Ortigia

Welcome to the intimate heart of Or-ti-jia, the 'Centro Storico' of Syracuse. While we have looked at the island's grand monuments, this portion of our tour focuses on the texture of daily life and the architectural intricacies…

We begin in the Giu-dec-ca, the historic Jewish quarter of Ortigia. This area is one of the most evocative parts of the old town, characterized by even narrower streets and a sense of profound antiquity. …

On the Corso Giacomo Matteotti, one of Ortigia's most elegant walking streets, we find the Pa-laz-zo Gre-co. This refined building is the home of the National Institute of Ancient Drama, an organization dedicated to the…

Located at the southern end of the Piazza Duomo is the Church of San-ta Lu-chi-a alla Ba-di-a. This Baroque church is dedicated to Saint Lucy, the patron saint of Syracuse who was born right here in the city. …

Walking through the narrow streets of Ortigia, you will inevitably find yourself at a 'gra-ni-ta-ria.' In Sicily, granita is not just a snack; it is a ritual. Unlike the coarse 'shaved ice' found elsewhere, authentic Sicilian…

To experience the maritime soul of the old town, one must walk along the Lun-go-ma-re Al-fe-o. This coastal promenade offers some of the most spectacular views in Sicily, stretching along the western edge of the island. …

Returning to the interior, we traverse Via del-la A-mal-fi-ta-nia. This street is a hub for artisan shops and local crafts, where the tradition of 'making' is still very much alive. …

As our tour of the Or-ti-jia old town comes to an end, we find ourselves once again in the soft, golden light of the late afternoon. We have navigated the 'Giu-dec-ca's' ancient depths, walked the elegant promenades of the…