It has a rich, cultural and historical tradition: the spring of Aretusa, luxurious an perfumed lemon and orange gardens, the ancient Greek buildings and the baroque monuments give the town a unique scene.

The historical center Ortigia, an island linked by two short bridges to Siracusa, is the most ancient, fascinating and enchanting district of the city. Walking along the streetsone you can appreciate the beauty of the palaces, chuches and homes witnessing the different periods of rule throughout the centuries: from the prehistoric settlements to the Greek, Byzantine, Norman, Aragonese and Baroque remains.

“Il Cortiletto” is found in the district known as “the Giudecca” where the Jewish presence can be felt in every street. Their settlement began from the Roman times until 1492 when Ferdinando of Spain issued his expulsion edict. In the narrow streets of this ancient district you can still feel the vitality of the times gone by.