Best of Syracuse

Once the largest city in the ancient world, Syracuse (siruh-COO-suh) has a trove of archaeological treasures. The city’s showstopper is the Neopolis Archeological Park, with vestiges of the ancient amphitheater where works by Aeschylus (present in the audience) were once performed. Across the water from the mainland is the island of Ortygia, an enchanting district of baroque architecture, atmospheric lanes, grand plazas, and yet more Greek ruins.

When in Syracuse, kimkim travelers have taken a colorful step back to the Hellenistic period on walking tours that cast light on the cities Titanic history. Visits to the archeological park take in Greek and Roman ruins as well as the striking Latomia del Paradiso (Garden of Paradise), a limestone quarry full of catacombs once used to house prisoners of the Syracuse-Athens war. Syracuse is also a great base for day trips to the Noto Valley, known for its towns built and beautifully preserved in late Sicilian Baroque style, the wildlife-filled nature reserve of Vendicari and the charming seaside settlement of Marzamemi, often billed as Sicily's prettiest village.