Lentini
The Territory of Syracuse: Where Art, History, and Nature Meet
Have you ever been on vacation in Sicily? If the answer is no, it's time to plan your trip to this wonderful corner of Italy. We're talking about Syracuse, the pearl of eastern Sicily. The Free Municipal Consortium of Syracuse, which replaced the province of Syracuse in 2015, has been defined as a true treasure chest of natural beauty, art, history, and culture. With its 382,303 inhabitants and an area of 2,109 km², the territory of Syracuse is divided into four sub-regions: the north, the Iblean highlands, the Anapo, and the southern cone. Each of these geographic zones has distinctive features and offers different landscapes.
The Physical Geography of the Territory
The territory of Syracuse extends over the Iblean Mountains, in the geographical district of the Iblei. This physico-geographical region is made up of plateaus, limestone plateaus, asphalts, and lava volcanoes of Francofonte. The coastline is bathed by two seas, the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, while to the north and west it borders the metropolitan city of Catania and the Free Municipal Consortium of Ragusa.
There are four distinct sub-regions within Syracuse, each with its own peculiarities. The first is the northern zone, which includes Lentini, Carlentini, and Francofonte, with a breathtaking view of the Catania Plain. Here, you can admire citrus plantations, unique in their kind. The Iblean highlands are the second, characterized by dry stone walls, quarry furrows that give the landscape a rustic appearance, and flourishing agriculture. The Anapo sub-region is the third; this area of the territory is enclosed by a fabulous system of inlets such as the Gulf of Augusta, Punta d'Izzo, the Great Port of Syracuse, the Island of Ortigia, and a myriad of plains and hills that connect the Iblean area. Finally, the southern cone is an area where water is the absolute protagonist. The effect of the sea is felt, as well as the presence of streams that shape the karst of the plateau.
The Natural Beauties of Syracuse
The Syracuse territory is the quintessence of natural beauty, and Lake Lentini embodies this concept. The lake, one of the largest artificial basins in Europe, is a secular beauty and plays an important role in local life. The area around the lake is famous for the festivals that take place during the harvest of tarme, a typical product of local agriculture.
Art and History
Syracuse is a historical and artistic treasure, and sites like the Pantalica Rock Necropolis, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, to name a few, have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. The capital of Syracuse is a millennial city, whose foundation dates back to the 8th century BC. The city is a tangle of narrow streets and alleys where charming corners and ancient monuments meet.
The Island of Ortigia, in the heart of Syracuse, is a pearl set in the circle of the Ionian Sea, famous for the Artemis Fountain, the Temple of Apollo, and the cathedral of the same name. The Cathedral of Syracuse is a jewel of Sicilian baroque, enriched by splendid trompe-l'œil and rich in artistic treasures.
The Port of Augusta
We conclude with the port of Augusta, the second largest in Sicily after Palermo. The port, located on the Ionian coast, was created by Frederick II of Swabia in the 13th century and has been a reference point for trade and defense of the island.
In summary, the territory of Syracuse is a gift of nature capable of offering visitors a complete experience. Art, history, and nature merge to offer a unique experience and an unforgettable memory.
