This is the most important archaeological museums in Sicily and all of southern Italy. It displays artifacts from the Greek, Roman, and Christian eras that have been found on sites all over Sicily. The museum is divided into three sections, A, B and C. Section A contains fossils and skeletons of prehistoric animals. Section B is devoted to Greek colonization, and contains the stunning sculpture, the Landolina Venus. Section C houses artifacts from Greek sub-colonies and cities from eastern Sicily. Admission costs 4.50 euros, and it is also possible to buy a combined ticket to the museum and the Parco Archaeolocigo for 6 euros. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 7pm and Sunday from 9am to 1pm.
Archaeological Park (Parco Archaeologico)
This is the main historic attraction area of Syracuse, located north of the train station. The highlight of the site is the Greek theater, the most complete theater of its kind existing today. Constructed in the 5th century BCE by the Ancient Greeks , plays by Euripides were performed here. You can sit on the stone steps and imagine an enactment of the plays, or view one yourself, as productions are put on by the Italian Institute of Ancient Drama.
Nearby is the Latomia del Paradiso, one of the quarries from which the great monuments of Syracuse were constructed. It is nicknamed "Dionysius' Ear" after one of the despots of Syracuse, who is reputed to have led prisoners inside. The quarry is renowned for its remarkable acoustics.
Also at the site is the Roman Amphitheater, created during Roman rule. Here, instead of plays, gladiatorial performances were mounted.
Temple of Apollo
Another archaeological site, this one contains the ruins of the temple of Apollo built by the Ancient Greeks. Little remains of the ancient structure, but a model of the building exists in the Museo Archaeologico.