Latomie del Paradiso

A clear highlight in this otherwise mismanaged park. Beautiful garden, quarry and caves. With the sunlight hitting the white stone giving it all an ethereal feel. The only things bringing this experience down is the addition of art that I think reduces the impact of this historical site, and the closed off paths.

Originally, it was a limestone quarry during ancient times, serving as the source of the city's construction material. Over the centuries, it evolved into a site with unique historical and natural significance. During the Roman period, it was repurposed as a place for prisoners, and later, during the Byzantine era, it transformed into a burial ground. In the Middle Ages, it became known as "Latomia del Paradiso," and in the Renaissance, it gained a more ornamental aspect. One of the most intriguing aspects of Latomia del Paradiso is the Ear of Dionysius, a cave with exceptional acoustic properties. According to legend, the tyrant Dionysius used it as a prison and eavesdropped on the conversations of his captives.

An amazing quarry now a sort of wild garden you can walk round while visiting the archeological site. Well worth the extra time and effort to descend down and just wander through. Cool and refreshing after the heat above.

The archaeological area of Syracuse is, in my opinion, not to be missed. I visited it with a guide who allowed me to learn about several aspects that I would not have noticed on my own

Great experience. Highly recommend visiting.

An historical and magic place. Doesnt matters that the administration do not care for it because it stays a beautiful place worth to visit

Must visit, beautiful place

LATOMIA DEL PARADISO Stone quarry and prison during the Greek period, later it was transformed into a garden, a "paradise " of lemon and orange 🍊 trees