Syracuse Factoids

Today's adventure is a trip to Syracuse which is further south on the island along the coast.  We aimed our little Smart car to the Archaeological Park and soon we arrived.  In this small area are the Greek and Roman Theaters. 

Erin at the top of the Greek Amphitheater - Overlooking the Archaeological Park

Syracuse was founded 733 BC by Corinthian settlers; Syracuse became one of the first Greek colonies on the island.  It quickly attained wealth and power and eventually became the strongest city in the Mediterranean.

This is just the base of a huge altar...they guess at least 50 bulls were sacrificed here at a time!

The Greek theater was huge and very impressive.  The theater would have seated 15,000 spectators.   Along the top edge of the theater in caves carved out of the rock.  These were used for tombs.  One of these was fed with water from the aqueduct and is known as the Nymphaeum.

Erin in front of the Nymphaeum

The Greek Theater

Looking down on Erin and the Greek Theater

Looking up at Erin and the Greek Theater - From where the "stage" was

The Roman Amphitheater is much older and is from the 3rd century.  It is one of the largest of its kind.  Again the area had many catacombs surrounding it that are tombs. It was really quite elaborate with many openings some for spectators and some for the contestants.  There were tunnels and passages leading up to the actual amphitheaters.  It was very interesting.

The Roman Amphitheater

In back of this area is actually a huge quarry, Latomia del Paradiso. The rock was used for the construction of Syracuse. Inside the quarry is a tall cave called Orecchio of Dioniso (Ear of Dionysius).  It was just a small cave that is really tall (and I mean really tall!) but it was fun to see and enter. 

The opening of the Orecchio of Dioniso

We enjoyed our day and had a little gelato and headed back to Trecastagni.  Tonight we will be headed toward Taormina to listen to a presentation that Boris was giving to a group of American tourist.  It was very interesting with lots of information on Etna, lots of pictures and all incorporated with music.  He is a very charismatic and dramatic speaker.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Erin is very fortunate, and lucky, to have Boris as a mentor.

Driving in Sicily has become easier but I am still convinced that it still takes both Erin and I to get to any given location!