Ortigia, Piazza del Duomo
Syracuse, Italy
The old island quarter of Syracuse, centred on a baroque square where the cathedral stands on the walls of a Greek temple. Leave the car on the mainland side and cross the bridge on foot, then finish with a walk along the seafront.
Ortigia is the small island old town of Syracuse, linked to the mainland by bridges. Its name derives from the Greek word for "quail". On the cathedral square, the cathedral stands on the remains of an ancient Greek temple of Athena. Its Doric columns, six on the short sides and fourteen on the long sides, can still be seen in the outer walls. In the 7th century the temple was converted into a Christian church. After the earthquake of 1693 the cathedral received its Baroque façade between 1725 and 1753, to plans by Andrea Palma. Inside are a Madonna della Neve by Antonello Gagini (1512) and a ciborium designed by Luigi Vanvitelli.
Since 2005 Ortigia has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica". Other sights include the Temple of Apollo and the Arethusa spring. Allow half a day for the square, cathedral and lanes, and walk across the bridge.
- Nearest town
- Syracuse, Italy
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.0620, 15.2930
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and December–February. Hot in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Parking ParadiseMotorhome stopover2 km from Ortigia, Piazza del DuomoMotorhomes
- IppocamperMotorhome stopover3 km from Ortigia, Piazza del DuomoMotorhomes
- Camping RinauraCampsite5 km from Ortigia, Piazza del DuomoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowed
- Caravan GardenMotorhome stopover8 km from Ortigia, Piazza del DuomoMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Paradiso del MareCampsite17 km from Ortigia, Piazza del DuomoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowed
- SabbiadoroCampsite17 km from Ortigia, Piazza del DuomoTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ortigia, Piazza del Duomo?
Ortigia, Piazza del Duomo is in Syracuse, Italy, at GPS 37.0620, 15.2930. It is about 27 km from Noto.
Can you camp near Ortigia, Piazza del Duomo?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Von Platen, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Ortigia, Piazza del Duomo?
Places worth a stop nearby: Neapolis Archaeological Park (2 km), Noto Cathedral (27 km), Vendicari nature reserve (34 km) and Cathedral of San Giorgio, Modica (52 km).
When is the best time to visit Ortigia, Piazza del Duomo?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and October–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, September and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)