sicily. In 1867 Sicily joined the united Italy, but Syracuse still differ very much from the rest of the country.

The historic center of Syracuse is the island of Ortigia. Once it was a fortress but in 1893 the walls were destroyed and Ortigia became an open city. One of the first places you face when coming to Ortigia is the temple of Apollo – ruins of the columns and the base. Built in VI century BC, it’s the oldest Doric temple of the whole Sicily. Narrow streets of Ortigia lead from Apollo temple to Porta Marina. These gates are sample of late gothic style.

Like the most of the Italian cities, Syracuse has its Duomo – the Cathedral. It also stands on Ortigia island. It is built in baroque style in VII century AD, but the façade we see now it made in XVIII century. This chic building is a popular place for the weddings.

One of the must-sees in Syracuse is Archeological park Neapolis. It’s the part of the ancient Greek city where the most of the monuments of that distant époque are concentrated. Greek Theater built in V century BC was one of the main theaters of that time and the biggest one on Sicily. From the terrace above the amphitheater opens a magnificent view of the city and the sea. At the footsteps of the Theater are quarries. The most famous of them is “Ear of Dionysiacs� where the prisoners were kept. It received this name because due to acoustic characteristics of the quarry the emperor Dionysiacs I had an opportunity to hear what his captives said.

Just steps away from Greek Theater tourists can see the remains of the Roman amphitheater. Although it’s about 7 centuries younger than Greek Theater, it looks more abandoned. The great advantage of the Archeological Park is the plenty of greenery. You understand the value of it, when thermometer shows over +30 C.

One of the main landmarks in Syracuse is Sanctuary Madonna delle Lacrime (Madonna of tears). It was raised in the honor of the tears of Madonna statue. The miracle happened in 1953 and attracted a lot of religious believers. Three years later it was decided to build a sanctuary. It’s magnificent and spacious building made of re-enforced concrete.

Although Syracuse with its population of 250 000 is not a very big city, it could take several days to see the best it can offer, so you may need an accommodation. The most of the hotels in Syracuse are relatively small, but very nice and comfortable.

The only 5-star hotel in Syracuse is The Etrangers Hotel et Miramare. These are two buildings - “Hotel des Etrangersâ€? and “Miramareâ€? on Passeggio Adorno. There are 78 rooms and almost all of them face Porto Grande Sea. On the ground floor the hotel has an ample congress hall reception and a luxurious wellbeing centre. On the top the restaurant is situated. Other favorites among Syracuse hotels are L’ Approdo delle Sirene and Mercure Siracusa Prometeo. They are 3-star hotels, but both are very cute.

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