Colours, smells, sounds and aromas chase each other in Siracusa. The same that have made Siracusa unique since ancient times. Admire with us what gave life to the famous crafts and traditions of the city.

Siracusa is in a strategic position. Thanks to its fleets and the genius of Archimedes, it won many battles and always had a great seafaring tradition. A tradition based on arts and crafts, as shown by the Museum of the Sea (SIRMUMA). Here you’ll also see the “buzzetti sarausani”, typical boats from the city. If you want to see them in the sea, visit Siracusa in August when there is the traditional “Historical Regatta” of the neighbourhoods.

Horatio Nelson also stopped in the city before his victorious battle against Napoleon at Abukir. According to the admiral, he won thanks to the water of the Fountain of Arethusa.

The same water where papyrus grows.

The famous plant used by Egyptians grows only along the Nile and on the banks of the River Ciane. It seems that the “Cyperus Papyrus” plant was imported from Egypt by the tyrant Ierone II. Sailors from Siracusa only used it to make ropes and baskets at the time; Saverio Landolina started to use it to produce paper in 1780.

This tradition gave life to important studies that can be seen at the Museum of Papyrus.

Siracusa is also art and entertainment.

Every night in Ortigia puppeteer voices enchant audiences with stories of “pupi”: the Opera dei Pupi, Sicilian puppet theatre. A must see is also the Puppet Museum that preserves and hands down this ancient craft for generations to come.

The sun is setting and the fresh spring air invades the streets of Siracusa, it is time for another old tradition.

Another theatre but the same passion for performing great operas. From May to June, spectators from all over the world arrive in Siracusa to see the classical plays by the I.N.D.A. foundation. A unique opportunity to see Siracusa in a different light.

Not far, in the heart of Ortigia, you will hear other theatrical voices like those of actors. It is the “theatre” of the city, where the seller’s voices of the Ortigia Market blend with those of buyers among the colours and aromas of the market stalls.

Siracusa is a beautiful open air theatre.