Rich Greek and Roman history on Eastern Sicily | Syracuse
In and Around Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily*****
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Ortea Palace Hotel Sicily | Syracuse
The 2,700-year-old city of Syracuse lies in the southeast corner of the island of Sicily. Known for its rich Greek and Roman history, it was the birthplace of both Archimedes and Epicharmus, making Syracuse in some ways the origin of both modern math and comedy.
Located in the far eastern point of Sicily in a mountainous area next to the Gulf of Syracuse and beside the Ionian Sea, it boasts a wonderful Mediterranean climate and long-stretched views of the beautiful island.
Sicily might be strongly associated with culture and nature, but its cuisine is just as refined, with the island often being referred to as ‘God’s Kitchen’. Syracuse is no exception, offering all the variety and riches that Sicily has to offer, but excelling in bread, cheese, and seafood due to the location close to both the sea and the mountains.
Where to stay
Located in a historic ‘Palazzo Della Poste’ from the 1920s, the five-star Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily lies right in the historic center of Syracuse on the little port. Just off Ortigia island and only a few steps from the best monuments, restaurants, and shops in the city.
Its 75 bright and spacious luxury rooms feature Italian design furniture. The wellness center is the ideal place for absolute relaxation.
This makes it the perfect place to explore both the city and the sea. Just the perfect place to come back to after a memorable day in the Sicilian sun.
Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily | e-mail | call | Riva Nazario Sauro 1, Siracusa, Italy
Where to eat in Syracuse, Italy
RISTORANTE ROOM CUCINA
Traditional Sicilian dishes are modernized in a beautiful and loving way: simple and pure ingredients but with a tremendous eye for detail, creative preparation, and subtle twists. The environment reflects it too and feels halfway between a bistro and a luxurious contemporary restaurant.
instagram | 5 minutes walk from the hotel
RESTAURANT MOON
An acronym for ‘Moving Ortigia Out of Normalcy’, this vegan restaurant loves to break the rules. A classic building with modern art decorations, and entirely plant-based twists on classic local dishes. They serve great cocktails too and often have live music.
instagram | 12 minutes walk from the hotel
CORTILE SPIRITO SANTO
With an industrial modern interior and wonderful courtyard, this restaurant feels decidedly upscale. One of the highest-ranked restaurants in Syracuse for good reason, everything is just top-notch. From the incredibly creative and delicious 6 to 8-course menus with great wine pairings to the admirable service.
instagram | 15 minutes walk from the hotel
REGINA LUCIA
Fantastic contemporary Italian cooking, paired with an incredible view. This restaurant has its terrace right on Syracuse Duomo Square and guarantees a view that goes with the spectacular tastes.
Book directly with Ortea Palace Hotel Sicily for VIP service & benefits
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OSTERIA DA MARIANO
A real classic. Be welcomed by owner Mariano and his staff with an amuse of orange in olive oil. The delicious antipasti and traditional main courses are an affordable treat. The ambiance is really what sells it, with a wonderful terrace in an idyllic small alleyway.
instagram | 15 min. walk from hotel
LA TERRAZZA SUL MARE
Stunningly dressed and flavourful dishes on a spectacular terrace overlooking the city, the harbour, and the coast. The focus is on seafood, but there is also plenty of delicious pasta and meat to be had.
instagram | 5 minutes walk from the hotel
DON CAMILLO
Curved stone walls and extensive wine racks surround the cozy dining tables in this classy and classic establishment. Incredible service - with the chef himself often stopping by to check on the guests - and even more incredible food. They offer a la carte dishes, but the restaurant should really be experienced with a set menu and accompanying wine arrangement.
IL CORTILE
A Sicilian bistro offering traditional cuisine in a chic and elegant setting. It is located in the ground floor lobby, the beating heart of the hotel.
From excellent pasta alla norma to Mediterranean tuna and buffalo stracciatella with red prawns from Mazara, this place combines the best of Sicilian tradition with contemporary creativity.in the hotel
LA TAVERNETTA DA PIERO
A true pizzeria, with great classic pizza and pasta prepared from pure ingredients like it should be.
instagram | 7 minutes walk from the hotel
AREA M
Wonderful seafood in a most romantic location, with an open and spacious interior thats, entirely made of glass on one side, offering wonderful views. With warm weather, the terrace by the water is even more amazing.
ARCHÈ
A lovely family run restaurant, with dishes that are clearly made with love. Especially the fried and grilled fish dishes come recommended.
instagram | 3 minutes walk from the hotel
ONDA BLU
A great fish shop with a small eatery inside. The dishes are simple while delicious, but you are guaranteed the absolute freshest catch!
15 minutes walk from the hotel
CIVICO 25
A hip interior and lively and varied crowd pack Civico almost at all times. And no wonder: they have an extensive list of beautifully presented and professionally served dishes, and offer everything from a simple meal to an extensive and luxurious tasting menu.
Where to go for a drink
FRATELLI BURGIO
A delicacy and wine store which loves turning its fresh produce into simply delicious bar snacks. The perfect place for some drinks with a bit of Sicilian-style tapas.
instagram | 2 minutes walk from the hotel
BARCOLLO
An exquisitely designed interior warms you up to what you’re about to get: incredibly creative cocktails that still feel like instant classics.
instagram | 15 minutes walk from the hotel
MOKRITO
Casual easy dining close to the water, for those who want to nurse a beer or a cocktail while enjoying a mini burger (or two).
CITYLIFE
An atmospheric cocktailbar with a hip interior and enormous, comfortable terrace. The perfect spot to sip drinks on a summer night.
BAR DEL CASTELLO MANIACE
The historic castle on the south end of Syracuse is not just for those with a historic knack: there is also a wonderfully designed bar, which is both an architectural marvel and a great spot for lovers of cocktails in a hip environment.
LE VIN DE L’ASSASSIN
A wine bar that combines classic and contemporary in its design and wine options. The food is great too, whether you want to snack or dine.
What to do
ORTEA PALACE CALLIGRAPHY COURSE
This unique calligraphy course by Master Corrado Celestri, reconnects with the historical purpose of the Post Office Palace, serving as a place where socialization and exchanges occurred through writing. Stories, emotions, and connections unfold within the confinement of the walls of the structure. This course aims to reignite interest and curiosity towards the ancient and nearly extinct art of calligraphy. Through this experience, the educational value of ‘beautiful writing’ is emphasized and it is stimulating fine coordination of mind, hand, reflection and concentration. Bookable at the hotel.
in the hotel
ORTEA PALACE SPA
The Ortea Palace wellness center features a Finnish sauna, hammam, whirlpool, an indoor salt water pool, and many different treatment cabins, all in a warm hospitable environment with delicate scents and vapours. Their flagship service is the innovative CLOUD 9 machine, the only one Italy. A therapeutic combination of light, sound and movement, the futuristic device promises complete and total relaxation.
in the hotel
SOLARIUM ZEFIRO
Looking for a great place to swim right in the city? This solarium offers great sun beds, fresh cocktails and food, and access to a nice beach and swimming platform.
instagram | 15 minutes walk from the hotel
SYRACUSE TOUR
All of Syracuse is stunningly beautiful, and thousands of years of history can be witnessed on every street corner. What better way to experience it than by a novelty tour? There are bus, bike, boat, or tuk-tuk tours on offer that highlight various parts of the city, just ask the hotel for information and where best to book!
ask the hotel
PUPPET SHOW & MUSEUM
Discover the Sicilian tradition of puppet shows and theater at this museum and theater. Very different from the typical colourful animals we think of in mainstream puppet shows, these are epic tales of knights, played by beautifully crafted puppets made from paper and wood.
instagram | 15 minutes walk from the hotel
PAPYRUS MUSEUM
Most people think of Egypt when they hear papyrus, but the plant grew in the greatest quantity in Syracuse and many cultures and countries have used the plant for all sorts of purposes. This museum, dedicated to this versatile and historically important plant, showcases everything from paper to boats and tools.
SHOPPING IN CORSO MATTEOTTI & VIA ROMA
Walk around the beautiful Ortigia - the historical center of Syracuse - and appreciate the surroundings while hunting for some beautiful items. The Corso Matteoti and Via Roma connect straight through the middle of the island and have all the best shops the city has to offer.
6 minutes walk from the hotel & 10 minutes walk from the hotel
CARVAGGIO’S PAINTING OF SAINT LUCIA’S BURIAL
After moving around churches in Syracuse, the famous painting has once more returned home to its origin, the Al Sepolcro Basilisk. A controversial piece worldwide at the time of its release due to the graphic and dark imagery, it has since been recognized as a revolutionary masterpiece. As the patron saint of Syracuse, Santa Lucia is dear to the city’s heart.
10 minutes walk from the hotel
GALLERIA REGIONALE IN THE PALAZZO BELLOMO
Centuries of Sicilian and Syracuse art and artifacts are tastefully displayed in a beautiful 12th-century palace.
15 minutes walk from the hotel
THE JEWISH QUARTER & THE MIQWÈ
In the basement of hotel Alla Giudecca you will find the biggest and oldest Jewish ritual bath in Europe. The baths were discovered just 25 years ago after being hidden away with rubble during less tolerant times. These baths of natural running groundwater are located in a cavern 18 meters below the ground and can be visited by the public, although calling the hotel to ask for a tour is recommended.
Book directly with the hotel for VIP service & benefits
Mention Bearleaders during booking for exclusive benefits
Gallery Ortea Palace Hotel Sicily
