Siracusa was founded in 733 BC by Corinthian settlers. Cicero called it the loveliest city in the world. Siracusa rose to become the supreme Mediterranean power of its age under Dionysius the Elder, defeating Athens at sea in 415 BC.

Dionysius was a horrible tyrant, but sponsored the golden period of building in this city.

On the way to Siracusa, heading from the direction of Catania, get off SS114 at Belvadere, go throu town, and stop at the Castello Urallio. This is the largest fortress still standing from antiquity, and is an impressive structure. A must visit, as of 2001 there is no fee for visiting.

The Greek Theater was built in 474 BC, and seats 15,000. Surrounded by trees, nice views of Siracusa and the water can be had from it's highest vantage points. The theater itself is hewn from the rock, the majority of the surface structure having been removed by the Spanish in order to provide stone for one of their fortresses in the 15th. Century.

Next to the theater is the rubble of Hieron II's alter, a massive sacrificial alter that is at least 100 yards long, and the main rock quarry where the stone was cut. One cave in this quarry, known as the Ear of Dionysis because of its shape, extends deep into the hillside and one can hear oneself echo for quite a ways.

Only a 200 meters from the Greek theater is the Roman Amphitheater, for apparently the Romans were convinced that they could better the Greek's attempt.

After touring these two sites, the GIAK Staff normally heads to the island of Ortygia. Part of Siracusa, Ortygia sports the old city, narrow streets, and a number of good restaurants. After a great meal we always walk around the island.

A must visit is the cathederal on Ortygia. Originally a Greek doric temple, it was converted to a Norman Catholic church in the 11th Century, and some joker added a Baroque facade to it in the 16th. It is truly an amazing building.

The Teatro Greco (Dec. 1998)

The Teatro Greco (Dec. 1998)

The Roman Amphitheater (Dec. 1998)

The Roman Amphitheater (Dec. 1998)

The Roman Amphitheater (Courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999)

Garbo and GIAK staffer Brett at the Roman Amphitheater (Dec. 1998)

The cave known as the Ear of Dionysis (Dec. 1998)

The temple of Apollo, on the island of Ortygia (April 1999)

The bridge to Ortygia (Courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999)

The seawall in Ortygia (Courtesy Roger Byers, Jan 1999)

Post dinner, the GIAK Crew enjoys the view of the Med on the island of Ortega in Siracusa. (Dec. 1998)

GIAK Legal Consultant Gary smiling after having seen a umbrella girl and one box too many (Dec. 1998)

Mamma Garbo strolls down the old streets of Ortygia (April 1999)

Castle gate at the ancient Greek fortress of the Castello Urallio (July 2001)

Konehead Karen on the Ortygia waterfront (July 2001)

During the summer months, they erect instant lidos along the Ortygia waterfront (July 2001)

Sunset along the Ortygia waterfront (July 2001)

Copyright 2001GIAK Inc.