The Neapolis

The senses tell the greek Theater

hearing
Theatre acoustics, sound propagation and the thunder machine

The secret of acoustics in Greek theatres can be traced back to their semi-circular shape, which helps to “hold” sound. Great importance is also attributed to the steps and their slope: the stone suitably inclined structures act like acoustic filters.
Thanks to the stone steps, it was possible to reduce the low frequencies that disturbed the audience’s ability to listen and accentuate, on the other hand, the more acute sounds such as actors’ voices or musical instruments.
 L’acustica del teatroAlso well known in theatrical performances were the artifices used to create acoustic and visual “special effects”.
One of the most famous scenic machines, the bronteion, was used to reproduce the sound of thunder in scenes of strong dramatic pathos, such as the apparition of an angry deity or a disastrous event, and was made up of leather sacks filled with stones that were thrown into metal containers, perhaps made of brass, thus emitting a loud “rumble”.

sight
The panoramic view from the cavea of the Greek theatre

In ancient times, the choice of the place of construction of the theater was not random.
A typical feature of the Greek theaters was indeed the enhancement of the panoramic view. Even the Theater of Syracuse should not be exempt from this custom by offering a view of the arch of the port and the island of Ortigia.
Sitting on the steps of the Theater of Syracuse, the view of the Mediterranean is screened today by a huge expanse of trees and small shrubs from which the light filters clear and greenish by day, and red and warm during sunset.

smell
The maritime pine

Immersed in nature, the Greek theater of Syracuse welcomes visitors among the fragrances and aromas of the many species of plants that sorround the park.
Among the smells that belong to the earth, especially emerges the Mediterranean pine.
Il pino marittimo This tree, called maritime pine tree, is widespread in Sicily and is distinguished from the tree that produces pine nuts thanks to the smell of its needles.
By pinching the needles in the hands, pine from pine nuts gives off a more delicate and light scent, very similar to that of its small edible seeds, while the maritime one produces a more intense and sour essence.

Byzantine Pantalica

Temple of Apollo

Giudecca, the hidden Jewish heart of Syracuse

The Church of San Giovanni alle Catacombe

The Euryalus Fortress

Syracuse during the tyranny of Dionysius

The Museion and the Grotta del Ninfeo

The Ear of Dionysius and the Grotta dei Cordari

The Spanish fortification

Traces of Christianity in Syracuse

The Dionysian Walls: a masterpiece of Greek engineering

Pantalica: where nature and history merge

Ortygia. Venus rising from the waters of the port

King Hyblon’s kingdom: Pantalica, between history and legend

The catacombs of San Giovanni

The Athenaion of the tyrant Gelon

The Culture of Pantalica

The Roman Amphitheatre

Where seas and civilisations meet

The Altar of Hieron II: Blood and fire place

Neapolis from past to present

The Greek Theatre of Syracuse

The Gladiator performances

Crypt of San Marciano

Legends and magic echoes in the Latomie of Syracuse

Castello Maniace

Roman Syracuse, a military power thanks to the genius of Archimedes

The functions of Castello Maniace

The Jews, a wandering people

The cultural significance of tragedy

Piazza del Duomo, a sacred place of the ancient Greeks

The architecture of the Piazza

Inside the Cathedral of Ortygia

The Senatorial Palace

The Church of St. Lucia to the Abbey

The Cathedral of Syracuse

The Venationes