Ortigia Island Guided Tour

On this Ortigia Island Guided Tour, you'll wander through the labyrinth of alleys in Syracuse's historical centre and discover historical sites, including temples, palaces, churches, and fountains.

Description

At the indicated time, we'll meet at Largo XXV Luglio in front of the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in Sicily, dating back to the beginning of the 6th century B.C. This temple represents an early architectural transition from wooden to stone structures.

Following a discussion about the temple's history, we'll visit the Church of San Filippo Apostolo and explore its crypt, which served as an air-raid shelter during the Second World War.

Next, we will proceed to Piazza Archimede to observe the Fountain of Diana, sculpted in 1906 by Giulio Moschetti, which depicts the myth of the nymph Arethusa fleeing from Alphaeus under Diana's protection.

The tour continues to the Cathedral of Syracuse, constructed in the 17th century by integrating the Baroque cathedral with the main Doric temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Minerva.

We will also visit the Arethusa Fountain, a circular pool surrounded by papyrus plants, linked to the myth of Arethusa and Alphaeus.

After 2 hours of exploring the history of Syracuse's ancient island, our guided tour of Ortigia will conclude.