Syracuse, in the southwest of Sicily, was a city of great importance in the history of Mediterranean civilization. Founded in the VIII century BC as a Greek colony on the small island of Ortigia, Cicero defined it as, “The greatest and most beautiful Greek city.” The world heritage site includes the rock necropolis of Pantalica, which contains over 5000 tombs carved into the rock dating back between the XIII and VIII century BC. It was assumed that Pantalica was an indigenous Sicilian society that preceded the Greek colonization. Other than the ancient archaeological remains, it is worth noting the uncontaminated nature of the place. The entire area is part of the Valle dell’Anapo natural reserve and is a beautiful location for those who love to hike, as it offers many different paths for all levels of outdoorsman and woman. It became a World Heritage Site in 2005.
