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- Destinations
- Europe
- Italy
- Syracuse
Syracuse
Visitors to Syracuse may be forgiven for wondering whether they
are on holiday in Italy or Greece. This city on the southeastern
corner of Sicily's Ionian coastline once rivalled Athens as the
most important city in the ancient Greek world. Its Greek heritage
can still be found in abundance in both the ruins of buildings
older and more splendid than the Parthenon and in the myths and
legends centred particularly on its oldest quarter, the island of
Ortygia. Archimedes once strode the streets here and today tourists
who stroll around the Neapolis Archaeological Park on the Terminite
Hill can still get a feel for Syracuse's golden age of power and
prosperity. As well as the Hellenic relics, Syracuse also boasts
more than its fair share of Roman ruins and some fine medieval
Gothic architecture and art, all treasures to be singled out from
among the uninspiring high-rises and motorways that make up the
modern city. Parking is a problem in the city, particularly on
Ortygia where most of the medieval sights and the best shops are
located, and the heat can become unbearable in the height of
summer; however no holiday in Sicily is complete without exploring
the antiquities of Syracuse. Most visitors prefer to make day trips
to the city from the more comfortable surrounding resort areas,
where soft white beaches and fine wines can be enjoyed on the
shores of the Ionian Sea.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is
understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of
the country.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into
100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain
Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are
widespread. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with ease in the
large cities, not so in the smaller towns. Credit cards are
accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities.
Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than
casas de cambios.