Ortigia Rooftop Apartment

The Historic Ambience Of Ortigia & Views Of The Sea

Set atop an ancient Baroque building of the island of Ortigia, the apartment immerses you into the UNESCO designated heart of Syracuse. Overlooking the city and the sea, the apartment's perch and unique layout are positioned to make the most of the panoramic views and is laid out in three staggered living areas. 

The sitting room is at the upper level with arched timber ceilings and a colorful staircase that links to the dining room and kitchen, creating divided but bright and open living spaces. An external stairway leads to one of three outside terraces from here, with spectacular sea views. 

In each of the two double en suite bedrooms, the colorful detail and individual design is complemented by vintage items and tile with room for four guests. 

Inside, every room tells a story and all are linked by color and creativity, mixing everything from Art Deco and mid-century, to local Sicilian and Moroccan influences.  

The upper terrace has a refreshing open-air shower, particularly useful for cooling off under the hot Sicilian sun. 

 SIRACUSA'S ISLAND GEM

Once the ancient capital of Greece, Sicily's southeastern port town of Siracusa is a significant archaeological and UNESCO destination with an ancient Greek amphitheater, the Orecchio di Dionisio Cave, Apollo's Temple, and the Teatro Romana ruins. Its historic heart - the tiny island of Ortigia - is joined to the mainland by two bridges and is known for its Baroque palaces and churches and its maze of narrow medieval lanes that converge on the lovely Piazza Duomo and cathedral. 

There are a number of city beaches nearby with Ru Frati and its seafront bike path and park making an ideal destination for early morning or sunset ramblings. Further south, the pristine beaches and bays of Fontane Bianche, Cala Flies, Vendicari and the Pachino Marine Reserve offer some of the island's best. The UNESCO site of Pantalica and the  Cavagrande Cassibile reserve are perfect for day trekking, with deep canyons and natural lakes for swimming. 

Nearby Noto is also a historic UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning, wall-to-wall Baroque architecture and is one of the gems in the greater Val di Noto region along with its sister cities of Modica, Ragusa, and Scicli, all reachable within an hour or so.  

LOCATION

Siracusa, Italy. Nearest Airport: Catania Fontanarossa (60km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April through December is ideal but the region and the island are fascinating year round especially in off-season when you can explore without the crowds