Guided Tours

Guided Walking Tour of Ortigia Island

Take a walking tour along the beautiful Island of Ortiga exploring its narrow streets, ancient landmarks, and rich culture with your bilingual guide.

Highlights

Learn all about Sicily’s oasis of art and culture from your knowledgeable guide.
Visit landmarks such as the Fountain of Diana which depicts the Goddess helping the nymph Arethusa flee from the advances of a river god.
See a crypt, well, and a World War II air-raid shelter hidden under an ancient church.
Choose a private walking tour to enjoy a more interactive tour in a small group of up to 4 people.
Fun Fact: Ortigia’s Temple of Apollo is considered to be the oldest Doric (a classic order of Greek/Roman architecture) in Sicily.

Inclusions

1.5-hour walking tour
English/Italian-speaking guide

Exclusions

Entry ticket to the Hypogeum
Entry ticket to the Syracuse Cathedral

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Your Experience

Ortigia Island, the birthplace of Sicilian culture, is a haven for the creative and artistic mind. This walking tour of the melting pot of Greek, Medieval, and Baroque architecture is a must if you're visiting Syracuse.

Discover the Historical Gems of Ortigia

Start your tour at the 6th century BC Temple of Apollo, a beautiful example of Doric architecture. Proceed to the Church of San Filippo Apostolo, on the days which it is open to the public.

See the well, which was formerly used as a baptismal font, and the crypt, which served as an anti-aircraft shelter during World War II.

Delve into Myths and Legends

Moving farther, you will reach Piazza Archimede, a square named after Archimedes, the legendary mathematician, scientist, and inventor who was born in Siracusa in the 3rd century BC. A statue of Archimedes stands in the center of the square. The second main attraction of the square is magnificent Fountain of Diana. It depicts tale of the nymph Arethusa, who is shown here beside the Greek goddess Artemis at the pivotal moment when she turns the spring into a fountain.

Move on to Piazza Duomo, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Italy. Here, you can see the magnificent Cathedral and then, if you choose, go straight to the underground Hypogeum on your own. It is an ancient cistern created by Greeks which also served as a refuge from air-raids of WWII.

At the conclusion of the journey, you'll reach the beautiful Fountain of Arethus. Make sure you ask your guide for the full story of Arethusa and the river god Alpheus.

Know Before You Go

Important Information

It’s recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves a fair amount of walking.

Timings

Walking Tour

Jun 1 2023 to Jul 10 2023

Wed & Thu:4pm onwards

Jul 11 2023 to Sep 15 2023

Wed & Thu: 5pm onwards.

Private Walking Tour

Dec 6 2022 to Apr 30 2023

Daily: 3pm onwards.

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.
Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Largo XXV Luglio.
Address: 96100 Syracuse, Free municipal consortium of Syracuse, Italy.
Landmark: You will find your guide under the tree.

Get Directions to the Meeting Point

Getting There

By Bus

The closest bus stop is Ponte Santa Lucia. It is a 1-minute walk to the meeting point.
Board buses Sais Autolinee 002001, Sais Autolinee 002002, and more to get you there.