Top Things to do in Syracuse
What to do and see in Syracuse, Sicily: The Best Free Things to do
Once one of ancient Greece’s most important cities, today Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) is a lively town of about 125,000 on Sicily’s southeast coast. The city overflows with amazing remnants from its long history. Romans, Vandals and Normans are but a few of those who ruled here after the Greeks. In Syracuse’s harbor, Ortygia Island (also called Città Vecchia or Old City) is the site of many of the main attractions, including the seventh-century cathedral and the Fountain of Arethusa.
Restaurants in Syracuse
1. Caseificio Borderi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By rstreiffer - New Orleans, United States
We stopped by during market hours with our group and were offered a delicious fresh made sandwich sample with fresh mozzarella, tomato and olive oil. It was so good! So we stopped by again later and the friendly clerk told us we should come back in the morning to see them make fresh mozzarella. So, we did. 5:30 am. The market was not yet even open and only just starting to set up. They were so gracious to us and invited us to the door of their kitchen to watch every step of the cheese making process. And they even made coffee and shared it. Then they gave us a fresh, warm sample of the cheese right out of the salt bath, which was so so good! We took two fresh “loaves” to share with the group later, and the cheese maker wanted it to be a gift to us for getting up so early. So gracious, friendly and proud of his quality craftsmanship. And rightfully so. Thank you so a fascinating and delicious experience! Please patronize these folks. You will not be disappointed.
2. Ceramiche Artigianali Dolu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By 596emelier
We were traveling around in Sicily and found this lovely and beautiful store. Domenica the owner showed us around in the workshop and the store that was filled with beautiful Sicilian porcelain. We fell in love with everything which made it hard to choose, we had also seen some plates here on TripAdvisor that another customer had orders. We asked if it would be possible to order them and get them shipped to Sweden together with the other things we bought. It was no problem and Dominica kept in touch and let us be a part of the process by asking about details in the print and colors. I really love that she updated us and let us feel involved. I really recommend everyone that’s visiting Siracusa to stop by, you will feel in love like we did!
3. Chiesa di San Filippo Apostolo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By mendip_7 - Axbridge, United Kingdom
We walked past this church one day and spotted a notice (in Italian) saying they do guided tours of the underground levels. went along the next day, and were really impressed. It's free (just leave a donation) and you see 3 levels including a Jewish Mikvah at the bottom. Fascinating if you like subterranean sights (Or sites..).
4. La Piazza Duomo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 985 reviews
Reviewed By O9598WGtonyl
This is a spectacular wide open piazza with lots happening, we were lucky it was Epiphany and they had drummers and flag twirlers in the square, The surrounding buildings especially the Duomo are breathtaking. Sometimes quiet often busy you can sit and drink a coffee and watch the world go by.
5. Ortigia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,488 reviews
This offshore island was occupied by the Greek colonists who fortified it and constructed the earliest structures, including the temples of Athena and Apollo, whose remains can still be seen today.
Reviewed By pedrol366 - Madrid, Spain
This is a really beautiful island next to Siracusa (you can access it by car) with really beautiful streets, a magnificent Piazza del Duomo with beautiful buildings and where you can enjoy Sicilian gastronomy. Its streets are full of wonderful corners, shops and restaurantes... it is worth a visit if you are in the eastern part of Sicily
6. Riserva Naturale Orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 821 reviews
Reviewed By Timthetravelled - Brighton, United Kingdom
It was due to be a very hot day so we decided to get up early and go out. As it happened we slept in and so when I and 2 teenage boys got tot the gorge it was about 1ish and 42 degrees. Not the best timing but the walk down so fine if very hot. The entrance gate is locked and so someone has put out some milk crate steps to help you climb over the fence. Uneven steps and a bit slippy in places. At the bottom (20 mins later quick walk) is a river and various pools to leapt in to. The water is cool but not icy and the area is absolutely beautiful. We messed about until about 4 when we thought the walk up would be OK. I consider myself to relatively fit and go to the gym at least once or twice a week. The walk up is hard. Probably a bit of overheating and possible dehydration although we had several litres of water between us but it was not easy at all. We needed several stops to get the heart rate down to sensible levels. Don't be put off as this is a great place. Don't be an idiot and go at 1 on the hottest day for a fortnight like I did Early morning probably best and I would recommend it.
7. Basilica Santa Lucia al Sepolcro
8. San Giovanni Evangelista
9. Duomo di Siracusa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,637 reviews
Reviewed By DrEffieP - Wilmslow, United Kingdom
As most of us, I have seen a Ancient Greek temples or what is left of them-empty lines of columns. This duomo is built around the Doric columns of the ancient temple of Athena (Minerva) giving these lines of columns real dimension and perspective relevant to the role they originally served.
10. Civico Maltato - Beer Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
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