The island of Ortygia (spelled as Ortigia, in Italian) emerges from the waters of the Ionian Sea along the eastern coast of Sicily, a few hundred meters from the mainland. It is a piece of land of just 1 square km in extension, and it represents the heart and true historic centre of the splendid city of Syracuse.
Its name refers to Greek origins, but this area, rich in fresh water springs, was already inhabited since the Bronze Age, as evidenced by archaeological finds dating back to 3500 BC. and 1200 BC.
Walking around the island means savoring centuries of history, art and culture. It means capturing the Greek and Roman civilizations and the indelible passage of the Aragonese and Arabs in the buildings and all the architectural details.
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| Ortygia |
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| Ortygia |
Here is our top 5 things to see in Ortygia! Let's start our virtual tour!
PIAZZA DUOMO AND CATHEDRAL
Every itinerary in Ortygia should start or end on the large main square, beautifully located in the heart of the island and elegantly surrounded by splendid baroque buildings. The square itself is a baroque jewel, but also elegant, clean, not excessive, as this style can sometimes appear. In fact, all the buildings were entirely rebuilt or heavily restored between the end of the 1600s and the beginning of the 1700s, after a violent earthquake in 1693 had devastated the city centre.
Here is also the famous and majestic Cathedral of Ortygia, whose full name is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Nativity of the Holy Mary.
It was built by integrating what was once the Temple of Athena, one of the oldest monuments in the city dating back to the 5th century BC; its columns are still visible on the side of the church.
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| Ortygia, Piazza Duomo |
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| Ortygia, Piazza Duomo |
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| Ortygia, Piazza Duomo |
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| Ortygia, Cathedral |
It was built in the 7th century, with an imposing Baroque facade decorated with several statues.
One of the things that immediately catches the eye is its white color, which reflects the sun in the warm and sunny Sicilian days.
MANIACE CASTLE
One of the most beautiful points of Ortygia is the Maniace Castle, located in the southern part of the island, on the tip of the port. Built between 1232 and 1239 at the behest of Frederick II of Swabia, it is absolutely worth a visit!
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| Ortygia, Maniace Castle |
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| Ortygia, Maniace Castle |
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| Ortygia, Maniace Castle |
It is one of the most important monuments of the Swabian period in Syracuse and today it is possible to visit its interior, its mighty walls and batteries of cannons. Moreover, from here you can admire a wonderful view over the sea!
APOLLO TEMPLE
Walking through the streets of Ortygia you will come across wonderful historical monuments, such as the Temple of Apollo. It is the oldest Doric temple in all of Sicily and can only be visited from the outside (for free). |
| Ortygia, Apollo Temple |
It dates back to the 6th century BC. and over the centuries it has undergone various damages and transformations. Initially it was transformed into a Christian Basilica and then, with the arrival of the Arabs, into a Mosque. During the Normans it became a Christian church again, and in the 16th century a barracks were built on the remains. There have been numerous excavations and restoration works to bring to light what remains of the original temple, so it is definitely worth a stop!
LUNGOMARE LEVANTE AND ORTYGIA
In addition to wonderful archaeological, historical and cultural finds, in Ortygia you can also enjoy amazing views of the sea from every point and a bit of well-deserved relaxation under the warm Sicilian sun.
On the eastern side of the island is the Lungomare di Levante. Along via dei Tolomei you will also have a different view of Ortygia, with its wonderful white houses. It is a great place for a relaxing stroll with friends.
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| Ortygia |
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| Ortygia |
In the southernmost part of the island, however, near the Castle of Maniace, there is the Lungomare di Ortygia, dotted with restaurants and clubs, as well as small historical monuments, such as the Church of Santa Teresa Teresiane, the votive shrine of Santa Lucia and the Church of the Holy Spirit.
But that's not all: from the Lungomare di Ortygia you can access the Cala Rossa beach, a small cove of pebbles ideal for relaxing. Being sheltered, the sea is very calm, but the sun goes away early in the afternoon, so we recommend that you visit it in the morning if you want to take a swim.
FONTE ARETUSA
Not far from Piazza Duomo and the Lungomare di Ortygia, there is a beautiful, small but well-kept garden that is always accessible. Here is also the Fonte Aretusa, an ancient source with papyrus plants and water birds.
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| Ortygia, Fonte Aretusa |
From the garden you can access another area where you can sunbathe, the Zefiro pavilion, with a club and restaurant and deck chairs for relaxing in the sun. From here, moreover, you can admire the best sunset on the island, being on the western side.
TIPS AND INFO:
1. If you are looking for a quick but tasty and rich sandwich for lunch, try the Caseificio Borderi. Keep in mind that the place is very popular with locals and tourists and you may have to queue up a bit at certain times. Be patient, you will be rewarded!
2. The island is permanently connected by two bridges that can also be traveled by car, but it is important to note that many of the town's roads are located within a large ZTL area, so it is better to park immediately before the bridge and visit Ortygia on foot or by using the special public service (there is a bus that goes around the island).
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