Ear of Dionysius

Syracuse, Italy

The legendary Ear of Dionysius is the most famous cave in Syracuse. It’s called this way for its ear shape and above all for its remarkable acoustic properties which amplify the sounds inside it. Its name was given by the painter Michelangelo da Caravaggio. According to the legend, the tyrant Dionysus used it as a jail and he used to eavesdrop on the prisoners’ conversations.

This cave was dug in Greek/Roman times as a water storage for Syracuse. A narrow tunnel was dug first. This tunnel was widened by digging down and sideways afterwards, giving the cave its unusual shape. The small narrow tunnel is still visible on the top of this artificial cave. An earthquake struck this area causing damage, and the cave became unusable for water storage afterwards.

References:

Visit Sicily

Address

Viale Giulio Emanuele Rizzo 26, Syracuse, Italy

See all sites in Syracuse

Details

Founded: 5th century BC
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

More Information

www.visitsicily.info
en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

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User Reviews

Tímea (9 months ago)
Nice experience, surprising but 16.5 € is a little more expensive than I thought it would be. Don't miss the ear of Dionysius - but read the story!

Tony Amaro (9 months ago)
Fantastic historic place. Some may be annoyed with modern sculptures throughout the park

Liam Jay Neustadter (9 months ago)
Nice place overall. A bit boring if you're not a modern art lover, but it's a really spacious cave and it's cool to explore!

Arash Boostani (12 months ago)
The Ear of Dionysius is a remarkable archaeological marvel in Syracuse, known for its unique ear-like shape and extraordinary acoustics. This limestone cave, carved out of the Temenites hill, is steeped in history and legend, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. A must-visit for those interested in the intriguing blend of natural beauty and historical mythology.

Rosalie DeGaetano (12 months ago)
Neapolis is an open air museum. It is very well kept. If you are into history you must visit! It took us around 2 hours to complete the full tour. We paid 16.50 euro each.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

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