Siracusa (Sicily Italy, Syracuse)

Siracusa (Syracuse) is a port city on the southeast coast of Sicily Island (Italy) and the capital of Syracuse province, with population around 125,000. The town is notable for its Ancient Greek history, architecture, culture and is famous for being the birthplace of Archimedes (287-212 BC/Greek mathematician and engineer).

On cruise shore excursions from Port Siracusa (locode ITSIR) is visited the town of Noto (UNESCO site since 2002) located approx 32 km (20 mi) to the southwest. Main sights in Noto are Palazzo Ducezio (town hall), palaces/palazzo (Astuto, di Villadorata, di Lorenzo del Castelluccio), the Town Library, as well as the Cattedrale di San Nicolò di Mira and numerous beautiful churches.

Syracuse played an important role in ancient times when it was among the major powers in the Mediterranean. Established by Corinthians and Teneans as a city-state, Syracuse allied with Corinth and Sparta and exerted influence over the entire Magna Graecia (Great Greece), of which it was part. During the 5th century BC, Syracuse equaled in size Athens. Later, it became part of the Roman Republic (509-27 BC) and Byzantine Empire (395-1453 AD). Palermo later overtook it in importance becoming capital of Regnum Siciliae (Kingdom of Sicily / 1194-1254). Eventually, Regnum Siciliae was united with Regnum Neapolitanum (Kingdom of Naples / 1282-1816).

The city is mentioned in Holy Bible (Acts of Apostles, 28:12). Saint Lucy (the town's patron saint) was born here. Saint Lucy's Day (her feast day) is celebrated on December 13.