Neapolis Archaeological Park
Parco archeologico della Neapolis
The Greek theatre, the Ear of Dionysius and the Roman amphitheatre are concentrated here, making it the heart of Syracuse's classical heritage.
The Neapolis Archaeological Park lies north of Syracuse's new town. Its centrepiece is a Greek theatre carved into the rock in the 5th century BCE, which holds about 15,000 people. Aeschylus premiered his tragedies here, and ancient Greek drama is still performed each May to July. Next to it, in the Latomia del Paradiso quarry, is the Ear of Dionysius, a rock cave about 23 metres high, shaped like an ear, with an extraordinary echo. The park also contains a Roman amphitheatre and the Altar of Hieron II. Admission is about EUR 18. The park opens around 08:30 until sunset, and there is little shade. It is about 30 minutes on foot from Ortygia, or you can take a bus.
Opening hours
08:30–approx. 19:00 (varies by season)
Nearby sights
- Catacombs of San Giovanni
- Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Lacrime
- Paolo Orsi Regional Archaeological Museum
- Ortigia Market
- Ciane River Papyrus
- Ortygia, Syracuse
- Fountain of Arethusa
- Castello Maniace