How to Enjoy Wandering Historic Ortigia

Siracusa, a city in southern Sicily, has an estimated population of 115,000 residents. Its land area consists of 207 square kilometers or 79 square miles, about twice the size of Florence. The historic center is the island of Ortigia and the beating heart of Siracusa. At only a half to 1 square kilometer in area, Ortigia is a very walkable destination. I always love to wander around an old city in Italy, and Ortigia definitely meets those criteria. The island is connected to Siracusa by three bridges. The view of this scenic marina was one of the first photo opportunities as I crossed the bridge from the mainland.

As soon as we crossed the main bridge, Ponte Umbertino, we found the ruins of the Temple of Apollo. I always think it is amazing to see structures that date back so far in time, this one to the sixth century BC, when Sicily was ruled by the Greeks. Incredible.

One of my favorite things to do is to stroll through narrow, pedestrian streets and find the charming scenes that reveal a snapshot into the life of everyday people.

We came across this couple while they were enjoying a huge array of fresh seafood at one of the outside restaurants in Ortigia.

I loved this serene street with the live plants lining both sides.

Stroll down Corso Giacomo Matteotti and you’ll find the spectacular famous Fountain of Diana in Piazza Archimede.  The piazza was named after Archimedes, a genius of math and physics and born in Siracusa in 287 BC. This square is known as Ortigia’s “elegant living room,” and exudes a more modern appearance, with bars and pastry shops in the vicinity.

At the center of the piazza is the magnificent fountain of Diana. It was built in 1906 by Giulio Moschetti, and features the goddess Diana, transformed from a nymph.

Roaming the streets in Ortigia with no agenda rewarded me with scenes like these.

…and these…

….and these…

Sometimes, meandering the streets in a new place can bring a smile to your face when you least expect it. Ortigia is that kind of place.

Have you been to Ortigia? I love feedback, so please consider leaving a comment and share your experience.

Grazie and Ciao.

If you haven’t read My Love Affair with Sicily, you may want to check it out.

My Love Affair with Sicily

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