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Ortigia Pearl of Siracusa Private Walking Tour
Siracusa
Discover Ortigia’s rich history, vibrant markets, and stunning architecture on a private walking tour. Explore ancient temples, baroque facades, and local cuisine.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo) - The ruins of the Temple of Apollo are among the oldest Greek temples, dating back to the 6th century BC. Numerous conquerors have passed through this temple. After serving as a Greek and Roman temple, it became a Byzantine church, then a Muslim mosque, a Norman basilica, and finally a Spanish military barracks. Each era left its unique mark on the structure.
- Mercato Di Siracusa - The local market is brimming with fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and seafood. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine while meeting friendly locals. The market’s layout, reminiscent of an Arab souk, features stalls and small shops side by side, with goods displayed on tables along the street. You’ll find traditional Sicilian products, spices, and typical Sicilian street food that you’re sure to love.
- Via Dione - The picturesque Via Dione conceals remnants of medieval architecture, showcasing Gothic and Baroque splendor. After the earthquake of 1693, Ortigia was rebuilt in the 18th century in the beautiful Late Sicilian Baroque style. Here, you can admire a marvelous fusion of Baroque and Neo-classical elements.
- Palazzo Montalto - The 14th-century Montalto Palace is a prime example of Gothic Catalan style. Built in the latter half of the 14th century by local baron Macciotta Merrgulensi, it features a semi-defensive structure on the first floor and beautiful lancet windows on the second. Nearby, you can see Greek ruins of housing dating back to the 5th century BC.
- Piazza Archimede - Piazza Archimede reveals the history of local nobility who, in the 18th century, decided to create this square. You’ll see a magnificent fountain of Diana, the goddess of hunting, surrounded by sirens and marine animals, and learn about the ancient Greek myth of Arethusa, the goddess of water. The beautiful Clock Palace hides a 14th-century Gothic Catalan staircase behind its gate, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet.
- Via della Giudecca - Explore the Jewish neighborhood with its medieval structure and discover where the mikveh and synagogue were located. Until their expulsion by the Spanish sovereign in 1492, Jews were a significant part of Syracuse. The Jewish quarter, located on Via della Giudecca, housed not only residences but also the community’s synagogue, schools, kosher butchers, and bakeries. Many buildings were constructed around a courtyard, often featuring a central palm and citrus tree, some of which still survive today.
- Teatro Comunale - The 19th-century City Theatre was a hub for plays and opera during the 19th and 20th centuries and continues to host modern performances. Built by military engineer Breda, it occupies an area cleared by demolishing the church and monastery of Dell’Annunziata and the Palace of Prince della Cattolica. The blend of sacred and secular elements sparked endless, heated discussions during its construction.
- La Piazza Duomo - The open, airy space of Piazza Duomo is the true heart of Ortigia. The buildings around its uniquely shaped perimeter narrate the history of Syracuse. The oldest traces of settlements on Ortigia are found here. In the sacred acropolis of Greek Syracuse, the most famous temple dedicated to Athena was built around 480 BC and transformed into a Christian church in the 7th century. You’ll also see the 17th-century Town Hall and the Cistercian church of St. Lucia, built in the 15th century and rebuilt in the beautiful Sicilian Baroque style after the earthquake.
- Duomo di Siracusa - The cathedral is a striking and fascinating monument that combines an ancient Doric temple with a Roman-style interior, a Baroque facade, and decorations to create a unique structure. Inside, you’ll see the columns of the ancient 5th-century temple dedicated to Athena, which was transformed into a Christian church. The fine polychrome marble pavement, created in the 15th century, reuses ancient marbles. You’ll also admire the magnificent Chapel of the Sacrament and the Chapel of Saint Lucy, crowned with a cupola.
- Fonte Aretusa - The miraculous Fountain of Arethusa is a place where myth, history, and nature converge. The basin of the Spring of Arethusa, initially in direct contact with the sea, retains the allure of its mythical association with beauty and love. It has been a vital resource for settlers over the centuries and is also a testament to the myth of Alpheus and Arethusa, famously recorded by the writer Ovid.
What's Included
- Tourist guide
- Entrance ticket to the Cathedral
What's Not Included
- Private transportation
Additional Information
Ortigia is the most ancient part of Siracusa, that is just as steeped in history but also features delicious food and wine. You’ll visit the local market that is full of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and seafood. It is a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine and meet friendly locals.
There are amazing churches and ancient monuments, like the ruins of the Temple of Apollo that is one of the most ancient Greek temples in Sicily. The cathedral is the most striking and fascinating monument that combines an ancient Doric temple with a roman style interior, a baroque facade and decoration to create a unique style of structure. This wonderful island of Ortigia still bears witness to the unique architectural beauty and cultural legacy that have flourished in it over centuries. You would love to lose yourself while wandering the alleys, piazzas, Greek temples, Gothic and Baroque palaces.
Location
Temple of Apollo
Largo XXV Luglio
The meeting point is located in front of the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. The guide will be holding the flag with Viator Logo
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.