The Neapolis

Neapolis and the water element. The Nymphaeum

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 at the theatre.
In the middle of a rock wall on this terrace, there is a cave with a vaulted ceiling. Inside, a rectangular basin collects the water that flows from a small waterfall. The fountain is linked to the Greek worship of nymphs , the deities of nature, hence the name of this place: il ninfèo (the nymphaeum).
Grotta del ninfeo
At the entrance to the ninfèo, there were statues dedicated to the muses. Three of these statues, dating from the 2nd century BC, are now kept at the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum.
The water that reaches the interior of the cave came from two aqueducts built in Greek times: the Nymphaeum Aqueduct and the Galermi Aqueduct.
To the east of the Grotta del Ninfeo there was a complex of water mills from the Spanish era.
They received water from the cave and poured it into the theatre after it was used to grind grain.
Currently, only the “millers’ cottage” of this complex remains visible today: a tower connected to the historical period of the Mulini di Galerme, the Galerme Mills.

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Giudecca and air. The Basilica of San Giovannello

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Neapolis and the earth element. Places of performance: the Greek theatre and the Roman amphitheatre

Nature in Neapolis

Ortygia

Pantalica and water: the Myth of the Anapo River

A journey to Pantalica

The Neapolis

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Ortygia and fire. Archimedes and the invention of the burning mirrors

Ortygia and the earth element. Piazza del Duomo: discovering the origins.

Pantalica and the earth element

Giudecca and fire. Cooking and the Jewish religion

The naumachiae: naval battles at the theatre

Ortygia and the air element. The Gods of Olympus and the Temple of Apollo.

The interior of the Cathedral of Syracuse

Pantalica and fire. The Metal Age: objects from the culture of Pantalica

The Cathedral of Syracuse

Neapolis and the air element. The Ear of Dionysius

The fountain of Diana in Piazza Archimede

Giudecca

Neapolis and the water element. The Nymphaeum