Syracuse is a thriving port city that blends spectacular ancient history with a breathtaking setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
In the ancient world, Syracuse stood toe to toe with Athens in terms of sheer beauty and world influence, attracting the likes of Plato and Aeschylus to its shores. Today, it’s one of Sicily’s most visited destinations, offering a combination of historic sights and chic Italian style. Ortigia island, a square kilometre packed with Baroque palazzos, piazzas and fountains, is the heart of the action. And the Greek ruins in the north of the city are some of the best in all Sicily.
Destination Profile
Sicily is an island that represents three continents in its history, cuisine, language and even the citizens themselves. Their characters are as varied as their ancestry.
Throughout the years the island is a host to numerous cultural, artistic and religious events. Just like the Greeks, Easter and Christmas are celebrated with much gusto. Every town or village has a patron saint and commemorates their name day with fireworks, eating and drinking. The culture here is one that must be experienced as it is so unique and memorable.
Opera and classical music are also popular in Sicily, with Palermo boasting the biggest opera house in Italy, Teatro Massimo. The superb Taormina Greek Theatre, offers as backdrop of Mount Etna, and has an impressive summer schedule every year, which includes concerts and operas featuring international artists. Popular artists, such as James Blunt, have appeared here in recent years.
For those who adore art, there are many excellent art galleries around the island. The most noteworthy found in Palermo, the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia, the Galleria d'Arte Moderna and the new Museo Regionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea della Sicilia.