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Ear of Dionysius
Syracusa Duomo
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Syracusa 'Ortigia
Island & Archaeology Park'
Itinerary
Available from Catania & Giardina Naxos Ports
We start our tour traveling south, en route
passing the suburbs of Catania until we reach Syracusa. Syracusa, once
one of the most powerful Greek colonies outside of Greece is a
fascinating city which has a rich history.
Upon arrival, we will visit the superb Archaeological Park of Neapolis.
Here you can visit the
Greek theatre
(Teatro Greco),
which is one of the finest and largest of its kind. Cut directly into
the rock, it was enlarged and modified several times over the centuries,
and is still in use today - Greek plays are performed here in summer
months. Up above the Greek theatre is a low cliff with several caves cut
into it, including a nymphaeum, where statues once surrounded the water
feature. The deep quarry to the east of the theatre is called the
Latomia del Paradiso
(Paradise Quarry), and it's a peaceful and green spot, filled with
vegatation and lemon trees. The most famous sight here is the huge cave
called the Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio
di Dionisio).
Apparently it was Caravaggio who coined the name; the connection with
Dionysius is the story that this ruler of Ancient Syracuse used to
eavesdrop on prisoners incarcerated here thanks to the cave's acoustics.
A second cave nearby, the
Grotta
dei
Cordari
was used by the ropemakers who gave the place its name.
After our visit to the archaeological park we proceed to
the
attractive historic centre on the island of Ortigia.
To reach the island we cross a small bridge. The island is a pleasant
place to wander, and much of its charm lies in wandering down the narrow
medieval lanes, past romantically-crumbling Baroque and medieval palaces
and churches. Here you will also have some free time for lunch and
shopping and lunch before we head back to the ship.
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Tour Details
• 8 hours required for full itinerary
• Private transport directly from ship
• English speaking driver host
Private Tour Price
Guide
EUR135.00 per person, based on a group of 4 passengers
This tour is available
for any number of passengers traveling in your party.
For further
information..contact us..>
How to Book/Make
an Enquiry..>
Are you visiting Malta or
Tunisia on a cruise?
Malta tour from
Valletta port..>
Tunisia tours from La Goullete..> |
