Ortigia Island Guided Tour

Embark on a journey through Ortigia Island, where you will traverse the intricate alleys and pathways of Syracuse's historic center. Here, you'll uncover captivating sites rich in heritage, showcasing stunning temples, palaces, churches, and fountains.

Description

At the scheduled time, we will gather at Largo XXV Luglio, situated directly in front of the Temple of Apollo. This landmark dates back to the early 6th century B.C. and holds the distinction of being the oldest Doric temple in Sicily. It represents one of the earliest instances in Western Europe of the evolution from a wooden temple to one constructed of stone.

Following our discussion about this remarkable temple, our next stop will be the Church of San Filippo Apostolo, where we will delve into its crypt, which served as an air-raid shelter during World War II.

Then we will make our way to Piazza Archimede, where we'll admire the Fountain of Diana, designed in 1906 by the Piceno artist Giulio Moschetti. This notable sculpture captures the myth of the nymph Arethusa, who seeks refuge from Alphaeus under the protection of Diana.

Next, our guided tour leads us to the Cathedral of Syracuse. This splendid edifice originated in the 17th century through the integration of the Baroque cathedral and the primary Doric temple dedicated to the Roman goddess, Minerva.

Additionally, we will visit the enchanting Arethusa Fountain, a circular water pool adorned with precious papyrus plants. Like the Fountain of Diana, this site is intricately tied to the myth of Arethusa and Alphaeus, which we will explore further during our tour.

After spending 2 hours immersed in the rich tapestry of history on Syracuse's ancient island, we will conclude our guided exploration of Ortigia and bid farewell.