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Ortigia - Syracusa's Stunning Island

The ancient island of Ortigia has many delights.

The fountain in the square on Ortigia Island. Syracusa
The Fountain of Diana in the Archimedes Square on Ortigia Island. Syracusa

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Ortigia Island - Delights around every corner

The city of Syracusa, on the South East coast of Sicily is a popular tourist destination. There is a rich history that dates back more than 700 years BC when the Greeks arrived and established the city as a centre of trade and culture. 

Famous figures such as Archimedes and Aeschylus (a writer of tragedy) lived here. There is a well preserved Greek theatre and other Greek ruins to visit, but the main tourist drawcard is the island of Ortigia, separated from the main city area by a short bridge.

Public buildings are lit up at night on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
Public buildings are lit up at night on Ortigia Island, Syracusa

Ortigia - Horses, Cafes, Music . . .

Ortigia Island is certainly small enough to wander around on foot. We seemed to gravitate to Archimedes Square and the wonderful Fountain of Diana and the spectacular horses. There are a couple of cafes/bars there and you might catch some musicians playing at night. We have spent some lovely hours there watching the world go by.

A decorated wheel on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
A wheel of a Sicilian cart. These carts are traditionally decorated and are now mainly used for cultural ocassions.
A stained glass window in the cathedral on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
A stained glass window in the cathedral on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
Newsagent on Ortigia Isalnd, Syracusa
Newsagent/tourist shop on Ortigia Isalnd, Syracusa
Inside the cathedral on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
Inside the cathedral on Ortigia Island, Syracusa

Ortigia Island boasts some ancient architecture. Besides the cathedral, there is also the Temple of Apollo. The narrow streets are lined with Baroque era buildings some of which now contain restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine.

A walk around the coastline will reveal some charming views and lovely beaches.

A large public square in front of some administration buildings on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
A large public square in front of some administration buildings and the Cathedral on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
Cafe on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
Cafe on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
A doorway on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
A doorway on Ortigia Island, Syracusa
The Greek amphitheatre of Syracusa
The Greek amphitheatre of Syracusa is one of the largest of its kind, seating 15000 spectators. It dates back to the 5th Century BC
Ancient Greek ruins overlooking Syracusa
Ancient Greek ruins overlooking Syracusa
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