Siracusa

Syracuse is the capital of Magna Grecia; it is beautifully situated, at the end of a harmonious bay. 

Monuments & culture 

It is considered as the finest example of Greek theatre architecture, with imposing terraces (all still intact) and capable of accommodating over 15.000 spectators. Not far from the theatre lies the Latomia del Paradiso, an ancient stone quarry that contains the celebrated Orecchio di Dionisio (Ear of Dionysos), an artificial cavern with exceptional acoustic properties. In the museum Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum, testimonies of the city's past are gathered (outstanding are two statues: Anadiomene Venus and Vittoria alata (from 2nd and 5th century BC). 

The island of Ortigia, the historic center of Syracuse, is of medieval appearance, even though the 17th century Duomo (cathedral) has predominantly Baroque lines. The ancient Palazzo Bellomo (with the Regional Gallery) can also be found on the island. Around the city the picturesque remains of the Castello Eurialo can be found (400 BC by Dionysus the Old) to protect the city from the Carthaginians. 

History 

Syracuse is an Ionian city which prior to the conquest by the Romans (212 BC) was one of the most powerful in the Mediterranean.

In the past, it was the antagonist of Athena for its beauty and splendor. It was colonized in 8th century BC and it counted about 300.000 inhabitants from 5th to 4th century BC. In 485, Gerone (a tyrant), became the chief of the city. His brother, Ierone, wrote poets and kept at his court Pindaro and Eschilo. Dionysus was the most famous of Syracusian tyrants.