Roman Amphitheatre Syracuse
Explore the grandeur of Syracuse's Roman Amphitheatre, a remarkably preserved relic of ancient spectacles within the vast Neapolis Archaeological Park...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Roman Amphitheatre Syracuse
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the grandeur of Syracuse's Roman Amphitheatre, a remarkably preserved relic of ancient spectacles within the vast Neapolis Archaeological Park.
"Incredible ruins spread over a large area, offering a glimpse into ancient Greek and Roman life."
🎟️ Check Admission Days
Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is large and uneven, so good walking shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Roman Amphitheatre
Neapolis Archaeological Park
A remarkably preserved Roman-era amphitheater, offering a glimpse into ancient spectacles.
Greek Theatre
Neapolis Archaeological Park
One of the largest ancient Greek theaters, still used for performances today.
Ear of Dionysius
Neapolis Archaeological Park
A fascinating artificial cave with incredible acoustics, steeped in legend.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Check Admission Days
Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is large and uneven, so good walking shoes are a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities inside.
🗺️ Get a Local Guide
Signage is poor; a local guide or app can enhance your understanding.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Check Admission Days
Visit on the first Sunday of the month for free entry!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is large and uneven, so good walking shoes are a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. There are limited facilities inside.
🗺️ Get a Local Guide
Signage is poor; a local guide or app can enhance your understanding.
📸 Capture the History
The sheer scale and preservation make for stunning photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the historical significance and impressive preservation of the Roman Amphitheatre and the broader Neapolis Archaeological Park. The Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysius are also highlights. However, some find the entry price steep, especially when certain areas are closed, and note poor signage and confusing park layout.
"Happened to go on a Sunday when admission was free! Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy. Very informative historical archeological site for Greek, Roman and even early Christian history. Go early!"
johnsko Johns
"This is part of a larger complex that charges 17 euro pp for entry. This amptheater was getting the lawn cut, so I have the workers in my pictures. There was another amptheater in the complex that was larger and more for theatrical performances, but it was covered over in modern bleachers due to a recent special event. (They were in the process of tearing them down, so that was closed to the public.) Many of the other exhibits and areas were roped off as well. I do think it's a worthwhile place to visit, but I feel ripped off for the price charged. I should also note that most of the bronzes and statues were not ancient... most were done within the last 20 years."
Dave Kaminski
"There's alot of interesting things to see within the complex which saves the rating, unfortunately there's a lack of information and little sense of story which is a shame, also alot of the areas were closed off during our visit. The layout of the park itself is a little confusing with multiple areas, entrances, and box offices. The QR codes to the online map didn't work either. Make sure to get one of the local bases from the city centre."
Fredrik Lind
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Roman Amphitheatre is located within the Neapolis Archaeological Park on the mainland of Syracuse. You can reach it by car, bus, or even a pleasant walk from the city center. Many visitors opt for a taxi or public bus to get to the park entrance.
There is parking available near the Neapolis Archaeological Park, but it can get busy, especially during peak season. Arriving early is recommended.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from Ortigia, taking about 20-30 minutes. It's a nice way to see more of Syracuse.
Guided tours are highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and context of the site. You can often book these in advance or find local guides near the entrance.
These sites are within the same park, but sometimes require exiting and re-entering certain sections. Follow the park's designated paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Neapolis Archaeological Park, which includes the Roman Amphitheatre, typically costs around 17 euros per person. However, admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.
The Neapolis Archaeological Park has varying opening hours depending on the season, generally opening around 9 AM and closing between 4 PM and 7 PM. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
It is advisable to purchase tickets online in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid long queues.
Information on discounts can vary. It's recommended to check the official ticketing website or inquire at the ticket office upon arrival for any available concessions.
Unfortunately, some areas can be closed for maintenance or special events. While frustrating, the overall experience is still considered worthwhile by many visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park is extensive and includes the impressive Greek Theatre, the legendary Ear of Dionysius cave, Roman houses, and ancient quarries.
It is considered one of the best-preserved structures from the early Imperial period in Syracuse, though it is a ruin.
The terrain can be uneven and rocky in places, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. Some paths are blocked off.
To fully explore the park, including the Greek Theatre and Ear of Dionysius, allocate at least 2-3 hours.
While the ruins are historically significant, visitors often note a lack of detailed information and signage within the park. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The scale of the amphitheater itself is impressive from various angles. The surrounding greenery also adds to the photographic appeal.
Drone usage is typically restricted in archaeological sites to protect the ruins and for safety reasons. Check local regulations.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, professional photography or commercial use might require special permits.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel for your photos.
Occasionally, maintenance work like lawn mowing can occur, potentially appearing in photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical advice for families: Bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as options inside the park are limited. Consider a stroller or carrier for very young children, as the terrain can be uneven. Visiting early in the morning will help avoid the hottest part of the day and make the experience more comfortable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond free admission days, consider walking from Ortigia to save on transportation costs.
Pack your own picnic lunch and plenty of water to avoid purchasing expensive food and drinks within the park. While guided tours can be insightful, you can still gain a lot of knowledge by doing some pre-trip research on the history of the sites. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Neapolis Archaeological Park
+1Beyond these iconic structures, the park holds other fascinating sites. The Ear of Dionysius, a man-made cave with remarkable acoustics, is a must-see, shrouded in legend. Visitors can also explore ancient quarries, Roman houses, and early Christian catacombs, offering a comprehensive look at the city's layered past. Despite its historical importance, many visitors note a lack of clear signage and information within the park, making a guide or prior research highly beneficial.
Practical Tip: While the park is vast, some areas can be roped off due to maintenance or events. It's wise to check for any closures beforehand. The layout can also be a bit confusing, so having a map or following the main paths is recommended.
Navigating the Neapolis Park: Tips from Visitors
To make the most of your visit, consider these community-driven tips: arrive early to avoid the midday sun and the largest crowds, especially if you're visiting on a free admission day.
Bring plenty of water, as facilities within the park can be limited. For those seeking deeper historical context, hiring a local guide or utilizing a reliable audio guide app is highly recommended. Some visitors have expressed disappointment with the price of admission relative to the accessibility of certain areas, with some exhibits being closed off during their visit.
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