Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo)
It can be dated to the beginning of the sixth century BC. and it is therefore the oldest Doric temple in Sicily or at least the first corresponding to the model that was establishing itself throughout the Hellenic world of a peripteral temple with stone columns. The temple underwent various transformations: it was a Byzantine church, of which the front staircase and traces of a median door are still preserved, and then it became an Islamic mosque
Fountain of Diana
The fountain faces south and highlights the figure of Diana with bow and dog, the attributes of the goddess of hunting, protector of Ortigia in the Greek era. At his feet is Arethusa who stretches while the transformation into a source is taking place. On the side Alfeo amazed by what is happening to his beloved.
Duomo di Siracusa
(Pass by)
The cathedral of Syracuse, Cathedral of the Nativity of Mary Most Holy, stands on the elevated part of the island of Ortigia, incorporating what was once the main sacred temple in the Doric style of the polis of Syrakousai, dedicated to Athena (Minerva) and converted into a church with the advent of Christianity.
Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia
(Pass by)
Originally the site of a fifteenth century monastery, it was completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, and the reconstruction is to be attributed to the mother abbess of the Cistercian nuns between 1695 and 1703, the architect Luciano Caracciolo directed the works and from whom the project also arose.
Fonte Aretusa
(Pass by)
The legend of Arethusa and Alpheus, one of the most fascinating myths of Syracuse, is set in the Aretusa spring. The visual charm of a fresh water source that reaches the island underground and then pours its waters into the sea, has certainly fascinated many poets and writers such as: Pindar, Mosco, Ovid, Virgil, D'Annunzio
Maniace Castle
(Pass by)
On the site where the castle stands there must almost certainly have been fortifications since Greek times as it is strategically important for the defense of the Grand Harbour. Therefore, the thesis that in 1038 the Byzantine commander Giorgio Maniace, Prince and Vicar of the Emperor of Constantinople from whom the castle takes its name, promoted the restoration or construction of works to defend the port of Ortigia during his military campaign is credible. . A few years later the Arabs took possession again of Syracuse and of the manor which they held until 1087 when they were defeated and driven out by the Normans. The remaining time on the tour will be spent commuting between attractions and having free time.
