45 minutes away, about 58 km, from Dimora Calauriia you can immerse yourself in a wonderful collection of historical sites in the city of Syracuse.
WHAT TO SEE IN BRIEF
Archaeological Park with the Greek theater and the Roman Amphitheater.
Latomia del Paradiso (cave)
Catacombs of the Church of San Giovanni
Ortigia Island
Temple of Apollo
Artemis fountain
Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia
Source Aretusa
Maniace Castle
WHAT TO SEE STEP BY STEP
The Archaeological Park of Syracuse is undoubtedly one of its main attractions: within this fantastic area there are a series of ancient ruins, including the Greek Theater and the Roman Amphitheater. The city is also famous for its vast amount of ancient quarries and cave networks, called latomie, from which the stone widely used in the construction of many of the city's monuments and houses has been extracted since the 6th century. The best known of these quarries is the Latomia del Paradiso, inside which there is an impressive tunnel 60 meters long and 11 meters high, which leads to a truly beautiful and peaceful, almost surreal cave, hence the name of the quarry. Surrounded by beautiful woods, the Latomia del Paradiso is also known as the Ear of Dionysus, since according to legend, those who are at one end of the cave can hear the whispered conversations from the other side! Near the archaeological park, let's take a look at the Church of San Giovanni: unfortunately in ruins but going down the staircase at the back of the church you can access the large catacombs below the structure, even larger than the Roman ones. Inside these catacombs you can see various crypts and some immense columns still in almost perfect condition. The small island of Ortigia is the oldest area of ​​the city of Syracuse. We walk along via XXV aprile up to the site of the Temple of Apollo, dating back to 570 BC. and, therefore, the oldest in Sicily, despite not having been completed, the Temple of Apollo is extremely fascinating. Going up Via Matteotti we reach Piazza di Archimede, one of the main meeting areas of the island. The main attraction of the square, located right in its center, is the Artemis Fountain, decorated with a series of magnificent sculptures depicting various ancient scenes and surrounded by a few small palm trees. Continuing for 100 meters on via Amalfitania and then on via Cavour we reach Piazza Duomo, the front facade of this cathedral is even stunning: it has a series of columns and stone statues depicting legendary religious figures, as well as an incredible stained glass window depicting the Last Supper. The walk continues to the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia where an artistic treasure is hidden inside, consisting of works of great value such as the Burial of Santa Lucia by Caravaggio and two wooden crucifixes from the 14th century.
Continuing along Via Pompeo Richerali we reach the Fonte Aretusa; A meeting place between reality and legend, immersed in the green of the papyri and surrounded by a mirror of crystalline water. The most famous myth of Syracuse is dedicated: the nymph Arethusa. According to mythology, the young woman was the object of Alfeo's love, but she did not reciprocate his sentiment, on the contrary she fled from him, until tired of his insistence she asked Diana for help. The Goddess wrapped it in a thick cloud transforming it into a spring on the Lido of Ortigia. Alfeo, he did not know how to give himself peace. The gods took pity on him and Jupiter the almighty turned him into the river that flows into the great port of Syracuse, so as to remain next to his beautiful beloved. Continuing along Via Castello Maniace we arrive at the southern end of the island where the historic Castello Maniace is located.
WHAT TO EAT
Syracusan-style pasta with sardines, which enriches the traditional recipe with Pachino tomatoes. Syracusan fried pasta, with garlic, anchovies and breadcrumbs is another very tasty classic, as easy to prepare as it is good to eat. pasta with Moorish sauce, made with tuna bottarga, cinnamon, orange and lemon juice. Obviously, also many fish-based dishes, a great protagonist on Syracusan tables, with pasta or in soups. The scacce, or baked focaccia with various types of stuffing: eggplant, tomato, sausage and more. Also worth trying are the cucche, typical cottages of the Val di Noto with cheese and sausage, very tasty as an aperitif or as a snack. As well as the pastizzetti, small baskets of pasta filled with minced meat, pecorino cheese and rice. And, for desserts, the famous cassatelle with ricotta, fried and delicious ravioli stuffed with sweet cheese. And the wine? In these parts the undisputed king is Nero d'Avola, a typical Sicilian vine widely cultivated in the Syracusan area since ancient times. When you return to Dimora Calauriia ask to taste a glass of our Nero d'Avola Calauriia wine produced from the vines in front of the house.
WHERE WE RECOMMEND TO EAT
Antica Locanda in via Vittorio Veneto 189
Trattoria del Buongustaio in Via Trieste 11