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Pantalica

 

About Pantalica

Basic Information:

• Archeological Site: Pantalica
• Municipality: Ferla, Solarino
• Region: Sicilia
• Province: Siracusa
• Coordinates: 37°8′N 14°59′E
• Zona: South Italy

 

Pantalica is a Rocky Necropolis in the Natural Reserve Pantalica containing over 5000 tombs. Since 2005 Pantalica is a part of the World Heritage List by UNESCO for its high historical, artistic, archaeological and speleological landscape.

The site is located on a plateau surrounded by canyons formed over thousands of years by two rivers, the Anapo and Calcinara, which led to the canyon topography characteristic of the area.

Several paths allow you to visit the site. The Anapo Valley is accessible from two gates connected together, from the side of Sortino and from the side of Ferla, as well as the Saddle of Filiporto. The area of Pantalica falls within the Nature Reserve of Pantalica, Anapo Valley and Cava Grande torrent.

The area of Pantalica sure had never been completely settled in the Greek period. During the early Middle Ages people exhausted from the incursions of the barbarians, pirates and then the Arabs searching for safe place found shelter in its inaccessibility. It is so why we have the testimony of the Byzantine era.

Today you can still see the remains of dwellings carved into the rock in the Byzantine era and the remains of the small rock oratories of the Crucifix Cave, of San Nicolicchio and San Micidiario.

The first scholar to deal with Pantalica was the archaeologist Paolo Orsi in the late nineteenth century.

 

Necropolis of Pantalica

Pantalica is full of cemeteries across its vast territory:

• The Necropolis of Filiporto is composed of a thousand tombs that extend on the slopes and in the Valley Anapo, belonging to the last phase of the city (IX-VIII century BC).
• The Necropolis of the Northwest, one of the oldest in the area (XI-XII century BC).
• The Necropolis of Cavetta of the ninth and eighth centuries BC with the presence of Byzantine dwellings.
• The North Necropolis is the largest and the most extensive and dates back to the twelfth or eleventh century BC.

 

Anaktoron of Pantalica

Anaktoron of Pantalica or so called The Prince Palace is the only one testimony of not rock construction on Pantalica. It is located on the top of the hill of Pantalica.

Today are visible only ruins of the magnificent building in polygonal blocks, once known as The Prince Palace, recognized as Anaktoron of a local prince (anax), dating back to the first phase of city life and somehow refitted by Byzantines.

In the Palace, Paolo Orsi found the remains of a bronze foundry, hence was led to believe that metal working was the prerogative of the head of ancient communities. Because of its unique position in the landscape of Sicily protohistoric the Anaktoron Pantalica, most of megalithic structure, was given by Orsi basically attributed by workers in the service of Mycenaean barbarian prince.

 

Opening Hours

The Archaeological Site:

Always open.

An audiovisual program on the site of Pantalica is screened daily at the Museum "Paolo Orsi", Siracusa,

☎ +39 0931 48 11 42

 

The Nature Site:

From April to September: 7.00 to 20.00.

Rest of the year: 8.00 to 17.00.

Guided tours (4 hours). It is available an audiovisual program.

Free admission.

☎ +39 0931 95 36 95; +39 0931 46 24 52

 

Address

Ferla, Sortino, (SR)

Sicilia, Italy

Riserva Naturale Orientata Pantalica, Valle dell'Anapo, Torrente Cava Grande

 

Where to see Archeological Founds of Pantalica?

Arheological Founds can be see in the Archeological Museum "Paolo Orsi" in Siracusa.

Address of "Paolo Orsi" Museum:

Siracusa, Italy

Viale Teocrito, 66,

☎ 0931 48 95 11; fax: 0931 48 95 32.

 

Opening Hours:

From Tuesday to Saturday: 9.00 to 18.00,

Sundays and public holidays: 9.00 to 13.00.

Closed: Monday.

 

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Agrigento ๑ Valley of the Temples ๑ Sicilia ๑ Sicily ๑ Italy ๑ Italia ๑ travel ๑ map ๑ info ๑ what to see in ๑ how to go to ๑ opening hours ๑ address ๑ advices ๑ curiosity ๑ recipes ๑ accommodation ๑ photos

 

Agrigento

 

About Agrigento

Basic Information:

• City: Agrigento
• Region: Sicilia
• Province: Agrigento
• Zona: South Italy, in the Mediterranean Sea
• Coordinates: 37°19′18″N 13°35′22″E
• Surface: 244,57 km²
• Population: 59 130 (by 30/04/2012)
• Patron Saint: San Gerlando
• Saint Day: 25 February
• Web site: Official Web Site

 

Agrigento is an antic city that in nowadays it is the capital city of the province of Agrigento in Sicily.

Founded around 580 BC, Agrigento boasts a territory that was occupied by the various peoples who left traces on the island. Already home to the indigenous peoples dealings with Aegean and Mycenaean, the Agrigento region saw the rise of the polis of Akragas, founded by Geloan of rhodium-Cretan origin.

The city reached its zenith in the fifth century BC, before the decline started from the Carthaginian domination. During the Punic Wars was conquered by the Romans, who latinized his name to Agrigentum.

 

What to see in Agrigento?

The Valley of the Temples

Today Agrigento is world famous with its Valley of Temples that since 1997 is included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Going there you should not miss to see its ten Temples (till today only very few of them were preserved very well), three shrines, a large concentration of necropolis (Montelusa, Mose, Pezzino, Roman necropolis and tomb of Theron, Early Christian, Acrosoli, Hydraulic works (Kolymbetra Garden and Ipogei), fortifications, a part of an Hellenic-Roman quarter, two important places of assembly: the Agora bottom (not far from the remains of the Temple of Olympian Zeus) and the upper Agora (which is located inside the museum complex), an Olympeion and one Bouleuterion (boardroom) from the Roman times.

More info about Valley of the Temples

 

What to see more in Agrigento?

List of Notable palaces, monuments, fountains and museums to see in Agrigento.

 

How to go to Agrigento?

Agrigento is located in the south part of the island of Sicily. Being also very far from the main continent of Europe it is not easy and fast to reach it.

• By Air

Agrigento does not have its own airport but however the most fast way to reach Agrigento is to choice one of the nearest airport to Agrigento:

• International Airport of Palermo - 158 km far from Agrigento.
• International Airport Catania-Fontanarossa - 164 km far from Agrigento.
• International Airport Trapani-Birgi -175 km far from Agrigento.
• Pantelleria Airport - 323 km far from Agrigento.

Once being at the airport the best solution is to hire a car or to get a taxi to Agrigento.

 

• By Bus

One of the ways to reach Agrigento easy is by bus. Agrigento has very good bus connection to Palermo, Caltanissetta, Catania, Sciacca and close to Eraclea Minoa, to Gela and Trapani via Mazara del Vallo, Marsala and Castelvetrano for Selinunte.

 

• By Train

Agrigento has good connections by train to Palermo and Caltanissetta, less frequently is to Enna (note that the station in Enna is at about 5km far from the town). Connecting with the east part of Sicily by train is not so easy, and takes a long time. The train station Agrigento Centrale is at Piazza Marconi, on the southeast corner of the old town. The second on station is Agrigento Bassa.

The stations in Agrigento are served by RFI.

 

• By Car

Agrigento is easy reachable from other cities in Sicily:

• SS189 from Palermo
• SS115 from Siracusa and Trapani
• E931 from Trapani
• E931 and E45 from Siracusa
• SS640 from Caltanissetta and Highway A19 from Palermo-Catania.

 

• By Boat

There are daily boats and hydrofoils in summer (fewer boats and no hydrofoils in winter) from Agrigento's port 3 km away - Porto Empedocle to the islands of Lampedusa, Linosa, Pelagie. See SIREMAR  and Ustica Lines. There are frequent local buses from Porto Empedocle to Agrigento.

 

• Go Around

The town center and its medieval streets can easily be reached by foot from the train station.

Frequent city buses run from outside the train station, stopping at the Archeological Museum and slightly further downhill, the main entrance of the Valley of the Temples. Buses 1, 2 and 3 all head down to the temples but you must buy your ticket before boarding from the bar inside the station and validate it once on board the bus. You could also walk, but it can get very hot in the summer.

 

Events and Feasts in Agrigento

From 1-st to 10-th of February every year there is a particular Festival of Almond Blossom in Agrigento.

More about the Festival of Almond Blossom

 

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Siracusa (Syracuse)

 "Have you often heard that Syracuse is the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of all. Dear judges, it is just as they say."
(Marco Tullio Cicerone, In Verrem, II,4,117)

About Siracusa

Basic Information:

• City: Siracusa
• Region: Sicilia
• Province: Siracusa
• Zona: South Italy
• Coordinates: 37°5′0″N 15°17′0″E
• Surface: 204,08 km²
• Population: 123 517 (by 30/05/2012)
• Patron Saint: Santa Lucia da Siracusa
• Saint Day: 13 December
• Web site: Official Web Site

 

Once Siracusa (Syracuse, Sarausa in Sicilian) was one of the largest metropolis of the ancient world, and the largest Greek city. Today Siracusa is the fourth largest city in Sicily by population, after Palermo, Catania and Messina. It is also the capital center of the province of Siracusa in Sicily.

In the province of Siracusa you will find the Rock Necropolis of Pantalica in the List of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO since 2005.

The name Siracusa derives from siculo Syraka or Sùraka (plenty of water) for the presence of many watercourses and a swampy area, especially in the area of Pantanelli. Both in Greek and in Latin It is plural, Syracusae, because the city was founded by Archia, a noble of Corinth in 734 BC. It became in a few years the Pentapoli as the original core, consisting of the island of Ortigia, then were added also other four groups: Acradina, Tiche, Neàpoli and Epipoli.

 

What to see in Siracusa?

TravelMapItaly Advices

Siracusa has very rich past and have preserved well many archeological and Historical sites in the city and surroundings. It is like a Little Rome of Italy in Sicilia (note of the author of this site!).

If you decide a day to go to Sicily do not miss to see this wonderful city and its remarkable sites.

 

Ortigia district

Ortigia is a beautiful district of Siracusa with many interesting and well preserved sites to see. In fact it is located in one picturesque island.

 

Curiosity:

The name of Ortigia district arrives from one the name of one son of Archia - the founder of Siracusa.

Do not miss to see the following pleaces in Ortigia.

• Apollo Temple
• Duomo of Siracusa Santa Maria of Piliere or of Nativity
• Maniace Castle
• Fountain of Aretusa
• Fountain of Diana huntress
• Palazzo Belomo - Art Gallery

 

Neapolis district

Neapolis is historically called the "new district" of the ancient Greek polis and currently the prime district of Siracusa. It is situated north-west of Ortigia. Here are concentrated the most important monuments of Greece era.

• Greek Teather
• Ear of Dionysius
• Altar of Ierone
• Roman Amphitheater
• Augustan Arch
• Latomia of Paradise
• Latomia Intagliatella
• Latomia of S.Venera
• Salnitro Cave
• Cordari Cave
• Basilica of St. Nicholas of Cordari
• Roman Pool
• Necropolis Grotticelle
• Tombs Street
• Archimede Tomb
• Sanctuary of Apollo Temenite

 

See more in Siracusa

You should not miss to see also in Siracusa:

• Aqueduct Galermi
• Latomia of Cappuccini
• Zeus Temple
• Roman Gymnasium
• San Giovanni Tombs
• Sanctuary of Our Lady of Tears
• Basilica Santa Lucia
• Santa Lucia Tomb

 

Just outside of Siracusa

• Eurialo Castle - Built on the plateau of Epipoli by Dionysius the Elder between 402 and 397 BC, the Eurialo Castle, with its 25 km long walls is the largest Greek Fortification. Don not miss to visit its basement, large limestone blocks 3m thick and the towers.

 

Natural Areas

There are beautiful Natural Areas in Siracusa and its surroundings. For those who likes countryside it is recommended the following places to see.

• Ciane River and Saline Natural Reserve
• Protected Marina Area of Plemmirio
• Cavagrande of Cassibile

 

How to go to Siracusa?

Siracusa has limited transports but it is easy reachable by car and train.

• By Air

The closest Airport to Siracusa is in Catania. The best solutions is to rent a car from the Airport of Catania for the time you are in Sicilia. On this way you will be more easy movable everywhere and not dependent from the transports. Catania is 70 km far from Siracusa.

You can get also a direct bus from Catania to Siracusa.

For more information see the International Airport Catania-Fontanarossa.

 

• By Bus

There are regular buses from Siracusa to Catania, Modica, Radusa, Noto, Gela and other local destinations. Buses are served by AST in Sicilia. Note that the site is only in Italian language.

 

• By Train

The Train Station of Siracusa is at about 10 minutes walking to the Old Historical Center of the city.
Siracusa is a head station and rail terminus with a traffic of long-distance trains to Naples, Milan, Rome, Turin and Venice and regional trains to Catania, Gela, Messina and Noto, Modica, Radusa.
To the south the railway is single track and not electrified. It is involved in a project with a view to upgrading along with the opening of the entire motorway Siracusa-Gela.

• Note:

Siracusa has five main platforms numbered 1-5. There are another three smaller platforms also numbered 1-3 that are marked "Ovest" - if you are going to get a train to Gela you need to go right there.

For more information visit the Italian Railway web site.

 

• By Car

Siracusa is easy reachable from North Italy. There are many other roads going to different places in Sicilia.

• If you come from North Italy and Catania you should come via Highway A18. A18 continues to Rosolini.
• If you come from Gela, Radusa e Modica you should get E45 to Ispica and then to Rosolini, where you can get A18.
• Use SS124 from Caltagirone to Palazzo Acreide. Then get SS287 and SP14 to Canicattini Bagni e Siracusa.
• If you prefer to travel via Panoramic way near the sea you should get SS114 to the North and SS115 to South of Siracusa.

 

• By Boat

The port of Siracusa is historic and vibrant node of trade. Since 2007 is affected by the construction works of the new tourist harbor Marina di Archimede.

The port of Siracusa consists two sections:

• Little Harbour - north of Ortigia
• Porto Grande - south of the city of Syracuse.

 

• Go Around

Going around the old historical city the better way to explore it is by walking. The archaeological area is at about 25 minutes by food from the Ortigia district.

You can also rent an electrical bicycle, scooter, canoe or camper for the time you are in Siracusa.

 

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Valle dei Templi (Valley of the Temples)

 

About Valley of the Temples

Basic Information:

• Archeological area: Valley of the Temples
  
• Region: Sicilia
• Province: Agrigento
• Zona: South Italy

 

Valley of the Temples is an archaeological site in Sicily characterized by the exceptional state of preservation, and a series of important Doric temples of the Hellenistic period. Corresponds to the ancient Akragas, monumental original nucleus of the city of Agrigento.

Since 1997 Valley of the Temples is in the World Heritage List by UNESCO. It is considered a tourist resort, as well as being the symbol of the city and one of the largest on the island. The archaeological park and landscape of the Valley of the Temples contains more of 1850 hectares.

Valley of the Temples is characterized by the remains of ten Temples, three shrines, a large concentration of necropolis (Montelusa, Mose, Pezzino, Roman necropolis and tomb of Theron, Early Christian, Acrosoli, Hydraulic works (Kolymbetra Garden and Ipogei), fortifications, a part of an Hellenic-Roman quarter, two important places of assembly: the Agora bottom (not far from the remains of the Temple of Olympian Zeus) and the upper Agora (which is located inside the museum complex), an Olympeion and one Bouleuterion (boardroom) from the Roman times. The names of the temples and their identifications, except that Olympeion, are presumed to be also speculation humanities, which however remained in common use.

 

What to see in the Vallei of Temples?

The Temples of the Valley

• Temple of Juno (Tempio di Hera Lacinia), built in the 5th century BC and burnt in 406 BC by the Carthaginians. It was usually used for the celebration of weddings.
• Temple of Concordia, its name comes from a Latin inscription found nearby, and it was also built in the 5th century BC. Turned into a church in the 6th century AD, it is now one of the best preserved in the Valley.
• Temple of Heracles, it was one of the most venerated deities in the ancient Akragas. It is the most ancient in the Valley: destroyed by an earthquake, it consists of today only eight columns.
• Temple of Olympic Zeus, built in 480 BC to celebrate the city-state's victory over Carthage. It was the largest temple in the western ancient world and with its unique architecture. It was characterized by the presence of Telamoni, huge sculptures twenty-five feet high, depictions of Atlas holding up the sky.
• Dioscuri Temple or Temple of Castor and Pollux. In fact, the temple is located inside the sanctuary and it was built in honor of the gods of the earth (Demeter, Persephone, Dionysus) and the Dioscuri. Despite its remains Including only four columns, it is now the symbol of modern Agrigento.
• Efesto Temple or so called Temple of Vulcan is also dating from the 5th century BC. It is thought to have been one of the most imposing constructions in the valley, it is now one of the most eroded however.
• Temple of Asclepius (Asclepio, Esculapio) is located far from the town's ancient walls, it was the goal of pilgrims seeking cures for illness.
• Temple of Athena was built away from the valley of Temples. It is located in the historical center of the city of Agrigento. On the basis of the temple now stands the medieval church of St. Mary of the Greeks.
• Temple of Demeter and Rock Sanctuary of Demeter. The temple is located in the eastern part of the city, on the side of the slope which concludes the Rupe Atenea in the valley of the river Akragas. From the terrace of the temple of Demeter, via a staircase built into the rocks, you reach the sanctuary below completely carved into the hill.
• Temple of Isis (Tempio di Iside). It is located inside the complex of St. Nicholas.

The Valley of Temples is home also to the so-called Tomb of Theron (terone), a large tuff monument of pyramidal shape, scholars assumed it was built to commemorate the Romans killed in the Second Punic War.

 

How to go to Valley of Temples and Agrigento?

 For more information look at How to go to Agrigento.

 

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