3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat
Syracuse is a historic city on the southeast coast of the island. The city is home to a number of ancient ruins, such as the Greek Theater and the Ear of Dionysius, as well as the stunning Ortigia Island.
Ortigia is a small island located off the coast of Syracuse, in southeastern Sicily. It is often referred to as the heart of Syracuse, as it is the historic center of the city and home to some of its most important landmarks.
3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat
During my visit to Sicily, I had the pleasure of spending 3 days exploring the narrow streets and stunning architecture of Ortigia.
The first thing that struck me about Ortigia was its beauty. The island is a mix of ancient Greek and Baroque architecture, with stunning buildings, churches, and piazzas at every turn.
As I wandered through the winding streets, I came across the stunning Piazza del Duomo, with its ornate Baroque cathedral dominating the skyline. The piazza is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Is Ortigia worth visiting?
3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat
Ortigia is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful and historic place that has a lot to offer to visitors.
Ortigia is home to many ancient buildings and landmarks, including the Temple of Apollo, the Fountain of Aretusa, and the Cathedral of Syracuse. The island also has a charming old town, filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and traditional markets.
The island is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which features fresh seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and traditional Sicilian dishes.
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Ortigia is also home to some fascinating historical landmarks, including the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest Greek temples in Sicily. It’s a stunning example of ancient Greek architecture, and it’s incredible to think that it has stood for over 2,500 years.
3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat
Another must-see landmark is the Fonte Aretusa, a freshwater spring that is home to a variety of wildlife, including swans and ducks. Legend has it that the nymph Aretusa transformed into the spring to escape the advances of the river god Alpheus. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and take in the scenery, and it’s a great place to escape the heat during the hot Sicilian summer.
3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat
If you’re planning a trip to Ortigia, Sicily, and have three days to spend on the island, here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your time:
Day 1 in Ortigia:
Start your day by exploring the historic center of Ortigia on foot. Wander through the narrow streets and alleyways, and admire the beautiful Baroque architecture and ancient landmarks such as the Cathedral of Syracuse and the Fountain of Arethusa.
Visit the Mercato di Ortigia, a vibrant and colorful market that offers a wide variety of fresh and local products. Shop for fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional Sicilian products such as olives, capers, and dried tomatoes.
In the afternoon, head to the beach and soak up some sun. Cala Rossa Beach and Fontane Bianche are both popular beaches near Ortigia.
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Day 2 in Ortigia:
Start your day with a visit to the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, which features ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including a Greek theater and a Roman amphitheater.
Head to the Ear of Dionysius, a unique limestone cave named after the Greek tyrant Dionysius I, located in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis.
In the afternoon, take a boat tour around Ortigia and the surrounding coastline. Admire the stunning cliffs and sea caves, and take a dip in the crystal clear waters.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Ortigia’s many traditional restaurants, which serve delicious Sicilian cuisine.
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Day 3 in Ortigia:
Visit the Museum of Papyrus, located on the mainland near Syracuse, which showcases the history and production of papyrus in ancient Egypt and its influence on the Mediterranean world.
In the evening, take a sunset stroll along the Lungomare di Levante, a scenic promenade along the eastern coast of Ortigia.
This three-day itinerary will allow you to experience the best of Ortigia’s historical and cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, delicious cuisine, and traditional markets, while also exploring the surrounding area and enjoying the natural beauty of the island.
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Top Tip:
Take a boat tour around Ortigia Island to capture stunning views of the city from the sea.
3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat
Where to eat in Ortigia
Another highlight of my visit was the food. Ortigia is known for its excellent seafood. I had some of the best seafood dishes of my trip at a local restaurant. From fresh calamari to succulent prawns, every dish was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection.
My favourite restaurant was Casa Trimarchi. Order caponata, baccalà, and pasta all norma. I chose this restaurant to celebrate my birthday. The ambience was warm and friendly and the service was attentive and kind.
If you are looking for vegan options, go to “MOON – Move Ortigia Out of Normality”.
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The Cathedral of Ortigia
The Cathedral of Ortigia, also known as the Cathedral of Syracuse, is one of the most important and impressive landmarks in the historic center of Ortigia. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is located on the Piazza del Duomo and dates back to the 7th century.
Over the centuries, the cathedral has been rebuilt and expanded several times, resulting in a beautiful mix of architectural styles. The exterior features a Baroque façade, while the interior boasts a mix of Byzantine, Norman, Gothic, and Baroque elements.
The cathedral is open to visitors and offers guided tours, which provide a fascinating insight into the history and architecture of this impressive building.
Whether you’re interested in art and architecture or just want to experience the spiritual and cultural significance of this ancient landmark, the Cathedral of Ortigia is definitely worth a visit.
Movies that have been filmed in Ortigia
The Piazza Duomo in Syracuse is a beautiful and historic square that plays an important role in Giuseppe Tornatore’s 2000 film “Malèna”. The film, set in a small Sicilian village during World War II, tells the story of a young boy named Renato who becomes infatuated with the beautiful Malèna, played by Monica Bellucci.
Throughout the film, the Piazza Duomo serves as a central gathering place for the villagers, and is often shown bustling with activity and life. In one memorable scene, Malèna walks through the square, causing heads to turn and tongues to wag with her stunning beauty and elegance.
The Piazza Duomo also serves as a symbol of the changing times, as the arrival of American soldiers during the war brings new energy and excitement to the village. The square becomes a hub of activity as soldiers mingle with the locals, dancing and celebrating together in the shadow of the cathedral.
The Cathedral of Syracuse, which overlooks the square, also plays an important role in the film. Its grandeur and beauty serve as a counterpoint to the poverty and hardship experienced by many of the villagers, and its presence provides a sense of continuity and stability in the midst of a chaotic and uncertain time.
Overall, the Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral of Syracuse provide a stunning backdrop for Tornatore’s beautiful film, capturing the essence of Sicilian village life and the power of beauty and resilience in the face of adversity.
3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat
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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat
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Ortigia is a beautiful and fascinating destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is definitely worth visiting if you are planning a trip to Sicily.
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3 days in Ortigia, Sicily: what to see, do and eat
The Mercato di Ortigia
The Mercato di Ortigia is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the island.
The local market is a vibrant and colourful market that offers a wide variety of fresh and local products. It is a great place to experience the local culture and get a taste of traditional Sicilian cuisine.
One of the highlights of the market is the fresh seafood section. The fishmongers offer a variety of fresh fish, including swordfish, tuna, and octopus, that are caught locally and sold the same day. Visitors can watch as the vendors clean and prepare the fish right in front of them.
The market also features a section for fruits and vegetables, where visitors can find locally grown produce such as tomatoes, eggplants, oranges, and lemons. The fruits and vegetables are freshly picked and bursting with flavor, making them a great addition to any meal.
In addition to seafood and produce, the market also offers a variety of meats, cheeses, and traditional Sicilian products such as olives, capers, and dried tomatoes. There are also stalls selling handmade pottery, textiles, and other souvenirs.
The Mercato di Ortigia is not only a great place to shop for food and souvenirs, but also a place to socialize and connect with the locals.
Visitors can chat with the vendors and learn more about the products they are selling, as well as get tips on how to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes.
In conclusion, Ortigia is a small but incredibly beautiful island that should not be missed during a visit to Sicily. From its stunning architecture to its delicious food and fascinating history, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you spend a day or a week exploring Ortigia, it’s sure to be a highlight of your trip to Sicily.
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