Sicily – this island is without a doubt one of the most beautiful sides of Italy. It is embraced by a sometimes gentle and sometimes wild sea and blessed with an almost permanently serene sky. If you stroll through the ancient city of Syracuse in Sicily with your eyes open, you will embark on a journey into the past and thus into the varied history of this region. Before Syracuse became what it is today, Romans and Greeks were here. The holidaymaker follows in the footsteps of this era during a stay in this cheerful yet melancholic city.

The hometown of the genius Archimedes

Syracuse is also associated with the name of a historical figure. With that of the brilliant mathematician, designer and physicist Archimedes. Even though much of the Greek’s life remained hidden behind a veil, this man became a legend. Not least because he rendered outstanding services to Syracuse in the Second Punic War between the forces of Rome and Carthage by developing completely new throwing machines for his Sicilian hometown during the siege. Several centuries later, Syracuse replaced Constantinople as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, albeit only for a short time. This metropolis in the deep European south can look back on a rich history. And she is proud of the testimonies of past eras.

The statue of the Apostle Paul

The first traces of Syracuse have been found on the Ortygia peninsula. Here there was an abundant freshwater spring not far from the meandering rivers Ciana and Anapo, the Fonte Aretusa, which still bubbles today. The city was founded during the reign of the tyrant Dionysius, but the terrain of the so-called “quail island” Ortygia soon became too small to accommodate almost five hundred thousand people. But the ancient core of Syracuse is located in Ortygia, with the winding streets of a charming old town. Between the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the historic harbor, there is haggling as always over the price of the fish caught. On the site of the former temple veneration for the deity Athena, a Christian church now rises on the cathedral square. Many devout Sicilians are convinced that the apostle Paul landed in Syracuse on his way to Rome . A statue has been dedicated to him in front of the cathedral.

The Old Town in the UNESCO List

When Syracuse was almost completely destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1693, the city was rebuilt in the Baroque style. Santa Maria delle Colonne, the main church of the city, was created as an amazing architectural mixture of different elements. Here you will find a mixture of temples of antiquity as well as Norman architectural styles and the perfect devotion to the Baroque. Inside the cathedral, the beautiful mosaic work and the four-metre-high silver statue of Saint Lucia are remarkable. The wooden roof from the 16th century has been preserved. In the evening hours, the Piazza del Duomo in the old town develops a very unusual flair and could serve as a cinematic backdrop with its palazzi. It was probably the collection of testimonies of different cultures that prompted UNESCO to include the entire historic center of Syracuse in the list of World Heritage Sites.

The famous “Ear of Dionysius”

Visitors to the city are often overwhelmed by the power and grandeur of Syracuse. After all, this metropolis was a kind of cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean for a long time. At the latest when visiting the archaeological park Neapolis, the guest gets an impression of the former dimensions. In addition to the huge amphitheater with its once 15,000 seats, the so-called “Ear of Dionysius” is a visitor magnet in the park. This is a cave in the limestone. The entrance to this 65-metre-deep grotto actually resembles a human ear and has always been the birthplace of various legends. The cave is part of the “Latomia del Paradiso”, a quarry where material was extracted for the construction of the ancient city. Friedrich Schiller was inspired by the “Ear of Dionysius” to write his ballad “Die Bürgschaft”.

Refuge of the early Christians

This city by the sea breathes history with its archaeological sites, but also with its museums worth seeing. The city dedicates the Museo Arkimedeion to Archimedes, the most famous son of Syracuse. The mathematician’s discoveries are the focus here, and because all this has been prepared in an understandable way, a visit to this house is also recommended for young people. In the ancient area called “Tyche”, the path of the visitors leads into the underworld. Not far from Viale Teocrito, the famous catacombs of Syracuse were built. They were once the refuge of the early Christians, who had to hide from the Roman soldiers. However, the fact that the apostle Paul visited this site could be part of the legend. The fact is that in these catacombs the Christians laid their dead to rest. The Basilica of San Martino is one of the oldest places of worship in Syracuse. It dates back to the 6th century BC and is located opposite Palazzo Bellomo. And if you have studied the ancient sites on the Ortigia peninsula, you should definitely visit the Castello Maniace. It was the Byzantines who started building this house as early as the 11th century. However, the Castello was not completed until the reign of Frederick II.

Perugia is not only considered the largest, but also the most beautiful city in Umbria. The old town, located on a 450-metre-high hill, offers a view all the way to the mountain ranges of the Apennines. The city of 150,000 inhabitants is rich in history and presents itself as multifaceted, cosmopolitan and full of charm and character.

History at your fingertips

The history of Perugia dates back to the Paleolithic Age. A first settlement existed in today’s city area as early as the 11th century BC. The roots of the city can be traced back to the 6th century BC. At that time, the Etruscans founded the first larger settlement.

Perugia developed into one of the most important cities of the Etruscans thanks to its strategic position. On a tour of the city, visitors can still convince themselves of the former heyday. The historical sights are concentrated along the Piazza Grande.

If you want to learn more about the city’s history, you can do so at Perugia’s Archaeological Museum. In the monastery of San Domenico you can admire ceramics and tombstones from the Etruscan period.

Defiant walls and babbling fountains

The city center is surrounded by two rings of walls. The fortifications built by the Etruscans date back to the 3rd century BC. Furthermore, there was a medieval fortification ring with five city gates, which extended over more than six kilometers.

The Porta Marzia is a preserved city gate from Etruscan times. In the 15th century, another Etruscan city gate, Porta Trasimena, was renovated. At the highest point of the city is the Porta Sole, one of the oldest city gates, which today is also characterized by medieval architecture.

The part of the city wall built by the Etruscans is called Arco Etrusco. In the immediate vicinity of the historic walls, the Fontana Maggiore rises on Piazza IV Novembre, probably the most beautiful fountain in the city of Perugia.

Proud buildings

One of the most important religious buildings in the city is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The foundation stone for the church was laid in the middle of the century 14th century. The interior decoration dates mainly from the end of the 15th century. The construction work was completed in 1587 without really having come to an end. One of the most important pieces of decoration is, in addition to the pulpit, a statue of Pope Julius III.

The church of Sant’ Angelo dates back to the 5th century. It is a rotunda. The city’s cathedral was completed in 1490 and is considered a prime example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral also includes an extensive seminar and chapter complex. In 12. and In the 13th century, Perugia hosted five conclaves.

Perugia for art connoisseurs

Art lovers can visit the Galleria Nazionale dell’ Umbria, the most important art gallery in the region. In 2018, the institution celebrated its 100th anniversary. The museum is housed in a Gothic-style mansion.

Visitors enter the exhibition through a richly decorated portal. The interior is dominated by works by Umbrian and Central Italian artists. The treasury houses works by Gentile da Fabbriano or Piero della Francesca. The collection is complemented by Umbrian masterpieces by Pinturicchio and Perugino.

In the adjoining building, the tour continues to the Collegio del Cambio. The medieval exchange office is decorated with numerous frescoes.

City of contrasts

It is not only the numerous students who give the city its very own colour. Perugia can also be explored underground. The path system leads through the foundation of an old fortress and is often the scene of events and exhibitions.

In a city where time seems to have stood still, escalators are less suspected, and yet they also shape the cityscape. Escalators provide the connection between the upper town and the old town. Past a historic backdrop, the path leads up to the historic city center.

In Goethe’s footsteps

At the gates of the city lies Lake Trasimeno, a popular local recreation area. Historically, the water gained importance when Hannibal inflicted heavy losses on the Romans here in 217 BC. The German prince of poets also seemed taken with the water. Goethe is said to have highly praised Lake Trasimeno on his trip to Italy in 1786.

Today, people are drawn to the lake in summer to swim. In winter, the nearby Monte Vettone with its 2,500-metre-high summit is considered a much-visited ski area.

Attention those with a sweet tooth – Perugia in a festive mood

Not to be missed is the tasting of Baci Perugina. The hazelnut pralines produced by the traditional company, which was founded in 1907, are known far beyond the borders of Perugia.

There is even a festival dedicated to sweet seduction. If you travel to Umbria in October, you can attend the Eurochocolate, the festival of chocolate. Those with a sweet tooth will find a wide range of chocolate specialties that can be tasted and serve as popular souvenirs.

Music lovers visit the annual Umbria Jazz festival. National and international artists who have dedicated themselves to jazz or blues perform there.

The surrounding area of Perugia is the scene of the sagre between August and the end of October. The weekly events resemble a harvest festival. The celebrations are usually held in the open air. Regional dishes are served with mushroom dishes, risotto or truffles