Things To Do In Ortigia, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

1. Find the Arethusa Fountain, a place of myth and wonder

Located near “Lungomare Alfeo” (a seafront street), you will find one of the most evocative places in Ortigia: the Arethusa Fountain, which is a freshwater spring located right in front of the sea. The fountain takes its name from the Greek myth of Arethusa and Alpheus. According to the legend, Arethusa represents the spring while Alpheus a river that constantly fades into the fountain, two different lives united in one natural phenomenon by the ancient Greek gods.

This picturesque and romantic place inspired several writers as such as Pindar, Ovid, Virgilio, Gabriele D'Annunzio, John Milton, Alexander Pope and many others who described or wrote something about the fountain.

Nowadays the Arethusa Fountain is a freshwater oasis inside the city where ducks, birds and fish grow and vegetation prospers. Among the plants, you will find papyrus, a well known plant from which you can make paper. It is unknown when and by whom papyrus was introduced to this area.

2. Have a pleasant walk along the Lungomare Alfeo

Lungomare Alfeo (officially Maniace Street) is the name of a seafront street, starting from the Arethusa Fountain and leading to the Maniace Castle, which is a medieval fortification located in Ortygia.

Syracuse is a climatic paradise; even during wintertime the weather is reasonably warm and the sun is shining. The above photograph was taken during a relaxing walk under the winter sun at Lungomare Alfeo.

Along Lungomare Alfeo you will find restaurants, bars and hotels where you can enjoy a typical dish while being amazed by the view of the sea. Inside one of these restaurants (Spizzica on Maniace Street 8) you can also find an ancient natural cavern carved by water. In the past, this is where people used to wash their clothes. If you want to visit this archaeological gem you just need to ask to one of the waiters, don’t worry it’s free!

3. Enjoy one of the most astonishing panoramas of Ortigia

Located in the same area as the Arethusa Fountain, you can find one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Ortigia. At a two minute walk from Cathedral Square you can walk along a tiny alley (Pompeo Picherali Street) to reach this special area. This panorama is placed particularly close to the Arethusa Fountain and it’s the best place where you can sit and admire the sea. You will be immediately blown away by the sound of the waves, the blue of the sky fading into the blue of the water and far in the horizon the shape of the Maddalena Peninsula, a seaside area near Syracuse. There are also some benches where you can relax or have a quick meal.