A Trip to Syracuse Between Accessibility, Culture, and Beauty

Giovanna, a young disabled woman from Catania, shares her travel experience in Syracuse, between food experiences and wonderful monuments: the Sicily that welcomes you!

Without too much planning, and with the desire to spend two pleasant days not too far from Catania, I booked a hotel in Ortigia and spent 48 hours discovering Syracuse and the Ortigia waterfront.

DAY 1: Arrival and street food in Ortigia

Thanks to the convenience of the Catania – Syracuse train, I reach my destination in just over an hour and, after leaving my luggage at the hotel, since it is already lunchtime, I head straight to the street food market area for a delicious sandwich filled with local specialties: from Siracusa ricotta to sun-dried tomatoes (and much more), all enriched by a true “food experience” and the friendliness and generosity of the locals.

Ortigia: between alleys, art, and history

It is wonderful to get lost in the streets of Ortigia, narrow alleys full of artisan shops, boutiques, and colorful flowers, while searching for three major historical landmarks:

Piazza Duomo of Syracuse, the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia: Doric columns from the ancient Temple of Athena around which the church was built;

the Fountain of Arethusa, a freshwater spring in the heart of the old town, fed by an underground karst aquifer that does not mix with the nearby sea. Rare papyrus plants grow here, one of only two papyrus sites in Europe. Its name comes from the myth of the nymph Arethusa, who, according to legend, was transformed into a spring by Artemis after escaping the god Alpheus;

and finally the Castello Maniace, built in the 13th century at the very tip of Ortigia Island to defend the city and its harbor.

Sunset on the Ortigia Waterfront

Walking through the alleys leads to Piazza della Fontana di Diana and back to the seafront, offering a magnificent view over Syracuse. A true cultural melting pot of history, culture, and art.

After 6 p.m., it is wonderful to stop along the Ortigia waterfront, enjoy a cocktail and an aperitif while waiting for sunset. Before heading back, a walk through the harbor among majestic yachts completes the experience: a mix of sea breeze, history, and hidden corners.

DAY 2: Syracuse between archaeology and spirituality

After a rich breakfast at the hotel, we begin exploring Syracuse: Catacombs of San Giovanni, Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime, and the tombs of Saint Lucy.

Then we continue to the Neapolis Archaeological Park, located in the western part of the city at the base of Temenite Hill. Here we can admire the ancient stone quarries known as “latomie”, including the most famous one, the Ear of Dionysius, named for its unique shape and located near the theater.

The visit ends with the Roman Amphitheatre of Syracuse.

A 48-Hour Memory to Treasure

What I bring with me from these 48 hours are enchanting landscapes, a city rich in history and culture carved into stone, highly accessible places, and a destination truly designed for everyone. Highly recommended!

Text and photos by Giovanna Muzzetta