ear of dionysius (orecchio di dionisio)

AberdeenAbroad

The size is spectacular and seeing photographs or reading about it doesn't really prepare you for that. Cool out of the sun is a boost after toasting round the amphitheatre. Very attractive area.

displayname

It's quite a cool site, especially if you're into caves. but there's not a shred of information provided, so try read up before seeing it

58vanias

We stayed at the park, looked for the huge cave but could not find it! We visited the Greek Theater however, this part is still missing. Maybe the weather did not help because it was raining.The tip is: if it is raining do not go, unless you satisfy yourself observing the Greek Theater only.Better: go to Ortigia (historic center of Syracuse) and stroll around little streets and visit the Piazza Duomo.

P2250JNjohnd

Neat sight to see and try to imagine how much of it's natural versus man-made. Although this cave is very interesting, other than the Greek amphitheater, it's really the only other sight to see in the entire park. Everything else is roped off...pretty disappointing.

OnlyEveryFiveYears

This is part of the Latomia del Paradiso (see separate entry below), which in turn is part of the Archaeological Park (also see separate entry). Given that you have really come to see the Greek Theatre (and the Roman Amphitheatre is anyway closed at present), the 'Ear' is definitely worth going to see. Apparently it used to be much longer but is quite short now. But impressive nonetheless.

978dianek

I was astounded how tall and large this cave was. The echo was also pretty neat - we were the only ones inside at the time - which was fun. It gets dark pretty fast as you go back into the cave.

Eugenio_aus_Wien

Basically on our own, we had the chance to test how good this cave sounds. Stunning scene, just beware of pigeon guano at the end of the cave. Pity parts of the park are cordoned off and no longer accessible

LindaDownunder

The Ear of Dionysius is a fascinating experience and worth a walk through the archaeological park and orange groves to visit.It would help if there was a little more information at the site about the history of the cave.

PBrave

Part of the Syracuse archaeological park. Have to see it to believe it, one of those unique places that is hard to imagine living up to the description -- but it does. Well worth the visit.

Dimka7

Fascinating compound of ancient Greek History. Must see all the surroundings and of course read about the history of the quarry and the Greek settlement in Siracusa.

Andreas777

the whole site is not well maintained and looked after - maybe due to off season ... still more can/should be done to keep this area appealing and interesting

835danab

The stone "ear" is huge, however, one cannot see it from the nearby street, due to the lemon/orange orchard in front of it. Once passing the entrance, after few steps, one could see it in all its beauty. It is part of the archaeological park in Siracusa (the ticket allows entry to several places, such as the Greek Theatre, Roman Amphitheatre and this one) and the entire park is highly recommended, it would make a wonderful day out to visit all of them.

awithj

One of the highlights of the archaeology park. You can pick oranges whilst looking. The whole area is an amazing day out

naugaman

With a good guide, this archeological wonder becomes living history. The ear was actually formed by the quarrying of the rock, starting 100s of feet high and removing stone until there was huge abyss in the hill side forming the "ear". Enter the ear(wear flat shoes and expect a little mud) and travel back centuries. Maybe Dionysius used the sound amplification caused by the hollow to spy on his people by listening at the top to what was said at the bottom. But the park was much more.See the other quarries,the stone burial tombs(couldn't spell sarcophagus) and of course the Greek Theater. Much walking over cobblestones uneven walkways but worth every step.

marthasleelanautable

OUr tour guide was a wonderful man who was reallly knowlegeable about the rock quarry and the plant life everywhere and the greek amphitheater. It was truly an exciting walking tour of a very breathtaking area. To add some frosting to the top of our expereince, our personal guide, David Macchi went deeper into the cave and sang a beautiful rendition of O Sole Mio for us. The sound was amazing and something I will never forget. Grazie mille David for the beautiful gift of your voice. We had a little bit of rain that day and our guide just took it in stride as we listened to him go on and on about the history of the place in the shelter of the Ear of Dionysius! What a memory-I will never forget.