Syracuse

He really does exist! This is not the fruit of the imagination of historians from the pages of the history books of the ancient world!

The legendary city lives and lives in the southeast of Sicily, 70 km from Catania and 130 km from Taormina. From the east, the city is washed by the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, in the west the fertile lowland of Syracuse passes into the Iblis mountains.

According to historians, the city was founded in 733 BC by natives of Corinth led by the military commander Archius, to whom the oracle Delphi predicted wealth and prosperity. History confirms the prediction, and Syracuse has long become one of the most important centers of Mediterranean culture and trade. Plato visits the city three times, Aeschylus places his tragedies here and creates the great Archimedes.

The wealth and military might of Syracuse are envied by Carthage and Greek cities, including Athens. The Sicilian polis is the winner of the most important battles: before the swords of the Syracusans, wayward punnas and proud Athenians bow their heads, Roman ships split and burn on the approaches to Ortigia; rich trophy decorate temples and altars, thousands of slaves build aqueducts, work in quarries and erect amazing monuments.

Syracuse is the oldest Christian community in Italy and Europe. Thousands of believers from all over the world come to the city of Saint Lucia!

Today, Syracuse is an open-air city-museum, most of the monuments of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The population of the city is about 140,000 people. On the territory of Syracuse is the archaeological park of Neapolis with an active Greek theater of the fifth century BC, a Roman amphitheatre and a series of picturesque quarries. Nearby, in the ancient quarter of Akradina, there was once a burial zone (catacomb). Today we are reminded of this name: the catacombs of St. John (San Giovanni), St. Lucia and Viña Cassia. The Syracusean underground cemeteries are second in size and importance after the Roman ones. The Catacombs of San Giovanni are open to the public. According to legend, the apostle Paul himself preached here during a stop on the way to Rome. It is to him, according to legend, Syracuse owed the emergence of the first Christian community. Not far from the church and catacombs of San Giovanni in the shadow of the Villa Landolin is one of the most important archaeological museums in Europe - the Paolo Orsi Museum, famous for its collections of antiquities. A large number of its exhibits go back to prehistory. This is where you can learn something about cyclops and giant terracotta vessels.

The ancient heart of Syracuse and its urban core invariably remains the island of Ortigia. Modern Ortigia is a large port, a long promenade with numerous cafes and restaurants, narrow streets, charming courtyards, churches, shops and shops of artisans, luxury yachts and tourists from all over the world. But above all, a walk through Ortigia is a real time travel! Greek temples, the medieval castle of Manyache, the quarter of Giudecca, narrow Arab streets, the splendor of baroque palaces and churches, the elegance of the Liberty mansions - all this makes you immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the ancient city.

A more detailed tour program can be found on my website. I will be glad to answer your questions, give any explanations and take into account all your wishes!