Statue of Archimedes — Attraction in Syracuse

If you visit Siracuse you have to visit the statue of Archimed - a monument that celebrates the genius of this scientist, considered among the most important of all time.The sculptural work, inaugurated in 2016, consists of a white stone base, on which stands a bronze statue facing the sea. The entire complex is 3.20 meters high and was created by the Syracuse artist Pietro Archese and the architect Virginia Rossello, winners of the ideas competition announced by the Municipality. Archimedes was born in Syracuse, here he developed his brilliant theories, here he died in 2012 BC after the conquest of the city by Roman troops.

The steps of the platform represent the figures of the Stomàchion, a geometric game invented by Archimedes whose pieces can be composed in numerous ways to create a square. Each element is engraved with the symbol of a theory he developed: Pi, the principle of floating of bodies, the volume of the sphere, the endless screw, the principle of levers and the spiral. The statue, however, holds a compass in one hand and a small burning mirror in the other, another object to which the illustrious Syracusan dedicated extensive studies and to which a legend is also linked. The work is completed by suggestive...

The Statue of Archimedes serves as a tangible reminder of Syracuse's pivotal role in the development of scientific thought. As one of the greatest thinkers of the ancient world, Archimedes' work continues to influence modern science, engineering, and mathematics. Archimedes was the greatest mathematician of his age. His contributions in geometry revolutionised the subject and his methods anticipated the integral calculus. He was a practical man who invented a wide variety of machines including pulleys and the Archimidean screw pumping device. When Archimedes was about ten years old, he left Syracuse to study in Alexandria, Egypt. He was in the school of Euclid, a famous mathematician. Archimedes approximated Pi by using polygons inscribed within and circumscribed around a circle, progressively increasing the number of sides to refine the approximation of the circle's...

I think Archimedes deserves much better statue. The scale, location, and presentation are just so understated, almost not visible. It is regretful that Siracusa did not use the opportunity to celebrate this historical giant with something better. It is sad that because of bad design and bad idea, there are usually much less people around it. It should have been an inviting place for all, adults and children to spend some time...