Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica in Italy

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2005
Size of heritage: 898 ha
- Buffer zone: 5,519 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 15,293°
Latitude: 37,059°

Summary

The site consists of two separate elements, containing outstanding vestiges dating back to Greek and Roman times: The Necropolis of Pantalica contains over 5,000 tombs cut into the rock near open stone quarries, most of them dating from the 13th to 7th centuries BC. Vestiges of the Byzantine era also remain in the area, notably the foundations of the Anaktoron (Prince’s Palace). The other part of the property, Ancient Syracuse, includes the nucleus of the city’s foundation as Ortygia by Greeks from Corinth in the 8th century BC. The site of the city, which Cicero described as ‘the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of all’, retains vestiges such as the Temple of Athena (5th century BC, later transformed to serve as a cathedral), a Greek theatre, a Roman amphitheatre, a fort and more. Many remains bear witness to the troubled history of Sicily, from the Byzantines to the Bourbons, interspersed with the Arabo-Muslims, the Normans, Frederick II of the Hohenstaufen dynasty (1197–1250), the Aragons and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Historic Syracuse offers a unique testimony to the development of Mediterranean civilization over three millennia.

Location on Map

Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica

Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica, located in the City and Province of Syracuse, Sicily, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that holds immense historical and cultural significance. This site encompasses the ancient city of Syracuse, once a powerful Greek city-state, and the nearby necropolis of Pantalica, which is home to thousands of rock-cut tombs.

History

Syracuse, founded by Greek colonists in the 8th century BC, quickly became one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean. It flourished under the rule of tyrants, such as Gelon and Dionysius, and later as a democratic city-state. Syracuse played a crucial role in the wars against Carthage and Athens, and its military prowess and cultural achievements were renowned throughout the ancient world.

The city reached its zenith during the reign of the tyrant Hiero II in the 3rd century BC. Under his rule, Syracuse became a center of art, science, and philosophy. The city's most famous resident, the mathematician and engineer Archimedes, made groundbreaking discoveries and inventions during this period.

However, Syracuse's golden age came to an end when it was conquered by the Romans in 212 BC. Despite this setback, the city continued to thrive under Roman rule and later under Byzantine, Arab, and Norman dominations. Each successive civilization left its mark on the city's architecture, resulting in a unique blend of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Arab influences.

The nearby necropolis of Pantalica, located in the Anapo Valley, dates back to the 13th century BC. It served as a burial site for the inhabitants of the ancient city of Syracuse and later for the Byzantines. The necropolis contains over 5,000 tombs carved into the limestone cliffs, making it one of the largest and most impressive necropolises in the Mediterranean.

Current State

Today, Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica are a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Sicily. The archaeological park of Syracuse encompasses the ancient city, including its Greek and Roman theaters, the Temple of Apollo, and the Ear of Dionysius, a remarkable cave with exceptional acoustic properties.

The historic center of Syracuse, known as Ortigia, is a charming island connected to the mainland by bridges. It is home to numerous architectural gems, such as the Cathedral of Syracuse, which was originally a Greek temple dedicated to Athena, and the Fountain of Arethusa, a natural spring surrounded by lush vegetation.

The necropolis of Pantalica, with its awe-inspiring tombs and breathtaking natural surroundings, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient past. The site is a paradise for nature lovers, with its rugged cliffs, deep gorges, and lush vegetation providing a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Address
Distance: 0,2 mi
Via Santa Teresa 25
96100 Siracusa
Italy

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 16:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Siracusa - Sicily (Italy) - Ortygia - 12 of 12

Published: June 17, 2013
Length: 50:54 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: holgerlangland

Siracusa - Sicily (Italy) - Ortygia - 12 of 12 - Travel-Information - Street -Sights Ortygia (Tourist Attraction), Syracuse (City/Town/Village), Sicily (Italian Region), Italy (Country)

Siracusa - Sicily (Italy) - Ortygia - 04 of 12

Published: June 17, 2013
Length: 21:55 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: holgerlangland

Siracusa - Sicily (Italy) - Ortygia - 04 of 12 - Travel-Information - Street -Sights Ortygia (Tourist Attraction), Syracuse (City/Town/Village), Sicily (Italian Region), Italy (Country)

Ortygia ENG

Published: March 23, 2010
Length: 12:09 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: mySyracusae

ITA, 2010, 30' - MySiracusa http://www.mysyracusae.com/shop_english.html --- The cultural heritage of the Mediterranean told through the history of the Magna Grecia's most important colony:...

Festa di S.Lucia - 12 dicembre 2013 (traslazione all'altare maggiore)

Published: December 12, 2013
Length: 13:16 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Salvatore Aglianò

ISSR San Metodio Siracusa - Le campane della Cattedrale di Siracusa

Published: January 17, 2013
Length: 29:06 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: San Metodio

Finale di "Ti canterò un canto nuovo... (Salmo 143)", convegno in occasione dell'86mo anniversario della Dedicazione della Cattedrale di Siracusa e della 320ma ricorrenza del terremoto del...