TOURISM IN SYRACUSE, SICILY


The Archaeological Park of Syracuse

In 1952-1955, a project to create one archeological park that would house and protect the many surviving Greek and Roman monuments in Syracuse was finally realized on the northern outskirts of the ancient Greek city.

For the occasion, modern buildings were demolished, areas of green space created, and a connection dug linking the areas of the Greek Theater and the "latomìe" (quarries).

The resulting park contains some of the most extraordinary monuments that classical antiquity has left us and, given their degree of interest and importance, has few equals elsewhere in Italy. Even a quick stay in Syracuse must include a visit to this archaeological site.

The whole area is equipped in such a way as to be accessible to people who may have trouble walking.


Roman Amphitheater
See the dedicated page.


Ara di Gerone II (Altar of Hiero II)
See the dedicated page.


Latomie (Quarries)
See the dedicated page.



 
San Nicolò dei Cordari
This lovely, Norman church of the 11th century (where in 1093 the funeral of Giordano, son of the Norman Count of Sicily Roger I of Sicily, took place), built above a Roman cistern used by the nearby amphitheater, is located just before the ticket office and entrance to the archaeological area.

Completely devoid of decoration, the church is notable for its simple yet elegant architecture.
Today the church, now deconsecrated, houses a tourist information office through which one can pass to enter the building. (Hours: from 9:00 a.m. to two hours before sunset. Closed on Mondays.)
On the floor, through glass, one can admire several archaeological finds below.


Teatro Greco (Greek Theater)
See the dedicated page.


How to Reach the Archeological Park from the Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel.

The Archeological Park of Syracuse is located off the island of Ortigia and more precisely at the extreme north of the ancient city (Neapolis), not far from the Museo Archeologico Regionale "Paolo Orsi".  A route by foot is possible, but it will exceed one kilometer / 0.60 miles in distance.

Those who do not have their own transportation can call a taxi from the reception desk at a special rate or use the bicycles that the Hotel Algilà offers to its guests for free.
Alternatively, one can take the (free) shuttle bus #20 from the nearby Piazza Archimede up to the bus station (near the train station) and then take either one of the following bus lines:  6, 8, 11, 12 or 13.
Otherwise, from Riva Nazario Sauro (behind the nearby Piazza delle Poste) one can choose from the following bus lines 1, 2, 3, 4 or 12.

Visitor Information.
All of the sights within the Archaeological Park can be visited with a single ticket of entry (full price € 6, with reduced-priced tickets available for those aged 18 to 25 years and free entry for citizens of the European Union under 18 or over 65). Remember not to throw away the ticket to go from one area to another!
Admission is free for people with disabilities and for those who accompany them.
Unfortunately, the chronic shortage of staff requires the closing in turn of some parts of the archaeological area, depending on the day (one can ask about the situation at the ticket office prior to entering). The partial closure of the area does not result in discounts on the cost of the ticket.

The park is open every day, including holidays, from 9:00 a.m. until two hours before sunset.

Because of the enormous quantity of sights worth visiting and the extensive size of the area, one should plan to spend at least an hour and a half for a leisurely visit.

The area is organized in such a way as to be accessible from a convenient road, which is easy to follow even for those who have difficulty walking (here a "problem" may arise only because of the extensive size of the area itself), but there is not a complete absence of architectural barriers, given that a few areas here and there (e.g. the upper part of the Greek Theater) are accessible only by stairs.


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