What do Archimedes and Caravaggio have in common? Where are some of the most beautiful monuments in our country located? And where were born ancient stories and legends, which still serve us today to explain the most intricate situations? There is only one answer to all these questions, and that answer is Syracuse.
The city overlooking the Ionian Sea is in fact the homeland of the most famous of inventors, a center full of beauty and was a hiding place for the great painter on the run, not to mention that while life flowed here on the island together with the rivers Ciane and 'Anapo, immortal legends were born in Syracuse…
In the footsteps of Archimedes
Archimedes of Syracuse lives in the third century BC entering the myth: mathematician and inventor, engineer, but also a skilled military adviser, Archimedes identified the physical laws that regulate the floating of bodies immersed in water, but his name is also linked to the principle of the lever and to various equipment, such as those he seems to have designed to defend Syracuse from the attack of the Romans.
Today in the city, it is still possible to follow the traces of Archimedes, following the itineraries of the scientist.
The Greek Theater
One of the most famous attractions of Syracuse is the Greek Theatre, second in size only to the Athens Theater. With a little imagination it is possible to imagine the first of the mysterious ones Etna by Aeschylus. This fascinating place, cradle of culture and symbol of a civilization, has always exerted a great attraction on travellers.
The Greek Theater of Syracuse is located inside the Archaeological Park of Neapolis.
The Island of Ortigia
From the island of Ortigia the city of Syracuse dives into the Ionian Sea and water is the magical element of this city: the "Funtana king Papyri” which is located on the island, in fact, holds a mysterious and unique body of water in which papyrus grows, which is not found elsewhere on our continent. To make this fountain even more interesting, there is also the legend of Arethusa and Alpheus, which gave the fountain its official name, making the symbol of Alphaeus' love for the nymph Arethusa eternal. The beautiful nymph, initially frightened by the young Alfeo, had asked the goddess Artemis to be transformed into a source of water, but he, with the help of Jupiter, managed to find her and finally conquer her, making the source a destination for lovers.
Syracuse Unesco Heritage
In the city there are many attractions, monuments, palaces and churches with ancient history and for this reason, Syracuse became in 2005 World Heritage Site; Already in antiquity, Cicero defined it as "the most beautiful Greek city" and later many poets and artists sang the praises of this truly splendid city, from Dante Alighieri to Ovid and D'Annunzio. In addition to the city of Syracuse, UNESCO has also recognized the Rupestrian necropolis di Pantalica, which are located about 38 km from the city.
What to do in Syracuse and surrounding areas
Caravaggio in Syracuse
This little journey through the mysteries of Syracuse continues with the story of Michelangelo Merisi, in art Caravaggio, , one of the greatest painters in history. Caravaggio landed in Syracuse in 1608, where he concluded his escape from prison in Malta, in which he had been confined due to his quarrelsome conduct. In Syracuse Caravaggio devoted himself above all to the study of archeology and gave the name of Orecchie di Dionigi to the beautiful Grotta delle Latomie. Those who wish to admire the fruits of Caravaggio's stay in Sicily can do so by visiting the Church of Santa Lucia al Sepolcro, where one of his works is kept which reproduces the "burial" of Saint Lucia, Patroness of Syracuse.
The Sword of Damocles
We have reached the end of our journey between curiosities and legends of Syracuse and we want to greet you with one last story which, born from the genius of Cicero, has become so famous that it is still remembered today with an idiomatic expression: the sword of Damocles, which symbolizes an imminent danger, was the one suspended over the head of the courtier, Damocles, who had wanted to experience firsthand the luxurious treatment reserved for the tyrant of Syracuse, but was then frightened by realizing how power had a double face, represented by that menacing sword on the head, hanging by a horsehair.
Appointment in Syracuse
Syracuse, about 66 km from Catania, can be easily reached by car or train from all over Sicily. By car, we advise you to take the E45 Catania-Siracusa and take the exit for Siracusa Sud, or the A18 Messina-Catania, then take the exits for Canicattini Bagni or Siracusa Sud; alternatively, getting off the train at Syracuse station, you will be in the city right away.
Syracuse is the ideal destination both in summer and in winter and the city awaits you to tell you many more stories and legends! Don't miss a single one as you discover all that the city has to offer, from art to taste.
© Image by Agostino Artnoir Sella, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
