Explore Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica
This UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites contains 2 separate elements that contain vestiges of Greek and Roman origin. The first one is the Necropolis of Pantalica that contains over 5,000 tombs cut into the rocks of the nearby stone quarries. Most of the tombs date back from the 13th to 7th centuries BC. There is also the Vestiges from the Byzantine era with the most notable being the Anaktoron - the Prince’s Palace.
The other element in the listed property is the Ancient Syracuse that includes the nucleus of the city of Ortygia that was started by the Greeks from Corinth in the 8th century BC. The site of the city has retained vestiges such as Temple of Athena, a Roman Theater, a Greek theater, a Roman amphitheater, a fort and many more.
The Syracuse/Pantalica ensemble is situated on the Mediterranean coast of south eastern Sicily. Favored with good climate while at the same time being relatively free of marked relief, the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has a history spanning more than 3 millenniums.
Attractions in the Site
- Temple of Apollo (Apollonion)
- Ionic Temple
- Temple of Athena (Athenaeion)
- Church of St John the Baptist (4th-16th centuries)
- Church of St Martin (6th-14th centuries)
- Bellomo Palace (13th-18th centuries)
- Migliaccio Palace, Abeba Dunieli Palace and Francica-Nova Palace (15th century)
- Church of San Francesco all'Immacolata (13th-18th centuries)
- Church of the Collegio (built by Jesuits in the 17th century)
Of all the attractions that you will find in this ensemble, the cathedral is the most celebrated. It incorporates the remains of a Greek temple that date back to the 6th century BC. Excavations done between 1996 and 1998 have also revealed a lot of Syracuse’s history and monuments.
The Syracuse story cannot be told in one little blog – it is much better seen than read about. If you get a chance, visit this Italian heritage site and your view of the world history will never be the same again. Your European history knowledge will be taken to new heights and your cosmopolitan edge will be further entrenched. Make sure you go along with your kids…you may yet inspire them to great historians.
by Kennedy Runo on 07/31/2015 in Sightseeing