The city where Archimedes was born – Syracuse (spelt Siracusa in Italian) – was originally founded as a colony of the ancient Greek city of Corinth in 734 BC. The city can be divided into two distinct halves.

• The best hotels in Sicily
• car hire in Sicily

The first is the inland part with ruins from the ancient period, and the second is the ancient part with the harbour and winding narrow streets, which lies on the island of Ortigia and is connected to the mainland by two bridges. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranks among the most historically significant in the whole of Europe.

Sights and attractions

• Neapolis Archaeological Park –contains most of the most significant monuments from the ancient Greek period (c. 5th century BC), the best known of which includethe Greek theatre(one of the largest in Europe), the Temple of Apolloand the well-preserved foundationsof the Roman amphitheatre. Admissionto the site costs 13 eur (see the official website)
• Syracuse Cathedral – thisSicilian Baroque-stylecathedralis listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, primarily due to its unique origins, as it stands on the foundations of a Greek pagan temple in the Doric style
• Pantalica Necropolis – about45 km west of the city lies a necropolis with more than 5,000 tombs carved into the rock, dating from the 13th to the 7th centuries BC; it is one of Europe’s most significant necropolises
• Basilica of Santa Lucia –a Byzantine church rebuilt during the Norman period, notable for its ancient origins, which are very well preserved on the church’s portal
• Basilica of San Giovanni with Catacombs –the 6th-century church of St John the Baptist boasts extensive catacombs beneath its foundations
• Palaces –the centre of Syracuse is adorned with many magnificent palaces, mainly dating from the 12th to 17th centuries. Among the most beautiful is the ornate Palazzo Benevanto del Bosco

Accommodation

Syracuse is one of the most popular destinations in Sicily if you’re looking for sights and history. Given its size and the number of attractions, it’s worth staying here for at least 1–2 nights. As it is a tourist town, there is no shortage of a wide variety of hotels, hostels and guesthouses. Prices here are lower than in other Sicilian cities, and you can find a hotel room from as little as 41 eur, with average prices hovering around 62 eur per night for two people.

• Hotels and accommodation in Syracuse on booking.com / agoda.com

Take a look at some specific hotels and accommodation in Syracuse that we’ve selected for you:

• Well-reviewed budget accommodation (up to 49 eur per night for two): Hotel Como, Al Flamingo, Ciclamino Siracusa
• Top hotels in Syracuse: Alla Giudecca, Sbarcadero Hotel, Grand Hotel Ortigia

Transport

Syracuse is situated about 67 km south of Catania and offers plenty of parking spaces for those travelling by car, particularly near major attractions.

It is also easy to get here by public transport, which is operated by the following companies:

• Catania:Etna TrasportiandAST buses,Trenitalia trains, fare around 7 eur
• Palermo: Interbusbusesor several connections with a change in Catania, fare around 13,50 eur
• Ragusa:Trenitaliatrains, AST buses, fare around 9 eur

Public transport in Syracuse is operated by AST buses, although the website does not provide detailed information. However, you can reach key locations via frequent services; the ticket price is 1,20 eur.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Sicily.