ORTIGIA AND CITY

3000 years of history and art in a little charming island close to the city center. One of the most charming places of Sicily just less than 10 minutes walking from the Hostel.

TEMPLE OF APOLLO
The most ancient Greek temple in Sicily, the second oldest in the Greek world, less than 8 minutes walk from the hostel
PIAZZA ARCHIMEDE E MUSEO ARKIMEDEION
Charming baroque square with a fountain dedicated to Arethusa, nymph of Arthemis and a new useum dedicated to Archimedes the Syracusan, the greatest scientist of the classic period.
DUOMO SQUARE
Known as one of the most beautiful and fascinating places of Italy, overlooked by some of the most beautiful palaces and by the ancient temple of Athena, now incorporated in the Cathedral with its magnificent baroque facade, the symbol of the desire of the Syracusans to keep alive symbolic ties with their origins and the only Church in the world fully integrated with an ancient greek temple, still visible.
MUSEUM BELLOMO
Wonderful museum which exhibits a rich collection of sculptures and paintings by Sicilian artists from the Middle Age to the 18th century, including the famous Annunciazione by Antonello Da Messina.
FONT OF ARETHUSA
Fascinating source of fresh water a few meters from the sea, evidence of the link between motherland Corinthos and Syracuse. It is connected to the myth of Alpheus and Arethusa and was sung by many poets over the centuries
CASTLE OF MANIACE
Imposing Swabian castle dating back to the period of Friedrick II, located on the edge of the island of Ortygia, recently restored and opened to the public.
LA GIUDECCA
A charming labyrinth of alleys with bohemian atmosphere, shops and cafes, surrounded by the evidence of the presence in Syracuse's largest Jewish community in ancient Sicily.
THE SANCUARY OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF TEARS
The Sanctuary of the Holy Mother of Tears, immense and original modern building, 103 meters high, was erected in memory of the miraculous event of tearing of a plaster effigy of the Virgin Mary, placed in the bedroom of a married couple from Syracuse in a humble home in the nearby Via degli Orti. The miracle was repeated from 29 August to 1 September 1953.
CHURCH OF ST LUCIA ALLA BADIA
Church dating from the end of 1600 that houses the superb Caravaggio's Burial of Saint Lucy.
PUPPET THEATRE AND PUPPET MUSEUM OF SYRACUSE
IThe charm of the Opera dei Pupi (Sicilian Puppet theatre), traditional ancient Sicilian show, is renewed each day thanks to the LOCAL family Vaccaro-Mauceri, who organizes daily shows in the small theatre in Via della Giudecca and operates the nearby laboratory and museum of handmade Sicilian puppets.
MIQVE'
Miqvah or Mikveh, the ritual bath of Syracuse, is the oldest Jewish ritual bath in Europe, and is located 18 meters below the ground level.
MANSIONS AND MAGNIFICENT BUILDINGS
A walk through the streets of Ortigia with its magnificent mansions and buildings and its magic atmosphere.