Surroundings

Founded on the island of Ortigia in 734 B.C., at the foot of the Hyblaean Mountains, Syracuse was once the heart of religious and political power, as it housed the temples of Athena and Artemis. Today, Ortigia continues to carefully preserve the fragments of its past, including the Cathedral of Syracuse, the Temple of Apollo, the Maniace Castle, and the Tropical Aquarium overlooking the Aretusa Fountain. A unique heritage that creates a geographic bridge with the mainland and a cultural one with the millennial history of these places.

Noto was born from the urban centres of ancient Noto and the present-day city, rebuilt in Baroque style after the earthquake at the end of the 17th century. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2002, along with the other late-Baroque cities of the area, Noto stands out for its Porta Reale, the gateway to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the beauty of its Cathedral, the Church of Santa Chiara, and Palazzo Nicolaci. Its streets and monuments embody the splendour of the Baroque architecture that envelops the city.

Taormina, also known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea, was founded by the Chalcidians of Naxos in 358 B.C., and still preserves historical monuments such as the precious Ancient Theatre from the Hellenistic era. Suspended between the sea and Mount Tauro, Taormina offers breathtaking views of the most iconic symbol of Trinacria: Mount Etna. Among blooming alleys and panoramic terraces such as Piazza IX Aprile, this city creates a unique blend of history, culture, and enchanting landscapes.

The Archimedes and Leonardo Museum in Ortigia offers a fascinating cultural experience dedicated to the genius and inventions of the Syracusan scientist Archimedes and one of his most passionate admirers, Leonardo da Vinci. A dog-friendly museum designed for everyone, especially families, thanks to educational paths, workshops, and multilingual interactive tours that inspire the curiosity of the youngest visitors.

Marzamemi is a seaside village famous for its Tonnara and for bottarga production. With architecture influenced by the earliest Arab settlement, its beating heart is Piazza Margherita, surrounded by fishermen’s houses and ancient workshops. Even today it preserves a timeless charm that has turned it into an open-air film set: movies such as "L’uomo delle stelle" by Tornatore and "Sud" by Salvatores were filmed here, and every year it hosts the Border Film Festival (Festival del Cinema di Frontiera).

Nestled among the Hyblaean Mountains, Pantalica, and the Anapo Valley, Palazzolo Acreide is a truly distinctive town, featuring remarkable Baroque architecture enriched by influences from different eras, including Liberty-style buildings, rock-cut sculptures, and traces dating back to the Arab and Aragonese dominations. The town develops around the ancient settlement of Akrai, with its medieval village and an urban layout characterized by churches and noble palaces.