Neapolis Archaeological Park — Attraction in Syracuse

I know it is a cliche to start a review like this, but I really don't normally review sites like this. However, on this occasion I felt I simply had to warn people about the aspects of this park which are completely misleading in most of its advertisement. I was really excited to visit this park with my family , especially for the tomb of archimedes and the Greek theatre but as much as I hate to say with sites that should be as fascinating as these, the management of them left me really disappointed and in some respects a bit angry.

The first issue was getting in. We accidentally came in through the lower gate rather than the clearly intended Upper one, and it was pretty confusing to figure out where to go. Obviously this was not the fault of the park but even having reached the top the queue was unnecessarily slow and confusingly shaped. Then, when we reached the front there were some very strange rules around ids buying tickets which took a while to figure out. Normally I would ignore these as fairly minor issues, but I feel this is a situation of death by a thousand papercuts.

Once in, the first thing on the itinerary - according to the parks own outdated map - was Archimedes' tomb. However this was entirely closed off for unexplained reasons and, based on other reviews here, seems to have been for a while without the park having adjusted its marketing or ticketing for this at all. Carrying on we came to the caverns, one of the more positive parts of the experience, and dionysius' cave was pretty impressive in fairness.

Next we walked to the Greek theatre, which transpired to be by far the most genuinely anger inducing part of the trip. The monument itself is - I assume - genuinely impressive in size and preservation quality; however we were entirely unable to see it. The whole thing has been completely covered by a modern concert venue, which I can only hope is temporary, and is now not only not open to view but even this venue seating is closed of from walking for visitors. There was absolutely no warning this would be the case when buying the relatively expensive tickets and no attempt to adjust price for it. Worse still, some parts appeared - from the distance at which I was forced to stand - to have had concrete paths riven through them, a much more permanent act of essentially cultural vandalism. It seemed to me, that the management of this park has short sightedly cashed in as much as they can on the world heritage sights they have but will do significant damage to these monuments long term. It was this experience which motivated me to review, as the main sight advertised is covered and inaccessible with no warning.

Lastly came the roman temple and amphitheatre, which were much more visible than the Greek theatre (albeit a low bar), although even they had fallen into some level of disrepair having quite a few weeds growing unchecked up through them. We were also only allowed to walk around the edge of the amphitheatre despite clearly having been accessible for walking inside at some point in the past - again, without explanation or warning.

Lastly, as much as I hate to say, the staff were also a bit rude and aggressive at times. I understand they are likely fed up of dealing with confused tourists who don't speak Italian all day in the extreme heat however some of their behaviour was just not okay. The ticket seller at the entrance was blunt and almost shouting at points, and my sister was shouted at twice for her confusion when trying to leave the paid toilets. This aggression is certainly not helped by the unnecessarily confusing signage.

Overall, some really genuinely beautiful sites spoiled by disorganised, incommunicative and, in the case of the Greek theatre, actually quite...

We visited the place at the beginning of November. It was almost empty and it's 100% worth the visit. I put 4 stars only because of the lack of information boards and well as closure of some of the parts, I guess because it is off season.

You can walk from Ortigia around 40 mins, but if you go by car I would recommend parking in Viale Augusto. It is free parking, but you may need to drive around to find free spots.

There are 2 different ticket offices. First one outside is for big groups, but you can buy there anyway. If not just enter the place and buy the tickets just at the entrance.

The place is a little bit chaotic and there are not many information boards. I will leave the only ones we found in the pics attached.

It took us around 1,5 hours to walk everything (tomb of Arquímedes was closed, maybe you would need an extra 15 mins since it is separated)

First you can start with the Greek theater, amazing, and go up to the fountain. Then go back, visit the beautiful gardens and the caves (ear of Dionisio and others) after that you go out and visit the altar and the roman anfitheater.

You can check some information before, since you won't find any information inside. Or buy an audioguide.

Untill October 25 there is an exhibition of art from the Polish artist Igor Mitoraj. Is impressive and it blends very well with the surroundings. Of this there is an information board for each sculpture. I really liked it.

The price is 16.5€ per person due to this exhibition of sculptures (if not would be 13€)

We really enjoy the visit and highly recommend it. But find some information before you come, since there is not much here. Anyway is amazing and you can feel all the...

Disappointing and completely overpriced - €17 for next to nothing

The archaeological park in Syracuse is a bitter disappointment. For a hefty €17, you get access to two areas: the Greek and Roman theatres. What awaits you there? Little more than a brief glimpse of weathered ruins - cordoned off over a large area, with no opportunity to really explore them.

Some of the paths are inaccessible, plants are withered, the grounds look generally unkempt - as if no one has looked after the park for months. Leaves, rubbish and dilapidated green spaces leave a desolate impression.

Information boards or explanations of the historical sites? Hardly any. Instead of imparting knowledge, there is emptiness. What's more, parts of the park were not accessible due to an event - so even less for the money.

And then the absolute no-go: the sanitary facilities. Totally filthy, disgusting - an imposition.

The bottom line: a tourist trap with an entrance fee at museum level, but without any value for money. Historical sites of this importance deserve a completely different level of care and presentation. As it is, the visit is a waste of money.

In addition, the information on where exactly you have to buy your tickets is not clearly recognisable. We entered through the lower entrance. There, the unfriendly lady at the ticket counter sent us "up the hill", as you can only buy tickets for the event from her. The staff member at the upper counter was a further step down in terms of friendliness, and we should have cancelled our planned visit here. An expensive lesson. We then had to visit the Greek theatre first and then the Roman theatre. There were no logical reasons why exactly this...