Page 342 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

Ortigia

The ancient nucleus of Siracusa, Ortigia best conserves the city’s essential spirit,
with the artistic vestiges of over 2500 years of history concentrated in a space barely
500m across and 1km in length – and all within an easy stroll through quiet streets and
alleys. Although parts of Ortigia were badly neglected in the past, there’s been a lot of

sensitive restoration and development in recent years, which has helped to restore the
old town’s lustre.

You can swim and sunbathe from Ortigia off Largo della Gancia, where there are
rocks, wooden decks and handy nearby bars, or from a paying beach below the Talete
car park, where sunloungers and parasols are available.