Name

Ear of Dionysius

Description

The Ear of Dionysius is a limestone cave carved out of the Temenites hill in the city of Syracuse, on the island of Sicily in Italy. Its name, given by the painter Michelangelo da Caravaggio, comes from its similarity in shape to the human ear. The name is also linked to echoes in the cave.

Nearby attractions

Neapolis Archaeological Park

Via Luigi Bernabò Brea, 14, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Greek Theater

Via Luigi Bernabò Brea, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime

Via del Santuario, 33, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Santuario de la Virgen de las Lágrimas

Via del Santuario, 33, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Catacomba di San Giovanni

LARGO SAN MARCIANO, 3, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Catacumbas de San Juan

Via S. Giovanni alle Catacombe, 1, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi

Viale Teocrito, 66, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Syracuse Roman Amphitheater

Via Luigi Bernabò Brea, 14, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Tecnoparco Museo di Archimede

Viale Giuseppe Agnello, 26, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Mercure Siracusa Prometeo

Viale Teracati, 20, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Nearby restaurants

Koala Pub

Via Necropoli Grotticelle, 25, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Cafè San Giovanni Sicily

Via S. Giovanni alle Catacombe, 11, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Pasticceria Bar Leonardi

Via Socrate, 19/21, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

SICULISH HERE AND NOW

Viale Teocrito, 121, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Agathòs Ristorante Pizzeria Bistrot Siracusa

Via Tevere, 60, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Ai Grani Antichi Osteria Siciliana Pizzeria

Viale Giuseppe Agnello, 7, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Locanda Colibri' Don Turuzzo

Via Garigliano, 15, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Osteria Terra Mia

Via Giuseppe di Natale, 10, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Agorà La Cantina

Viale Teocrito, 115, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Teatro Greco Cafè

Viale Giuseppe Agnello, 8, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Keywords

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Ear of Dionysius

Italy Sicily SyracuseEar of Dionysius

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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 cavern’s floor.

V V

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 mere nuisance.

Epi Science

Orecchio di Dionisio is a man-made limestone cave in the city of Syracuse in southeastern Sicily, Italy, located on the Temenites Hill. It gets its name because of its shape resembling a human ear. Some historians believe that the ear is actually a special effects Greek theater located next to Latomia. The small crack was actually located just behind the stands and was - probably - used during the performance by a choir singing in the cave, who was vocalizing behind the audience. source of the song. Another, more frightening legend claims that Dionysius I excavated a cave of this shape so that it could amplify the screams of tortured prisoners. Unfortunately, the sound focus effect can no longer be heard, since such focus is no longer possible. Due to the reputation of the Ear of Dionysius, also used to refer to a hearing aid with a flexible tube. The term "Ear of Dionysius" can also refer to authoritarian states that restrict and monitor free speech, especially for political gain.

Martin Miler

An acoustic marvel. Used not only as a sister but as a prison. This is part of a quarry had a roof on its up until the sixteen forties when an earthquake caused it to collapse. In this fashion the workers could work in the shade and in the coolness of the quarry itself. If you come to Sicily this is a must see. It is an archeological wonder there are Greek and Roman theaters here Greek amphitheater's, Roman arenas. The columns that you see in the photographs were what supported the roof...

János Szablya

The effect of the echo is reduced if there is a lot of people in the cavern, but with few people you can easily hear even whispers. I found the best listening effect was at the entrance. The cavern is smaller than expected. Especially after you've seen it portrayed in the fifth Indiana Jones movie. However, the whole site is very impressive. Definitely worth the effort visiting. Please note that due to privacy some people have been removed by AI in the pictures I've shared.

Tor Inge Skaar

We came in January 2024 and it was not busy so we could take our time with the sites. A few tracks were either closed for maintenance/ restoration works so it made it difficult to give 5 stars as we couldn't see everything. We are English speakers and felt the information provided was sufficient. Cost was reasonable and if you're a teacher (local in Italy) you get free entry. Not sure whether the same applies to international teachers.

Michael Sacco

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Nearby Attractions Of Ear of Dionysius

Neapolis Archaeological Park

4.3

(8.7K)

Click for details

Greek Theater

4.5

(4.5K)

Click for details

Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime

4.5

(2.9K)

Click for details

Santuario de la Virgen de las Lágrimas

4.5

(2.6K)

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Nearby Restaurants Of Ear of Dionysius

Koala Pub

4.5

(789)

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Cafè San Giovanni Sicily

4.1

(566)

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Pasticceria Bar Leonardi

4.3

(515)

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SICULISH HERE AND NOW

4.6

(425)

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Address

Via Ettore Romagnoli, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy

Map

Phone

+39 0931 489511

Call

Website

regione.sicilia.it

Visit

Overview

4.6

(4.3K reviews)

cultural

scenic

family friendly

Description

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 cavern’s floor.

V V

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 mere nuisance.

Epi Science

Orecchio di Dionisio is a man-made limestone cave in the city of Syracuse in southeastern Sicily, Italy, located on the Temenites Hill. It gets its name because of its shape resembling a human ear. Some historians believe that the ear is actually a special effects Greek theater located next to Latomia. The small crack was actually located just behind the stands and was - probably - used during the performance by a choir singing in the cave, who was vocalizing behind the audience. source of the song. Another, more frightening legend claims that Dionysius I excavated a cave of this shape so that it could amplify the screams of tortured prisoners. Unfortunately, the sound focus effect can no longer be heard, since such focus is no longer possible. Due to the reputation of the Ear of Dionysius, also used to refer to a hearing aid with a flexible tube. The term "Ear of Dionysius" can also refer to authoritarian states that restrict and monitor free speech, especially for political gain.

Martin Miler

An acoustic marvel. Used not only as a sister but as a prison. This is part of a quarry had a roof on its up until the sixteen forties when an earthquake caused it to collapse. In this fashion the workers could work in the shade and in the coolness of the quarry itself. If you come to Sicily this is a must see. It is an archeological wonder there are Greek and Roman theaters here Greek amphitheater's, Roman arenas. The columns that you see in the photographs were what supported the roof...

János Szablya

The effect of the echo is reduced if there is a lot of people in the cavern, but with few people you can easily hear even whispers. I found the best listening effect was at the entrance. The cavern is smaller than expected. Especially after you've seen it portrayed in the fifth Indiana Jones movie. However, the whole site is very impressive. Definitely worth the effort visiting. Please note that due to privacy some people have been removed by AI in the pictures I've shared.

Tor Inge Skaar

We came in January 2024 and it was not busy so we could take our time with the sites. A few tracks were either closed for maintenance/ restoration works so it made it difficult to give 5 stars as we couldn't see everything. We are English speakers and felt the information provided was sufficient. Cost was reasonable and if you're a teacher (local in Italy) you get free entry. Not sure whether the same applies to international teachers.

Michael Sacco

Ear of Dionysius

Plan your stay

Pet-friendly Hotels in Syracuse

Affordable Hotels in Syracuse

The Coolest Hotels You Haven't Heard Of (Yet)

Trending Stays Worth the Hype in Syracuse

Posts

Nearby Attractions Of Ear of Dionysius

Neapolis Archaeological Park

Greek Theater

Basilica Santuario Madonna delle Lacrime

Santuario de la Virgen de las Lágrimas

Catacomba di San Giovanni

Catacumbas de San Juan

Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi

Syracuse Roman Amphitheater

Tecnoparco Museo di Archimede

Mercure Siracusa Prometeo

Nearby Restaurants Of Ear of Dionysius

Koala Pub

Cafè San Giovanni Sicily

Pasticceria Bar Leonardi

SICULISH HERE AND NOW

Agathòs Ristorante Pizzeria Bistrot Siracusa

Ai Grani Antichi Osteria Siciliana Pizzeria

Locanda Colibri' Don Turuzzo

Osteria Terra Mia

Agorà La Cantina

Teatro Greco Cafè

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