Ciane River Papyrus
Fiume Ciane
Wild papyrus grows along both banks of a small river on Syracuse's southern outskirts. Take a small boat upstream to see one of the rare papyrus colonies in Europe.
The Ciane River is a short river that flows into Syracuse's Great Harbor, with dense stands of wild papyrus along its banks. Legend says the plant was introduced from Egypt in ancient Greek times. The area is a nature reserve and one of the few natural papyrus colonies in Europe. From April to October, small boats leave from Syracuse's harbor or the river mouth for an hour-long trip upstream, and the boatmen explain the papyrus and the myth of the nymph Ciane. Boat tickets cost about 15 to 20 euros. The city also has a papyrus museum that explains paper-making. The river is about 5 km from Ortigia and is reached by taxi or organized tour.
Opening hours
Boat tours approx. 09:00–18:00 (Apr–Oct)
Nearby sights
- Neapolis Archaeological Park
- Fountain of Arethusa
- Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime
- Ortygia, Syracuse
- Castello Maniace
- Ortigia Market
- Catacombs of San Giovanni
- Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum