In a nutshell

Did you know that the island of Ortigia has been inhabited since the Bronze Age? It is the oldest part of Syracuse and has been the political and religious center of the city since as early as the Greek colonization. You will discover all its eras, including the Spanish one that changed the face of the island, on a journey that ends with a taste of the sea.

Main stops

Corso Matteotti, the shopping street
Fountain of Diana of 1907
Cathedral of the Natività di Maria Santissima: external visit
Fountain of Aretusa
Stately palaces of Syracusan noble families
Seafront aperitif

The programme

“U’ Scogghiu” (or 'the rock' in the local dialect) is what the inhabitants of Syracuse call the island of Ortigia.
With the guide, you will cross Corso Matteotti, the shopping street, and see the most significant monuments, including the 1907 Fountain of Diana and the Baroque and Rococo façade of the Cathedral.
The Fountain of Arethusa symbolizes the link between the Siceliotes, the inhabitants of the Greek colonies in Sicily, and the motherland. According to legend, Alpheus in the form of an underground river reached Sicily from the Peloponnese. He did this for love of the nymph Arethusa, who had initially rejected him. Spoiler alert: the story has a happy ending.
We move on in time to admire the noble palaces built during the period of Spanish domination for the Castilian and Aragonese families. Here the Renaissance architecture blends with Aragonese, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles.
As promised, you will end the day with an aperitif that comes with a taste of the sea. How about a citrus-scented fresh Mediterranean fish soup with croutons and a glass of prosecco?

Good to know

Menus may vary according to season to ensure the constant high quality of the dishes served.
This is one of the most popular excursions so book early.