Fonte Aretusa

Neighborhood guide

Ortigia

Temple of Apollo

Twenty-seven centuries on one island

Ortigia is the ancient heart of Siracusa: an island linked to the mainland by just two bridges, founded by Greek colonists from Corinth in 734 BC. Here stand the Temple of Apollo, the oldest Doric temple in Sicily, and the Duomo, built incorporating the columns of the Temple of Athena.

In the evening, locals gather along the Foro Italico and around Fonte Aretusa, the freshwater spring just steps from the sea that, according to myth, holds the love story between the nymph Arethusa and the river god Alpheus.

Via Trento Market

What to do

  • Wander the stalls of Ortigia's market in the morning, on Via Trento.
  • Visit the Duomo and Fonte Aretusa, steps apart from each other.
  • Swim from the Cala Rossa cliffs or from Pancali, facing Castello Maniace.
  • Get lost in the lanes of the Giudecca, the old Jewish quarter.
  • Watch the sunset from the Lungomare di Levante, facing Castello Maniace.
Piazza Duomo, Ortigia

Where to eat

Giulia always suggests starting the day with an almond granita and brioche, and trying Siracusa's street food at least once: arancini, scacce, and pane con la milza at the market.

For dinner, the seafood restaurants around Via Cavour and Via Roma are always a safe bet — ask us for the current recommendation and help booking.