Castello Maniace
A 13th-century sea castle at the southern tip of Ortigia, built on the orders of Frederick II. Its walls face the sea on three sides, with views over the harbor.
Castello Maniace was built around 1232 to 1240 on the orders of Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily. Its name comes from George Maniakes, the Byzantine general who briefly recaptured Syracuse in the 11th century. The castle has a square plan with round towers at the corners. Its most striking feature is the interior hall, with stone columns and cross vaults, and the finely decorated Gothic gateway. Later it served as a barracks and gunpowder store, and in the 16th century a bastion was added. Climbing the walls and outer terraces offers views of the great harbor, the lighthouse and the Ionian Sea. The castle sits at the southernmost tip of Ortigia, about a 5-minute walk from the Fountain of Arethusa along the seafront promenade. Admission is a few euros, and it is usually open from morning until evening (it may close on Mondays, so check official information). In summer, locals swim and sunbathe on the rocks nearby, and the evening light is good for photos.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30–18:30; closed on certain dates (check official sources)
Nearby sights
- Fountain of Arethusa
- Ortygia, Syracuse
- Ortigia Market
- Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime
- Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum
- Ciane River Papyrus
- Catacombs of San Giovanni
- Neapolis Archaeological Park