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Studio Apartment on the island of Ortigia, City of Syracuse, Sicily (Syracuse was named a UN World Heritage site in June 2005)
Ortigia is the historic center of the city of Syracuse (Siracusa) at the most prominent part of south-east Sicily. Adjacent to the Ionian Sea, it is nestled in a jagged coastline "dotted with small promontories, protected mooring areas, delightful fjord-like inlets, and unexpected landing places alternating with sandy beaches." Ortigia is a small island named for the Greek word for quail, whose form the island resembles. It is delightfully intimate, and everything is only a five minute walk away.
It is an island rich in history, settled in 734 B.C. by the ancient Greeks. Later occupied by the Romans, and then the Arabs, it possesses an incredibly rich fabric of literature, painting, theater, and politics. It’s architectural wonders include a Greek Temple imbedded in a Baroque Catholic Church (the Duomo, in the center of Ortigia), a Greek Theater that is still used for the production of plays during the months of May and June, a Roman Amphitheater and catacombs, an 11th century Byzantine fortress, and splendidly restored Baroque squares.
Legend has it that Odysseus passed through Ortigia and that Daedalus arrived by flying from Crete. Ortigia's lively setting includes museums, libraries and galleries, cafes and restaurants, tavernas and trattorias, wonderful international boutiques coupled with artisanal offerings. Syracuse is famous for its wine-growing region owing to its fine native vines and ideal growing conditions.
The Sircusan Muscat is considered the most ancient of Italian wines and reaches its classic embodiment in the Moscato di Siracusa. Full-bodies red and rose wines are also produced here. In addition, a few minutes from Ortigia brings you to beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
Ortigia is 40 minutes from Noto, another UN World Heritage site with the finest collection of Baroque buildings in Italy. An hour to the north you will find the famous resort city of Taormina, with its own collection of antiquities.
Outdoor activities include swimming, sailing, hiking and, of course, people watching.
The simply furnished studio apartments (2) are each available for the use of two adults. The apartments were newly furnished in June 2005 and include the services of a property manager who will oversee your stay and orient you to the town and the workings of the apartment. For those who enjoy cooking, a wonderful farmers’ market on Ortigia provides the amazingly fresh and tasty fruits and veggies that Italy is famous for, as well as a dizzying variety of freshly caught fish.
The nearest airport is Catania with direct flights from all major Italian cities daily. |
