Syracuse, a 2,700-year-old city, played a key role in ancient times, when it was one of the major powers of the Mediterranean world. Syracuse is located in the southeast corner of the island of Sicily, next to the Gulf of Syracuse beside the Ionian Sea. The city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. We toured the Archaeological Park, which includes an ancient Greek theater and an ancient Roman amphitheater, Ortigia, an island fortress that is the historical heart of Syracuse, and the Archaeological Museum.
As we approached Syracuse, Sicily, we were treated to wonderful panoramic views of the city.
As we approached Syracuse, Sicily, we were treated to wonderful panoramic views of the city.
The tallest structure on the skyline is the Church of the Weeping Madonna.
The tallest structure on the skyline is the Church of the Weeping Madonna.
Ortigia, location of the historical beginnings of the city of Syracuse
Ortigia, location of the historical beginnings of the city of Syracuse
Ortigia
Ortigia
A view of Ortigia as we are entering the port of Syracuse. As an island, it was easily transformed into a natural fortress in ancient times.
A view of Ortigia as we are entering the port of Syracuse. As an island, it was easily transformed into a natural fortress in ancient times.
Ortigia with the fortifications at the entrance to the harbor
Ortigia with the fortifications at the entrance to the harbor
Fortifications at the entrance to the harbor
Fortifications at the entrance to the harbor
A screen capture of Syracuse from Google Maps. The * marks our ship's location in port.
A screen capture of Syracuse from Google Maps. The * marks our ship's location in port.
The Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior was docked in Syracuse during our visit. Tours were available, but we did not tour it.
The Greenpeace Rainbow Warrior was docked in Syracuse during our visit. Tours were available, but we did not tour it.
Across the harbor from Ortigia is part of modern Syracuse.
Across the harbor from Ortigia is part of modern Syracuse.
The Archaeological Museum 'Paolo Orsi' in Syracuse. Paolo Orsi was a noted Italian archaeologist.
The Archaeological Museum 'Paolo Orsi' in Syracuse. Paolo Orsi was a noted Italian archaeologist.
I took this photo thinking the symbols looked liked the Native American carving in the Columbia River Gorge called 'She Who Watches' just before our local guide told us the symbols represent fornication. Oops!
I took this photo thinking the symbols looked liked the Native American carving in the Columbia River Gorge called 'She Who Watches' just before our local guide told us the symbols represent fornication. Oops!
The Church of the Weeping Madonna is located across the street from the Archaeological Museum.
The Church of the Weeping Madonna is located across the street from the Archaeological Museum.
The Sanctuary was designed in 1957 by French architects Michel Andrault and Pierre Parat following an international competition. Construction began in 1966 and completed in 1994. Both controversy in the community and the discovery of ancient artifacts delayed construction.
The Sanctuary was designed in 1957 by French architects Michel Andrault and Pierre Parat following an international competition. Construction began in 1966 and completed in 1994. Both controversy in the community and the discovery of ancient artifacts delayed construction.
The Neapolis Archaeological Park is considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy. Neapolis is a 'suburb' of Syracuse.
The Neapolis Archaeological Park is considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in all of Italy. Neapolis is a 'suburb' of Syracuse.
The Altar of Hieron of Syracuse is the largest altar known from antiquity- 3rd Century BC
The Altar of Hieron of Syracuse is the largest altar known from antiquity- 3rd Century BC
The Altar of Hieron of Syracuse
The Altar of Hieron of Syracuse
The Altar of Hieron of Syracuse
The Altar of Hieron of Syracuse
Exposed weathered limestone next to the Greek Theater
Exposed weathered limestone next to the Greek Theater
The Greek Theater of Syracuse - 5th to 3rd Century BC - The stone seating was carved directly out of the limestone rock. Here, part of the stone seating has been covered with wood for more comfortable seating for currently scheduled performances.
The Greek Theater of Syracuse - 5th to 3rd Century BC - The stone seating was carved directly out of the limestone rock. Here, part of the stone seating has been covered with wood for more comfortable seating for currently scheduled performances.
Staging for an upcoming performance
Staging for an upcoming performance
Letters carved into the limestone in antiquity
Letters carved into the limestone in antiquity
While eroded and weathered, the stone of the theater is in remarkable condition for its more than 2000 year old age.
While eroded and weathered, the stone of the theater is in remarkable condition for its more than 2000 year old age.
The opening to the Ear of Dionysius
The opening to the Ear of Dionysius
The Ear of Dionysius
The Ear of Dionysius
The adjacent stone quarry with one of the remaining pillars
The adjacent stone quarry with one of the remaining pillars
A remaining pillar in the quarry - Most of the pillars, used to support cover for the workers (slaves from defeated armies), were destroyed by earthquakes.
A remaining pillar in the quarry - Most of the pillars, used to support cover for the workers (slaves from defeated armies), were destroyed by earthquakes.
Name this plant?
Name this plant?
A caper vine
A caper vine
The Roman Theatre of Syracuse - 3rd Century AD
The Roman Theatre of Syracuse - 3rd Century AD
The Roman Theatre of Syracuse
The Roman Theatre of Syracuse
The Roman Theatre at Syracuse
The Roman Theatre at Syracuse
The Roman Theatre of Syracuse
The Roman Theatre of Syracuse
Le Bougainville in port at Syracuse
Le Bougainville in port at Syracuse
Beginning our walking tour of Ortigia
Beginning our walking tour of Ortigia
The Temple of Apollo of Ortigia - 6th Century BC
The Temple of Apollo of Ortigia - 6th Century BC
Note the symbols or letters carved in the stone steps.
Note the symbols or letters carved in the stone steps.
The Fountain of Diana located in Piazza Archimede. Archimedes was born in Syracuse.
The Fountain of Diana located in Piazza Archimede. Archimedes was born in Syracuse.
Fountain of Diana
Fountain of Diana
Piazza Duomo in Ortigia
Piazza Duomo in Ortigia
Cathedral of Syracuse
(Cattedrale metropolitana della Natività di Maria Santissima), located on Piazza Duomo - 7th Century AD
Cathedral of Syracuse
(Cattedrale metropolitana della Natività di Maria Santissima), located on Piazza Duomo - 7th Century AD
This side of the Cathedral bulges outward, possibly due to an earthquake.
This side of the Cathedral bulges outward, possibly due to an earthquake.
The Cathedral exhibits elements of both Christian and Muslim architecture. At various times it probably served each of these faiths.
The Cathedral exhibits elements of both Christian and Muslim architecture. At various times it probably served each of these faiths.
The Church of Saint Lucia 'alla Badia', located on Piazza Duomo, displays Caravaggio's 'Burial of Saint Lucy.' Interior photos were not permitted.
The Church of Saint Lucia 'alla Badia', located on Piazza Duomo, displays Caravaggio's 'Burial of Saint Lucy.' Interior photos were not permitted.
