Siracusa
Siracusa (Syracuse) is truly a province of excellence. Ancient Greek ruins rise out of lush citrus orchards, cafe tables spill onto dazzling baroque piazzas, and honey-hued medieval side streets lead down to the sparkling blue sea. It's difficult to imagine now, but in its heyday this was the largest city in the ancient world, bigger even than Athens and Corinth.
Its 'once upon a time' begins in 734 BC, when Corinthian colonists landed on the island of Ortygia (Ortigia) and founded the settlement, setting up the mainland city four years later. Its vast archaeological site, on the edge of the modern city, is a rare treasure of temples, amphitheatres and an ancient castle. It is difficult to find corner of the world that contains such a high concentration of quality culture, history and landscape as this splendid part of south-eastern Sicily.
It is not an accident that within three years, two historical sites in the territory have been included in the Uncesco Worlds heritage list, to confirm and reward the excellent levels of cultural heritage that a multiplicity of peoples and civilisations have left in a harmonious way over the centuries. Furthermore, we cannot forget to mention the immaterial heritage of Syracuse: the agricultural tradition with its unique products, such as the tomatoes from Pachino, Nero d’Avola wine, The Femminelle Lemon, The Tarocco Orange of Francofonte, the Avola almond, the special Moscato wine of Noto and Siracusa and much more.
The Island of Ortygia
A labyrinth of charming ancient and medieval streets - makes for a delightful visit of sightseeing and shopping. This was a center of Greek, Byzantine and Judaic civilization. Physical evidence of these three cultures can still be seen today, making Ortygia a fascinating place to visit for anybody curious about the historic patrimony we have inherited from classical mythology, early Christianity and medieval Judaism.