The Syracuse Trail
Explore the most powerful Greek city in the west. Syracuse rivaled Athens, and its symposia were legendary.
Chapter 7 of Dionysian Odyssey · Italy
The stops
- Adventure · Price: moderate Syracuse Archaeological Park Syracuse was the most powerful Greek city in the west, rivaling Athens. The archaeological park preserves the Greek Theater (seating 15,000), the Roman Amphitheater, and the famous "Ear of Dionysius" cave. The tyrant Dionysius I ruled here with wine-fueled banquets that became legendary. UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Wine bar · Price: moderate Ortigia Island Historic Center The island heart of Syracuse where Greek temples were converted to Christian churches. The Temple of Apollo (7th century BC) and the Cathedral (built into a Temple of Athena) show layers of history. The streets overflow with trattorias serving Sicilian wines with seafood.
- Adventure · Price: moderate Paolo Ferrara Archaeological Museum One of Europe's finest archaeological collections, spanning from prehistory through the Greek and Roman periods. The symposium pottery, Dionysiac reliefs, and wine vessels show how Greeks brought their drinking culture to Sicily. The Venus Landolina is world-famous.
- Winery · Price: moderate Cantine Ferreri A family winery in the Syracuse countryside producing wines from indigenous Sicilian varieties. The Greek connection is conscious - they understand their terroir was first cultivated by colonists 2,700 years ago. Tastings include Nero d'Avola and Moscato di Siracusa.
- Wine bar · Price: moderate Noto - Baroque City with Ancient Roots The baroque masterpiece of Noto was rebuilt after a 1693 earthquake, but the region's wine culture is ancient. Noto wines from surrounding hills offer distinctive character. The UNESCO-listed town combines stunning architecture with excellent wine bars and restaurants.
- Tour · Price: moderate Agrigento - Valley of Temples The most impressive Greek ruins outside Greece. The Temple of Concordia is perfectly preserved. Wine at sunset overlooking the temples is transcendent.
- Adventure · Price: moderate Selinunte Archaeological Park The largest archaeological park in Europe preserves the Greek city of Selinus. Destroyed by Carthage in 409 BC, the tumbled temples and massive columns create an evocative landscape. The acropolis and eastern temples show Greek city planning, with space for religious festivities including Dionysiac celebrations.
- Winery · Price: moderate Marsala & Western Sicily Wines Marsala's fortified wine is post-Greek, but the region's viticulture is ancient. Modern producers make both traditional Marsala and excellent dry wines from Grillo and other varieties. The English-invented fortified style built on millennia of winemaking tradition.
The story
From the Greek theater to Ortigia's temples, taste how Greek wine culture conquered Sicily.