Ear of Dionysius

Meet your certified guide at the entrance gate of the Neapolis Archaeological Park and visit the most important ancient Greek and Roman monuments in Syracuse. Discover the history and archaeological importance of this ancient Greek sight from your knowledgeable guide. During your walking tour, see the ancient Greek theatre, cut in the rock of the Temenite Hill, and explore the "Latomie del Paradiso", an ancient stone quarry with beautiful local flora. Next, marvel at the legendary "Ear of Dionysius", located inside the quarries. Be amazed by this grotto famed for its shape and echoing sounds. Finish your tour with a visit to the altar of Hieron and the Roman amphitheater.

During your time in Syracuse, be sure to pay a visit to the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Learn about the history on a guided tour as you explore the park's fascinating sites including the Greek theatre, the Altar of Hieron II, and the Ear of Dionysius. Set off on a guided tour and discover the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Admire the Greek theater, a truly striking example of classical civic architecture and discover the impressive Ear of Dionysius, a man-made cave named by the painter Caravaggio. As you wander around the park learn more about the Roman Amphitheater from the 3rd-4th century AD, the cave of the Cordari, and the Altar of Hieron II, a monument dedicated to Zeus Eleutherios. The Neapolis Archaeological Park is a must-do for anyone interested in archeology and the classical world.

Start your day at 8:00 AM with a pickup from the pre-arranged meeting point in Taormina. Once you have enjoyed a pleasant meet-and-greet with your driver, head to Syracuse, taking in all the sights along the way.  Your first stop of the day will be the archaeological park of the Neapolis. Here, you'll be able to admire the site's Greek and Roman heritage by witnessing landmarks such as the Greek Theatre, the Ear of Dionysius and the Latomie. Afterwards, you will move to the lovely Ortigia Island, the historical centre of Syracuse which is connected to the city by a short bridge. Here, you will walk through the alleys and the squares of the old town discovering its landmarks, starting from the ruins of the temple of Apollo, to the Cathedral and the Arethusa Fountain. During your visit of Ortigia, a light lunch with local products will be offered; alternatively, you could decide to have lunch on your own. The last stop of your day will be Noto, which is considered the capital of the Sicilian Baroque. You will have 1-hour to visit the historical centre of the city by yourself before enjoying your relaxing car ride back to Taormina by 6:30 - 7:30 PM.

Learn the ancient history of Sicily on a full-day sightseeing tour that takes you to the archaeological park of Neapolis where you can visit classical monuments of Greek and Roman Syracuse at your own pace on a self-guided tour. Following a pick-up from your accommodation in Catania, transfer to the ruins of Syracuse, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your walk, discover many old Roman streets, as well as monuments such as the Greek Theatre, whose cavea is one of the largest ever built by the ancient Greeks. Near the Greek Theatre, you will see the latomie, including the limestone cave known as the “Ear of Dyonisius,” as well as the Christian Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari. Admire the Amphitheatre of the Roman imperial age, and more. Then, continue to Ortygia Island to experience the historic heart of Syracuse. Located at the park’s eastern end, and separated by a narrow channel, Ortygia is filled with Greek temples, Christian churches, and Arabian streets. Visit the Arethusa fountain and Piazza del Duomo, where the baroque palaces, such as Beneventano del Bosco Palace and Senate Palace are among the most beautiful in Sicily. After lunch (own expense), go to the small town of Noto, noted for its unique style of Sicilian Baroque architecture, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. Wander the open-air museum and beautiful Corso Vittorio Emanuele to admire the many palaces and churches that, grouped together, are known as the “Stone Garden.”

For those traveling to Sicily, Syracuse is not to be missed. Once the most important city in Magna Graecia, it defeated the mighty Athens in 413 and was home to many a great Greek, including the inimitable Archimedes. At the height of its economic, political, and military power, the city had a population of 300,000 and, according to Cicero, was "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” Join a full-day guided bus tour of this great city, which includes a visit to its archaeological sites as well as the island of Ortygia. First, visit the archaeological site, which is situated in the northwest of the town and is home to a staggering number of well-preserved Greek and Roman remains. The main attraction is undoubtedly the Greek theater, which dates back at least until the 5th Century BC. Its cavea is amongst the largest ever built, its 59 rows could accommodate up to 15,000 spectators (there will be a theater set on the archaeological site during summer). Just over the ridge from the theater, you will see the old stone quarries where today there grows a fragrant lemon orchard. Also, visit the famous Ear of Dionysius, a 20m-high, slender pointed arch cut into the rock face about 65m deep. The rock was once used by Dionysius the Tyrant as a prison for his bitterest enemies. After stopping by the Roman amphitheater, continue on to the Archaeological Museum, which contains a great collection of exhibits from all over the Syracuse area. Spend the second half of your day wandering around the beautiful island of Ortygia. It may be a small island, but it's packed with over 2,500 years of history. Architectural styles vary widely, encompassing Greek and Roman remains, Medieval Norman buildings, and a great deal of understated Baroque visible in the main cathedral. In the afternoon, take a break to relax in one of the island's many restaurants, trattorias or bars, as you take in the sights of the lagoon.

With our expert guide, you'll immerse yourself in the history and myths that surround Neapolis, the historic heart of Syracuse. Embark on an unforgettable adventure as history comes to life step by step. Explore the Latomie, ancient stone quarries transformed into natural gardens where titanic work and dark secrets once resounded. See the enchanting Ear of Dionysus, a legendary cave with mysterious acoustics, and discover the secrets of the tyrant Dionysus and his intrigues. Continue your journey through the centuries at the Greek Theater, where you can admire the Nymphaeum Fountain and enjoy a breathtaking view encompassing the Grand Harbor. The Altar of Hieron II awaits you as a majestic testimony to Syracuse's glorious past. Finally, soak up the atmosphere of the Roman Amphitheater, where our guide will reveal the secrets of the gladiatorial games and the nuances of Syracuse under Roman rule. Prepare to be captured by the magic of Syracuse, where every stone tells a story and every corner hides a secret. Discover Syracuse with us and be enchanted by its timeless charm!

Daily Excursions from Catania Private tour of: Syracuse - Ortigia - Noto in English, Spanish, and Italian. Departure at 8:30 AM from Catania, with prior pickup from your hotel. If the hotel is located in a restricted traffic area, we will meet at the nearest meeting point. We will head to Syracuse, the most important Greek colony in Sicily. Upon arrival, we will stop for 90 minutes to admire the monuments of the ancient Mediterranean at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis. The park, now a protected oasis, is immersed in a natural setting with unique monuments: The Ancient Theater - The Ear of Dionysius - The Cordari Cave - The Roman Amphitheater - The Altar of Hiero II - The Paradise Quarry. The visit inside the park is individual and autonomous with the purchase of a personal entrance ticket. After spending 90 minutes for the visit, we will head towards the oldest part of Syracuse: the island of Ortigia. We will visit the historic market with its scents and colors, the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Diana, the Cathedral of Maria Santissima, and the Church of St. Lucia. Then we will wander through the alleyways until we reach the Arethusa Fountain, a water mirror inside which grows the ancient plant of "Cyperus Papyrus." After a short break to taste local street food, we will head to the town of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage site and undisputed center of the Baroque style. There we will admire the imposing Palazzo dei Frati Francescani, the Benedictine Friars' Palace, the Cathedral of S. Nicola, the Palazzo Ducezio, and conclude our tour with a visit to what is considered the finest example of Sicilian Baroque: Palazzo Nicolaci. Once the visit is complete, we will return to Catania. The tour lasts approximately 9 hours.

During your walking tour, see the ancient Greek theatre, cut in the rock of the Temenite Hill, and explore the "Latomie del Paradiso", an ancient stone quarry with beautiful local flora. Next, marvel at the legendary "Ear of Dionysius", located inside the quarries. Be amazed by this grotto famed for its shape and echoing sounds. Finish your tour with a visit to the altar of Hieron and the Roman amphitheater. Join us for an exclusive and personalized exploration of Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, led by your certified private guide. Uncover the rich tapestry of ancient Greek and Roman history as you traverse through this archaeological gem. ---- This exclusive walking tour with a private certified guide begins at the Neapolis archaeological park's main entrance gate, During the tour you will dive deep into the fascinating history and archaeological significance of the ancient Syracuse, visititig some iconic landmarks of this Unesco world heritage town. Choosing this private service you will have a knowledgeable guide for your family or group and the tour will be tailored according to your preferences and interests. During the walk you will visit the ancient stone quarry known as "Latomia del Paradiso" a place of surreal beauty with unique flora in the heart of the town. Inside you will see some grottos: the Ear of Dionysius, renowned for its unique shape and captivating echoes but also the Ropemakers and Saltpeter Grotto where skilled artisans once crafted essential materials for ancient life. The ancient Greek Theater, dating back to the 5th-3rd century B.C. is a highlight. Marvel at this monument carved into the rock of Temenite Hill, and envision the grand performances that once graced its stage. Please note: the Greek theater is used also nowadays for classical plays and concerts and during spring and sometimes summer months it is covered for the performances. On the hill you will have a great view of the bay of Syracuse but aldo of the Nympheum, an enchanting sanctuary dedicated to the ancient water nymphs, offering a serene interlude in the heart of Neapolis. The itineary continues with the solemn Altar of Hieron, a testament to the religious and ceremonial practices of ancient civilizations. Last part of the tour is the visit of the Roman Amphitheater where the echoes of ancient gldiators still linger in the air. During the tourist season, additional areas of the park may be temporarily open to visitors (e.g the Santa Venera stone quarry) and you can add the itinerary upon request to your guide having an extended exploration, great for those seeking an even more comprehensive experience. Immerse yourself in the allure of Neapolis Archaeological Park and let the stories of the past come to life in this unique private walking tour.

Transfer by Gran Turismo bus to Catania. Walking tour with the guide through the streets of the historic center of Catania, a UNESCO heritage site. Visit of Piazza Duomo, the symbolic statue "U liotru", il Municipio, Via Etnea, Piazza Stesicoro and the remains of the Roman Amphitheater, the monument to Vincenzo Bellini and Villa Bellini. Visit of the "pescheria", an open-air fish market, famous for its particular colours. Transfer from Catania to Syracuse, where you will have a lunch break. (LUNCH NOT INCLUDED). Visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, the archaeological area of Syracuse, where it is possible to admire impressive monuments such as the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, the Ear of Dionysius and the Altar of Hieron II. Then we go to the Island of Ortigia, the oldest area of the city of Syracuse. Visit of Piazza Archimede where it is possible to see the Fountain of Arethusa and Piazza del Duomo, which stands on the ruins of the Temple of Athena. After the visit of Ortigia, return to the places of departure.

A professonalk and qualified driver will pick you up from your accommodation at your most preferred time and drive you to the beautiful city of Syracuse. The first stop will be at the Neapolis, the archeological area of the city. Here you will have free time to admire the roman amphitheater and the impressive and solemn Greek Theatre, the biggest in the island and one of the biggest in the world, entirely carved into the rock. You can also visit the Ear of Dionysius, an artificial cave placed right under the Theatre. It is called this way for its ear shape and also for its acoustic properties. Afterwards, the driver will drop you off in Ortigia Island, the ancient historical centre of Syracuse. Here you will have free time to stroll in the characteristic streets and see the most important monuments such as Aretusa Fontain, the Cathedral and Maniace castle.