Syracuse (or Siracusa) was the most important city of Magna Graecia. It defeated the mighty Athens in 413 BCE and was home to many a great Greek, including the inimitable Archimedes.
At the height of its economic, political and military powers, the city had a population of 300,000 and, according to Cicero, was “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all”.
It is relatively easy to visit in a day, though obviously deserves rather more time. A visit can be split into two easy parts: one dedicated to the archaeological site, the other to the island of Ortygia.
