italiano 
Ortygia and Sicily
Syracuse's historic center, Ortygia and Eastern Sicily.
Ortygia is precisely at the crossroads between east and west. This is the place where the scents of Sicily intertwine, orange blossoms with olive oil, briny air with spices to create a unique sensory landscape.
The Greek origin of the island, its capitals and temple columns, paved the way for the other diverse influences and elements brought by the Greeks, the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, the Angevins, the Aragonese and the Bourbons. These are the populations who have had a hand in the creation of Sicily and in its unique character, which is now on display here in all its splendor.
Sicily is unveiled at every step with its monuments and ancient ruins as well as in the interior of this boutique hotel. You can reach the Castello di Maniace by taking a walk from the historic courtyard where the sun beams down on a collection of historic plants. This castle is both a legacy of Frederick II of Swabia and an exciting vantage point from which to watch the waves. Heading back up to Syracuse you will find the Fountain of Arethusa, Artemisia and the Athenaion which are major remains from Classical Antiquity which contrast with the Baroque architecture built after the late 18th century earthquake.
The Neapolis Archaeological Park will amaze you with its Greek theater and the Ear of Dionysus which is an ancient stone quarry resembling a human ear duct.
Sicily is a land of contrasts which create astonishing harmonies and nuances. You will pass from the Greek to the Baroque style during a visit to the cathedral of Syracuse, you will listen to the stories that have been handed down for centuries in the catacombs of the church of San Giovanni or on the stage of the Teatro Pupi, and you will be amazed during a clandestine stroll in the Hypogeum of Piazza del Duomo.
Just outside Syracuse, between the shore and the hinterland, you will discover Noto the authentic capital of Sicilian Baroque as well as Vendicari nature reserve, a stage of migrating flocks. Rocks, sand, Mediterranean scrub and salt marshes extend for 1,500 hectares revealing a surprising and fascinating site. The poetry of Sicily reaches its highest peak at Marzamemi and its ancient port, the Ballata, which the the tide laps and partly overtakes every evening.
Assaggia nu cannolu sicilianu, guardati ntunnu circundatu di culuri tenui e luminosi, si rintra a cchiù bedda riggiuni d'Italia, ntâ vera culla dâ civiltà!
(Have a taste of a Sicilian cannolo, look around you surrounded by soft and bright colors, and step into Italy's most beautiful region, the true cradle of civilization!)
