Ortigia Island

The island is the historic center of Syracuse, located on the southeast coast of Sicily, where three bridges connect the island to the town. It is considered the heart of the city with many impressive monuments and beautiful short passages, also known as Città Vecchia (old town). Walking through this picturesque neighborhood, you can admire the history of Syracuse in every corner of its narrow alleys.

Visiting the island of Ortigia, you can breathe in the fresh air, immerse yourself in the ancient rhythms of this fascinating and old Sicily region, where the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Aragonites lived and Savoy lived and left their mark. Fonte Aretusa, an icon of this charming island, is a freshwater spring that dates back to the early Greek colonists, surrounded by tall stone walls and wild trees. From the fountain, you can easily reach Piazza del Duomo, considered Italy's most beautiful square.

In the middle of the square there is a large church, which is an impressive testimony of all the times of the town. Inside the church you can admire part of a Greek temple and a room dedicated to Saint Lucy, the patron saint of Siracusa. Alternatively, you can also visit Giudecca, Syracuse's ethnic Jewish quarter, whose architectural style is a mix of Medieval and Renaissance, Sicilian Baroque and Hebrew-Israelite. It's an interesting place with characteristic buildings, charming narrow streets and Jewish restored quarters where you can explore their culture and traditions. Ortigia also has a wide range of popular tourist attractions such as festivals and events, traditional local food and craft shops and a vibrant nightlife with delicious restaurants and clubs. .

The island is a very quiet place, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Strolling along the peaceful streets of the island will help you relax and be comfortable with the very poetic scenery.