The history of Ortigia
From Greek colony to capital of the Mediterranean, from the earthquake to the baroque rebirth: 2,700 years in one square kilometre.
Ortigia is not just any old town: it is the exact spot where Syracuse was born, and for centuries it was the whole of Syracuse. Every Mediterranean civilisation passed through this island and left stones, words and flavours.
The name comes from the Greek "ortyx", the quail, perhaps after the island's shape. For the Greeks it was land sacred to Artemis and Apollo; for us it is one of the most layered historic centres in the world.
The Greek foundation
Corinthian colonists led by Archias land on Ortigia and found Syrakousai. The island, with the Arethusa spring and two natural harbours, is the perfect site: fresh water, defence, trade. Within decades the city grows into a power.
Great Syracuse
After the victory of Himera over the Carthaginians (480 BC), Syracuse lives its golden century: the temple of Athena (today's Cathedral) is built, the city defeats Athens in the great expedition of 415-413 BC and becomes the most powerful Greek city of the West.
Archimedes and the Romans
During the Roman siege Archimedes dies — the greatest scientist of antiquity, a son of Syracuse. The city becomes capital of the Roman province of Sicily, but the centre of power shifts: a long decline begins.
Byzantines and Arabs
For five years, under Constans II, Syracuse is the capital of the Byzantine Empire. In 878 the Arabs conquer the city: they bring citrus, almonds, new farming techniques and the market culture that still lives on among the stalls of Ortigia.
Normans, Swabians and the Giudecca
The Normans restore Christianity, Frederick II builds Maniace Castle (1232-1240). The Jewish community, present for centuries, flourishes in the Giudecca until the expulsion of 1492, leaving behind one of Europe's oldest mikvehs.
The earthquake and the baroque
On 11 January 1693 a devastating earthquake levels eastern Sicily. Ortigia is reborn in baroque style: Piazza Duomo, Andrea Palma's facade, the noble palaces. Catastrophe becomes the occasion for one of the most extraordinary reconstructions in European history.
Decline and rebirth
In the twentieth century Ortigia empties: families move to the new districts and the island falls into neglect. From the 1990s the rebirth begins: restorations, artisans, tourism. In 2005 UNESCO inscribes Syracuse as a World Heritage Site.
History, told as you walk
Every era of this story left a visible mark on Ortigia: the audio guide tells them one by one, in front of the very stones that keep them.
Audio guide →Visit Ortigia with the audio guide
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