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The Ionian Sea is one notable natural element that the island of Sicily gets to fully enjoy. The clear blue water is an obvious invitation for all those who enjoy a nice swim in a hot summer afternoon. It is also a massive attraction for tourists, which is why the towns aligned along the Ionian are the lucky stars of south-eastern Sicily.

Syracuse is the name of one of these landmarks and it is directly linked to the sea through the Gulf of Syracuse. This is no ordinary city. Its past determined Cicero to name it “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all”. Indeed, for some time it was the main character of Greek settlements anywhere in the Mediterranean. Originary of Greek character, the city quickly became a powerful city-state. It wasn’t until Palermo won out over Syracuse that the city began losing importance. Both Greek and Roman archaeological and architectural treasures are now visible to anyone who cares for the city’s history. Actually, their value determined UNESCO to list the Syracuse as a World Heritage Site.

This moment didn’t add up too much to the importance of the site, as it had already gained a fair share of attention through the amphitheatres, architecture and last but not least the association to Archimedes, the Greek mathematician and brilliant astronomer. He remains an icon of the scientific life in classical antiquity, which is why many travelers are drawn by the city.

The area was not forsaken by nature’s rage. Two completely damaging earthquakes (in 1542 and 1693) changed the entire appearance. A massive plague brought its contribution in 1729 to Syracuse’s damnation.

Not only Baroque elements can be observed while streaming along the narrow streets, but ancient buildings also. The eye gets stolen by the Temple of Apollo which was a church during the Byzantine period and a mosque across the Arab age. The Fountain of Arethusa, the theatre, the Roman amphitheatre (partly of rock origins), the Tomb of Archimedes (with two Doric columns), the Temple of Olympian Zeus (from around the 6th century BC) create only part of Syracuse’s share of attractions. They are joined by beautiful churches and cathedrals that adorn the city in the iconic Sicilian style.

The historic legacy doesn’t end here. Great importance bears the Castello Maniace from between 1232 and 1240, due to the architectural style of the Frederick II period, although the fortress is the result of extensive modifications of the following centuries. Archimedes left a token of its mastery by means of the Euryalos Castle, which is a must if Syracuse is an aim on your exploring list. During 401 BC the fortress created quite a fuss but it was during the Byzantine expansion that the castle revealed its real magnificence.

An important Mid-Bronze Age collection rests inside the Archaeological Museum. The Alagonian Library from the late 18th century is hosted by the Archbishop’s Palace built in the 17th century. Beautiful lava inlay decorations adorn Palazzo Migliaccio from the 15th century.

But all these exhibits gather only a small part of Syracuse’s belongings. The entire city displays unique possessions and all of them are worthy of close attention.