The Neapolis

The Neapolis

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 of the last districts of Syracuse to be built and was also the largest.
Over the centuries, Neapolis hosted great and majestic monuments that symbolised the city’s power and wealth: the Greek theatre, the Roman amphitheatre and a huge sacrificial altar.
Today, where the Neapolis district of ancient Syracuse stood, there is a large archaeological park, created in the 12th century with the aim of preserving the remains of Greek and Roman monuments that have survived to this day.
The park is crossed by the Temenite Hill, which divides the area into two parts: to the south you can visit the ancient monuments of Neapolis, with Greek and Roman ruins; while in the north there are deep latomie, mysterious caves and grottoes dug into the mountain’s rock.

Giudecca and fire. Cooking and the Jewish religion

Neapolis and fire. The Altar of Hieron and the sacrificial fire

Nature in Neapolis

A journey to Pantalica

Giudecca and the earth element. Between gardens and artisan workshops

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

Giudecca and air. The Basilica of San Giovannello

Neapolis and the air element. The Ear of Dionysius

Pantalica and the earth element

The Neapolis

The fountain of Diana in Piazza Archimede

The interior of the Cathedral of Syracuse

Giudecca

Pantalica and water: the Myth of the Anapo River

Neapolis and the water element. The Nymphaeum

Giudecca and water. The ritual baths: the Casa Bianca mikveh

Pantalica and air. The skies of Pantalica: from hawks to bats

Ortygia

The Cathedral of Syracuse

The naumachiae: naval battles at the theatre

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

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

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

Ortygia and water. The Fountain of Arethusa

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