Siracusa

Siracusa, capital of the homonymous province of Sicily, is the main archaeological site of the island. In 2005, the town, together with the Pantalica Necropolis, has been declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The economy is mainly linked to tourism and the beach, but the commercial and industrial sectors are also flourishing. The city is maily located on the Ortygia Island and is crossed by Ciane and Anapo rivers flowing into the bay where the Porto Grande is situated, creating the famous Pantanelli, a swampy area. Siracusa was founded in 734 B.C. by a group of Greek settlers from Corinth and soon it became an important town in the Greek territory whose importance lasted until the Roman age. Its artistic and architectural attractions have always been appreciated and in the past the town was the favourite destination of important artists such as Plato, Wilde, Cicerone and Maupassant. Every year, Siracusa is visited by many tourists attracted by the beauty of the Greek Theatre, one of the most spectacular theatres in Europe, whose importance is greater than those in Athens; the Temples of Zeus and Apollo, the most ancient ones in the area, the Castle of Euryalos, a unique example of a Greek well-preserved castle, and the Roman Amphitheatre, where the gladiatorial combats were held in the past. Among the main cultural events of the town there are the classical plays organized every year by INDA, the shows of the Ortygia festival held in the most picturesque places in town and the International Ballet Festival. Besides the many museums and archaeological sites, tourists can also visit the Marine protected area of Plemmirio and the Natural park of Ciane and Saline rivers. Not to be missed are also its beautiful beaches of golden sand and its crystal-clear waters. Tourists can choose among a wide selection of trattorie, restaurants, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, farm houses and campings. The town is well linked thanks to a modern railway and road network. Siracusa is also served by the international ports and airports of Catania and Palermo.