Siracusa

The ancient city of Siracusa was founded in 734 or 733 BC by Greek settlers from Corinth and Tenea.The city grew and prospered, and for some centuries stood as the most powerful Greek city anywhere in the Mediterranean. Siracusa fell under Roman rule in 213 BC, remaining an important port for trade.
After a period of Vandal rule, in the following centuries Siracusa was dominated in turn by firstly by the Byzantines, then in 878 the Muslims, again in 1038 by the Byzantines, the Normans in 1085 and after a short period of Genoese rule (1205-1220), the Normans reconquered Siracusa in the form of Frederick II, whose death brought a period of unrest and feudal anarchy.
The earthquake of 1693 changed forever the appearance of Siracusa, as well as the entire Val di Noto, whose cities were rebuilt along the typical lines of Sicilian Baroque, considered one of the most typical expressions of art of Southern Italy.
Siracusa today has numerous attractions for the visitor interested in historical sites such as the important Archaelogical Museum, and the Theatre. The edifice, modified by the Romans, is nowadays used for theatrical performances.

Places to visit: Catania, Acireale and “Riviera dei Ciclopi”, the nature reserve of “Vendicari”, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Pantalica, Modica, Ragusa.