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All 42 Syracuse Attractions »

Ortygia

Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
Ranked #1 of 35 attractions in Syracuse
4.5 of 5 stars 180 Reviews
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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180 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    128
    45
    5
    2
    0
Date Rating
Oakland, California
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

We had a lovely walk around the island, and enjoyed stumbling upon baroque buildings (Palazzo Impellizzeri!) and little sunny piazzas. The sites mentioned in the guidebooks (Duomo, etc.) were also great. It's just a very beautiful place! More

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See 3 more reviews by Sally P for Syracuse
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

We walked around the whole island and enjoyed the many small lane ways. More

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See 3 more reviews by precisionstrike for Syracuse
Englewood, Florida
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

A step back in time to walk along old streets and enjoy the ambiance of another time. More

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Alexandria, Virginia
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
69 helpful votes 69 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

It is possible to walk from Parco Archeologico della Neapolis to Ortygia, but as I did not have a map and was directionally-challenged, I took a taxi there. It cost 10 euros. Upon arrival, I was met by a man who asked if I was interested in a boat tour around Ortygia. Because this is one of the reasons I... More

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See 2 more reviews by Carmel C for Syracuse
New York
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

This island is an historic fishing village that had lost its luster. As recenlty as 15 years ago it was full of squatters and undesireables. Today it has a beautiful sea-side walk and wonderful restaurants. Lots of history and very scenic More

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See 3 more reviews by Karen B for Syracuse
Melbourne, Australia
Top Contributor
89 reviews 89 reviews
Reviews in 53 cities Reviews in 53 cities
38 helpful votes 38 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2012

If you like walking, this is a nice place especially with the sun! More

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See 4 more reviews by ozTravelGirl for Syracuse
Denver, Colorado
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2012

The main square at the duomo is really attractive. The fort at the point I thought was a worthwhile stop. More

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Santa Fe, NM
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2012

Relaxing and beautiful. Much to see of cultural interest. Food is great! More

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See 3 more reviews by NewMexicans_10 for Syracuse
Switzerland
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2012
1
person found this review helpful

great place to get lost in narrow streets and visit the Cathedral Square, have delicious ice cream and make a time travel to the past... More

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San Francisco, California
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2012

The heart of Syracuse does not disappoint! Beautiful blue sea meets beautiful blue skies as you visit the churches and piazzas, explore the narrow alleys and streets in search of an out-of-the- way restaurant or shop in the upscale stores and local crafts shops. Pottery, fragrances, local foods are all for sale here! More

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