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Ortygia

Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
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Ranked #2 of 39 attractions in Syracuse
Type: Islands, Religious Sites
Activities: Dining, City walk sightseeing, Shopping
Owner description: This offshore island was occupied by the Greek colonists who fortified it and constructed the earliest structures, including the temples of Athena and... more » Owner description: This offshore island was occupied by the Greek colonists who fortified it and constructed the earliest structures, including the temples of Athena and Apollo, whose remains can still be seen today. « less
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668 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    485
    156
    22
    4
    1
Date Rating
boulder city, nv
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

Limits traffic to residents and visitors must park on outskirts in designated area for free. Island is small and easily walked. Clean streets with many interesting shops, restaurants. Sit and enjoy a nice meal and watch the world go by.

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See 4 more reviews by MaxSchnell for Syracuse
Cambridge, United Kingdom
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

The duomo dominates a lovely piazza, bordered also by the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia (which contains a Caravaggio painting). Wandering the shady alleyways, and walking the seafront promenades were both great fun. There are large car parks on this island off Syracuse, making it convenient to drive to.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
chelmsford
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 31 cities Reviews in 31 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

Charming, beautiful, stunning buildings and a real old fashioned, worn, charm. Fantastic sea views, lovely people.

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See 2 more reviews by labarkley for Syracuse
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Great architecture and a few monuments on the island. Narrow alleys and nice squares on the western side. East of island a bit boring.

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See 8 more reviews by 60martin for Syracuse
Helsinki, Finland
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Narrow alleys, good restaurants, beautiful piazzas. Our favourite spot was the Gran Cafe del Duomo at Piazza del Duomo. A good place to have an espresso while admiring the old palaces and watching people strolling by.

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See 2 more reviews by TuulaV for Syracuse
Cork
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
31 helpful votes 31 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

This is a fantastic to while away a few days. Lovely streets to meander about. Great eateries of all kinds and reasonably priced. Interesting Piazzas to drink a coffee and magnificent Baroque buildings to gaze at. The air is magnificent which rolls fro the sea surrounding this island.

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See 7 more reviews by Brendan W for Syracuse
Westerly, Rhode Island
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Farmer's Market! One of the best I have ever been to for variety, color, sounds, and sheer entertainment. A must-experience. It is just over the bridge to the left by the public parking. Get there early because they close in the afternoon and don't reopen. I took a hundred pictures, and this was a highlight of the trip.

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Adelaide, Australia
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

We had great advice about where to park in Syracuse and walk over the bridge to Orytgia. We visited the markets, investigated museums, wandered into churches and had a great coffee just off the square

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by Whyallagirl for Syracuse
Rome, Italy
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

When in Sicily you must visit Ortygia, this is one of the most beautiful parts of Sicily. You will eat fresh and delicious seafood. Try the local favorite: Pasta alla Ricci. (pasta with sea urchin)

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See 2 more reviews by RomanOdysseyTours for Syracuse
Centreville, Maryland
Top Contributor
98 reviews 98 reviews
32 attraction reviews
Reviews in 55 cities Reviews in 55 cities
48 helpful votes 48 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013 via mobile

This is right up there with top Italian destinations. Stunning piazza and duomo. Stroll the streets and enjoy. Great shops and restaurants. Thoroughly enjoyable. The sights at the archaeological park are average so devote your time here.

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See 5 more reviews by GK1959 for Syracuse

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