Neapolis Archeological Park
Anchored back in the bay of Syracuse for a few days, we took the time to catch up with our friends from s/v Gambler and s/v Aihe. The kids all had a ball together running amok in town, picking up food at the fresh markets, and getting in some beach time!
We also spent the day together exploring the Neapolis Archeological Park; a vast area full of important monuments and one of the largest archeological sites in the Mediterranean.
The highlight of the park is undoubtedly the Ancient Greek Theatre; originally established in the 5th Century BCE and one of the largest in the Greek world. We imagined the great comedies and tragedies of the time that would have been performed here for the crowds. And from its position dug into the rocky hillside of Syracuse we could look out across the bay and spot Long Summer anchored in the distance.
It was also fascinating to walk through the massive stone quarry, that today is a peaceful garden 45m below ground level. In ancient times common criminals, prisoners of war and political opponents were often sentenced to forced labor here. Large stones would have been excavated over centuries, and crude tool markings are still visible in the rocks today.
These excavations have created large cavities and artificial caves in the rocks, the most prominent of which is the Ear of Dionysus. At 35m high and 65m deep, it is hard to believe the limestone removed from this man-made cave was done so with the most primitive of tools and engineering. Today it is famous for its acoustic amplification... No trip to the city is complete without shouting into the cave and amplifying your voice by 16 times!
Amongst the caves and relics also stands the impressive and massive sacrificial Altar of Hieron. At 200m long it is the largest known altar from the ancient world. Beyond it lies the large Roman amphitheatre of Syracuse, dating back to the Augustan age. It is so well preserved that it was easy to picture the nautical games and gladiatorial fights that would have taken place here.
It was the perfect way to spend our last day in Sicily!