Resurrections in Siracusa
From its origins in Ortigia as a major Greek colony, Siracusa has often been rebuilt. The first such episode was decided by Gelone during the IVth century B.C., the city was destroyed by the Francs and Vandals during 575. Conquered by Muslims and then the Normans, it passed under the govern of Frederick II. The Spaniards deported an important Jewish colony during 1492. Finally, in 1693 an earthquake that affected over 50 Sicilian cities levelled Siracusa. The itinerary suggested allows the visitor to pass through the centuries while highlighting the various resurrections, which are benefiting from restauration investments over the past decade.
 The Greek lineage is translated by a number of impressive monuments. In the archeological park, the Vth century B.C. Greek Theater excavated from the rock is Sicily's largest and is host to annual theatrical events. The adjacent caves of the latomia di Paradiso were the source of materials for constructing the city. the Eurìalo castle, 5 km west of the city, was part of a defensive complex of 27 kilometers of walls: Dionysius, judging the walls insufficient protection  had this structure added, thereby creating Greece's most important fortifications.
At the entrance of Ortigia, an island covering one square kilometer, is the Temple of Apollo, which was under successive administrations a mosque and a church. In piazza Duomo, the Temple of Athena was transformed into a basilica, enriched by mosaics during Norman times and then restructured after the quake of 1693.
In addition to the Roman amphitheatre and the grotticelle necropolis, a recent discovery unearthed jewish purification baths under palazzo Bianca. Of paleochristian origins are the church of San Martino (VIth century) and the basilica of S. Pietro.
 Medieval monuments include the XIVth century palazzo Montalto and palazzo Gargallo (XVth century).
 Post-earthquake efforts gave birth to an original urban fabric as reconstruction occured without following the stylistic constraints of the epoch. This is most obvious in piazza Duomo, but present all through Ortigia; look for baroque buildings with rococco decorations (such as palazzo Borgia ot palazzo Impellizzeri).
Pure visual pleasures!
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