Syracuse is located on the southeastern corner of the island of Sicily, which is situated just off the southern coastline of mainland Italy. The city is the capital of the province with the same name and is noted for its Greek history; in fact this 2,700-year-old city was of great importance in ancient times and was one of the main powers in the Mediterranean world.
The city and its surrounding province is home to many interesting sights and buildings, the city itself is one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Some of the ancient buildings and ruins here include the Temple of Apollo, which has been both a church and a mosque. The Roman amphitheatre, which dates back to the Roman imperial age and was carved out of the rock, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which dates back to around the 6th century BC are both located 3 km outside of the city.
Churches are plentiful here and the city has a total of 12 to investigate; the cathedral of Syracuse is a very impressive and imposing sight. It was originally built in the 7th century, but the exterior was remodelled during the early to mid 1700’s by Andrea Palma. The Basilica of Santa Lucia extra Moenia is a Byzantine built church and its current appearance dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, under the church are the Catacombs of St Lucy. Other churches include the 13th century Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, the 14th century Church of San Cristoforo, which was rebuilt in the 18th century and the 16th century Church of St. Benedict.
The Castello Maniace is both a castle and a citadel, which stands on a promontory where it was built in the early 1200’s by Emperor Frederick II. It used to have a moat around it, but it has since been filled in. The first fortress constructed here was done so back in 1038 and Frederick had it rebuilt in the early 1232-1240. During the 15th century it was used as a prison and in the next century it was added to the fortification that defended the harbour, as well as the city.
Other buildings well worth making the time to see include the Archbishop's Palace, which dates back to the 17th century and today houses the Alagonian Library. The Palazzo Vermexio, which is the current town hall and still includes section of the Ionic Temple from the 5th Century BC and The Senate Palace is also worth seeing.
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