The Fontana di Diana is a stunning early 20th-century fountain in Piazza Archimede, Syracuse, Sicily, celebrating the mythological goddess Diana and her ties to Ortygia.

Located at the heart of Ortygia, the historic center of Syracuse, the Fontana di Diana was sculpted by Giulio Moschetti between 1906 and 1907. It was commissioned following the creation of Piazza Archimede in 1878, with Moschetti chosen for his acclaimed work on the Fountain of Proserpina in Catania.

Central figure: Diana, Roman goddess of the hunt and protector of Ortygia, stands tall with a bow and dog, symbolizing her dominion over nature and chastity.

Arethusa and Alpheus: At Diana’s feet is the nymph Arethusa, who, according to legend, fled from Arcadia and was transformed into a freshwater spring on Ortygia. Her pursuer, Alpheus, is depicted nearby, astonished by her metamorphosis.

Marine elements: The fountain’s basin features four Tritons riding sea horses and two pistrices (sea monsters), adding dynamic movement and aquatic symbolism.

References

1.  www.italyscapes.com
2.  mermaidsofearth.com
3.  www.tripadvisor.com

Text generated by Microsoft CoPilot Text generated by Mistral AI Text generated by Google's Gemini AI

Piazza Emanuele Pancali is a key gateway to Ortygia, the historic heart of Syracuse, Sicily, offering direct access to ancient ruins, sea views, and vibrant local life.

Located at the northern edge of Ortygia Island, Piazza Emanuele Pancali serves as a transitional space between mainland Syracuse and the island’s historic core. It’s flanked by three bridges—Riva Garibaldi, Riva delle Poste, and the bridge from mainland Syracuse—making it a strategic entry point for visitors navigating the ZTL (limited traffic zone) of Ortygia.

Temple of Apollo: The piazza is home to the ruins of the Tempio di Apollo, one of the oldest Doric temples in Sicily, dating to the early 6th century BCE. Its massive columns and stylobate remain visible and anchor the square in ancient Greek heritage.

Transportation hub: Because it lies just outside the ZTL, Piazza Pancali is a common drop-off point for taxis and shuttle services. Visitors often begin their walking tours here.

Local life: The square is surrounded by cafés, shops, and small hotels, offering a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to pause, grab a coffee, and take in the layers of history

References

1.  wanderlog.com

Text generated by Microsoft CoPilot

The Cattedrale Metropolitana della Natività di Maria Santissima, also known as the Duomo di Siracusa, is a magnificent cathedral in Ortigia, Syracuse, built atop the ancient Temple of Athena and blending Greek, Norman, Baroque, and Rococo elements.

This cathedral is one of Sicily’s most symbolically layered and architecturally unique sacred sites. Located on the elevated part of Ortigia Island, it has served as the spiritual heart of Syracuse for millennia.

Greek origins: The cathedral incorporates the remains of a 5th-century BCE Temple of Athena, visible in its massive Doric columns embedded in the nave walls.

Christian transformation: With the rise of Christianity, the temple was converted into a church, later expanded by the Normans in the 11th century

Baroque and Rococo flourishes: The façade, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, showcases Sicilian Baroque exuberance, with ornate columns, statues, and curved pediments.

Exterior: The façade is a theatrical composition of Corinthian columns, sculpted saints, and a central statue of the Virgin Mary.

Interior: The nave retains the original Doric columns from the Greek temple, juxtaposed with medieval chapels and Baroque altars.

Chapel of Saint Lucy: Houses relics of the city’s patron saint, including a silver reliquary and artworks depicting her martyrdom.

References

1.  www.comune.siracusa.it
2.  101-zone.com

Text generated by Microsoft CoPilot