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

User Reviews

Julien (4 months ago)
The place is magnificent and the entrance is 13€ for 1 adult, 6.5€ from 18 to 25 years old and free for minors.

Beth Belcher (5 months ago)
Our tour guide is a former oper singer and he gifted us with a song inside. Wonderful

наталья серебрякова (5 months ago)
Oh, guys, very beautiful place! If you like history ( Greece history) you will enjoy

Marianela Triana (10 months ago)
I recommend to go to the entire area. The site is impressive, the acoustic is incredible. The grounds are beautiful.

Sergiusz Tokariew (12 months ago)
Magnificent place offering a unique sound experience. However, the cave is not described and you don't learn about various hypothesis regarding it (we still don't know whether it is artificial or natural). Please remember also not to visit the place between 12-16 because it is scorching hot.

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