Parco Archeologico della Neapolis

30 degrees today and we headed off to the archeological park...crazy!   As it turns out, there were shady groves to be found and a dark cave in which to cool down...and, eventually, a café to rest weary legs for a bit.

The Parco Archeologico della Neapolis comprises some of Syracusa's main archeological sights.  The Teatro Greco is a 16,000-capacity amphitheatre dating to 5th century BC.  There is an annual season of classical theatre staged here in Spring, which would be incredibly atmospheric, especially at night.  The Orecchio di Dionisio (Ear of Dionysius) is a 23 metre-high excavated cave which is said to have perfect acoustics - the tyrant Dionysius is said to have eavesdropped on whispers of prisoners who were held here.  Today it echoed with bird calls, whistles, and quite a tuneful rendition of Volare!

We walked back to Ortigia...there may have been some complaining from me about the heat...in plenty of time for a shower and short siesta before spritz hour...no more complaints from me!