Ear of Dionysius — Attraction in Syracuse

The teardrop shape of the Ear of Dionysus cavern (Orecchio di Dionisio in the original Italian) is famous for acoustic properties that amplify even the quietest of sounds, allowing them to be heard through an opening at the top, some 72 feet from the ground.The cave, which is characterized by a narrow tunnel at the top that widens into the more expansive cavern below, is believed to have been hewn from an ancient limestone quarry. Some, however, speculate that the unique shape was formed from natural rather than manmade processes and is preserved in its original state due to reverence for the strange acoustics which were perceived as sacred.

The cave was named by Italian painter Caravaggio after the Greek tyrant Dionysius I who ruled Syracuse from 432 to 367 B.C. According to legend, Dionysius used the cave as a prison, spying on his captives from the small opening at the top of the cave where even whispers from the cavern below could be clearly heard. Recent investigations, however, have found this myth to be implausible; though the amplifying effects of the cave’s shape are indeed impressive, they don’t account for the resonance which garbles even the best enunciated speech. Another more gruesome tale holds that the sadistic emperor, rather than listening for secrets, took satisfaction in hearing the amplified screams of his prisoners as they were tortured.

At one point visitors could ascend to the top of the cave via a rope and pulley in order to fully appreciate the cave’s acoustic qualities, but due to safety concerns that option no longer exists and tourists must content themselves with appreciating the effects from the...

Walking towards the entrance of the ancient cave is quite an experience.

The form of the opening reminds the observer of an elongated and over-sized ear.

According to some historical reports the cave was used as a prison by Dionysius the Elder who reigned between 432 and 367 BC as a Greek tyrant of Syracuse and was feared for his cruelty and vindictiveness.

The acoustics inside the cave is remarkable and according to legend Dionysius listened in secret to the discussions of the prisoners which were amplified by the particular shape of the cave. Of course, those involuntary revelations were often detrimental for the fate of the prisoners as he made sure that they paid dearly if he did not like what he had heard.

However it was not until the early 17th century that the cave was given the name Orecchio di Dionisio or Ear of Dionysius by the famous painter and artist Michelangelo Merisi, detto il Caravaggio who visited the cave and was strug by it's form and amazing acoustics.

On a sidenote it must be mentioned that the staff at the ticket booth are disinterested in their work, rude and occupied in talking to their fellow "co-workers". It appears as if visitors to the park for which an entrance fee is solicited are regarded as a...

The Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio) is included in the Greek Theatre tour (adult tickets cost €17). This ticket also gives you access to a discounted evening performance price of €20, should you choose to attend one.

Please note: parts of the site may be closed—especially during the summer months through October—due to preparations for these evening shows, so the experience might be somewhat reduced.

In case you're curious, the Ear of Dionysius is a remarkable man-made limestone cave located in the ancient quarry of Latomia del Paradiso in Syracuse, Sicily. Believed to have been carved in the 5th century BC to extract building materials, it is renowned for its unique ear-like shape and exceptional acoustics.

The name was given by the artist Caravaggio in the 17th century, inspired by both its form and the eerie echoes inside. According to legend, the tyrant Dionysius I of Syracuse used the cave as a prison and secretly eavesdropped on prisoners by taking advantage of its echo...