Under the rule of Gelon, the first tyrant of the polis, Syracuse expanded further and further inland and new districts were born. The city was comprised of four large areas: Ortygia, Akradina, Tyche and Neapolis.
The name neapolis comes from a Greek word meaning "new town". Neapolis was in fact one...
Neapolis and the earth element. Places of performance: the Greek theatre and the Roman amphitheatre
One of the unique aspects of ancient theatres and amphitheatres is their structure. Normally, part of these buildings was dug into the earth, into the rock of mountains and hills. This is their link with the earth element: a gentle slope offered by nature, transformed into the cavea of the theatre.
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Neapolis and fire. The Altar of Hieron and the sacrificial fire
The fire element in Neàpolis had a close link to the religious rites of the Greeks, i.e. sacrifices to the gods. The Altar of Hieron was the most famous altar in the ancient world. It was named after Hiero II, the sovereign who had it built near the Greek theatre.
The altar was 198 metres long, li...
In Neàpolis the water element is linked to a very evocative place: the ninfèo, or nymphaeum.
Above the Greek theatre there is a terrace where in ancient times there was a sanctuary dedicated to the muses. In this place, called the museion, actors would gather before going on stage and performing...
It is said that the aqueducts in Neàpolis could also be used to fill the Greek theatre or Roman amphitheatre with water. For a very special performance called naumachia, the orchestra was transformed into a real basin of water.
The naumachia was the staging of history's most important naval battle...
Neapolis and the air element. The Ear of Dionysius
The air element, represented by a special grotto called the Ear of Dionysius, is linked in this case to an acoustic phenomenon: the rumble of air between the narrow walls of this cave!
The northern area of the Neapolis Archaeological Park is characterised by the latomìe, from the Greek lytos meani...
The archaeological remains in the Neapolis park are immersed in a rich and fragrant landscape.
A flourishing vegetation completes the magical atmosphere of this place!
Evergreen plants typical of the Mediterranean such as olive trees, Mediterranean cypresses, pines, date palms and ficus live ...
MiC – Ministero della Cultura
Legge 77/2006 - Misure Speciali di Tutela e Fruizione dei Siti Italiani di Interesse Culturale, Paesaggistico e Ambientale, inseriti nella “Lista Del Patrimonio Mondiale”, posti sotto la Tutela dell’ UNESCO Regione Siciliana.
Assessorato dei Beni Culturali e dell’Identità Siciliana, Dipartimento dei Beni Culturali e dell’Identità Siciliana.
Parco archeologico della Valle dei Templi di Agrigento.
