Italy off the beaten path: Ortygia island
The island of Ortygia (spelled as Ortigia, in Italian) emerges from the waters of the Ionian Sea along the eastern coast of Sicily , a few hundred meters from the mainland. It is a piece of land of just 1 square km in extension, and it represents the heart and true historic centre of the splendid city of Syracuse . Its name refers to Greek origins, but this area, rich in fresh water springs, was already inhabited since the Bronze Age, as evidenced by archaeological finds dating back to 3500 BC. and 1200 BC. Walking around the island means savoring centuries of history, art and culture. It means capturing the Greek and Roman civilizations and the indelible passage of the Aragonese and Arabs in the buildings and all the architectural details. Ortygia Ortygia Here is our top 5 things to see in Ortygia! Let's start our virtual tour! PIAZZA DUOMO AND CATHEDRAL Every itinerary in Ortygia should start or end on the large main square, beautifully located in the heart of the is...