Syracuse attractions

The Tindari Archaeological Area lets visitors feast their eyes on the remains of the impressive perimeter walls built under Dionysius the Elder. This Roman settlement perched high over the sea was once the perfect fortress, and contains thermal spas, taverns, and an impressive patrician house full of mosaics and other fancy decorations. The theater was built by the Greeks before it was re-done by the Romans for gladiatorial contests.

Situated in a prime location in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily – and thus Syracuse – was influenced significantly by ancient Rome and Greece. Filled with relics, the Paolo Orsi Museum weaves together the fabric of times in a chronological journey through Syracuse's history from prehistory through the fall of the Roman Empire. There's plenty of artifacts to make your journey through the ages even more fascinating, and a collection of medals in the basement to admire, including depictions of Hercules wrestling the lion during his twelve labors.

The Palazzo Bellomo Museum is a treasure chest of art from Syracuse and the surrounding regions of Sicily. Based in a building which dates back as far as the 12th century, the museum boasts masterpieces of painting and sculpture by the likes of Gagini, Mazzolo and Messina. Explore this small, charming museum for a slice of authentic Sicily!

Neapolis Archaeological Park is an archaeological park that's open to the public year-round. It is home to the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, which was constructed in the 5th century BC and rebuilt in the 3rd century, with revisions by the Romans for gladiator access. You'll also find the Latomie del Paradiso, a mysterious, deep, limestone quarry that provided the stone to build this ancient city, and the Ear of Dionysius, a 23-meter-high grotto. It's said that Dionysius used the excellent acoustics of the quarry to eavesdrop on his prisoners! Neapolis Archaeological Park is a top archaeological site and tourist attraction in Syracuse, Italy.

The Regional Naturalistic Museum of Isolabella is a boutique museum located inside an architecturally unique villa on the beautiful Sicilian island of Isola Bella. Inside, you'll encounter a range of exhibits that preserve and showcase the unique biosphere, geology, and cultural heritage of the island, as well as the villa's own architecture, which is cleverly designed to blend into the surrounding landscape.