Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio) Tours and Activities
124 Reviews
Set in the hills of the Sicilian town of Syracuse is a large cave with the evocative name of the Ear of Dionysius. The name does not, however, refer to the Greek god. The name, Orecchio di Dionisio in Italian, was given to the cave by 16th-century painter Caravaggio, who named it after a vicious fifth-century BCE ruler of Syracuse. He is said to have used the cave as a political prison, and the cave's incredible acoustics gave him the ability to eavesdrop on his enemies. Another legend says he once used the cave as a torture chamber.
While the legends are unlikely to be true, the name stuck. The primary acoustic position in the cave is no longer accessible to visitors due to safety concerns, but the cavern is still an impressive sight.
2 Viale Giulio Emanuele Rizzo, Syracuse, Sicily, 96100
Tours and Activities to Experience Ear of Dionysius (Orecchio di Dionisio)
Select Dates
When are you traveling?
Popular
Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds.
Search experiences with increased health and safety practices.
Search tours and activities you can do from home.
You are viewing Virtual Experiences in Syracuse. See more Virtual Experiences around the globe. 🌎
Arts & Design
Architecture Tours
Art Tours
Culture
Archaeology Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Pop Culture
Movie Tours
TV Tours
Food & Drink Classes
Cooking Classes
Dining Experiences
Dinner
Lunch
Restaurants
Food & Drink Classes
Cooking Classes
Food Tours
Culinary & Gourmet Tour
Wine Tastings
Wine, Beer & Spirits
Wine Tastings
Wine Tours
Nature and Wildlife
Eco Tours
Nature Walks
On the Ground
Hiking
Mountain Bike Tours
Pedicab Tours
Cruises & Sailing
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
How to Get Around
Bike Tours
Bus Tours
Car Tours
Classic Car Tours
E-Bike Tours
Limousine Tours
Luxury Car Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
Pedicab Tours
Public Transportation Tours
Tuk Tuk Tours
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Private and Luxury
Sightseeing Tours
Adventure Tours
City Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Tours by Duration
Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Half-day Tours
Services
Audio Guides
Transfers
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Port Transfers
Transportation
Private Drivers
Transportation Services
Price
Duration
Time of Day
RatingClear
Specials
Syracuse Day Trip from Taormina
80
Explore the southeastern coast of Sicily on a day trip to Syracuse from Taormina. Led by a professional guide, see the impressive collection of ancient Roman and Greek ruins, soak up scenic views of the water and learn the rich history behind the city from your guide. Visit the archaeological site of Parco Archeologico della Neapolis (own expense) and spend the afternoon discovering Ortygia, Syracuse’s island neighborhood.
…More
From
$57.65
From
$57.65
Ancient Syracuse: private guided tour of the Neapolis archaeological park
33
Get up close and personal with some of Sicily’s best-preserved ancient ruins—and learn all about Syracuse and its history from your guide—when you embark on this private walking tour of the Neapolis Archaeological Park (entrance own expense). Choose from morning or afternoon departure times, and enjoy several hours to explore. You’ll see the ruins of the Greek Theatre, the Altar of Hieron, the Ear of Dionysus cave, and more.
…More
From
$66.23
Price varies by group size
From
$66.23
Price varies by group size
Syracuse Private Daytrip from Taormina
This is a private tour that will take you to one of the most charming towns of Sicily. You will experience art, history, architecture, sea and the delicious food and wines of the region. An expert private driver (and guide if you wish) will pick you up at yur hotel in the Taormina area so you will spend a fun and relaxing day under the Sicilian sun. Please note that your private driver will be at your complete disposal so you are free to customize the itinerary in the area as much as you like
…More
From
$361.50
Price varies by group size
From
$361.50
Price varies by group size
Syracuse and Ortigia tour
A stop not to be missed. In one day you can visit the ancient archaeological heart of Syracuse, explore the most recent mysteries and walk on the island of Ortigia, the oldest part around which the city was born.
Ortigia contains colors, smells, romantic stories and irresistible views. It is no coincidence that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
…More
From
$126.84
Price varies by group size
From
$126.84
Price varies by group size
Archaeological Tour - All inclusive - Neapolis Park Syracuse
1
Syracuse has a lot of charm and one of the elements that contributes to its charm is certainly the historical and archaeological value of the city. With this tour you will discover the historical beauties of the city in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis.
…More
From
$74.83
Price varies by group size
From
$74.83
Price varies by group size
6 days guided tour of Sicily:Agrigento Noto Ragusa Modica
Choose this guided tour of Sicily and take the chance to explore in 6 days amazing destinations in South Sicily: from the Greek-roman colonies of the Temple Valley Agrigento to Sicily baroque of Noto Modica Ragusa Valley, all of them included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sicilian sites.
…More
From
$1,496.01
From
$1,496.01
Private Tour of Syracuse, Ortygia and Noto
1
Visit the Greek and the Roman classical monuments of Syracuse, present in the archeological Park of Neapolis. After the Archeological Park, the tour moves to Ortygia Island, the historical heart of Syracuse for an incredible stroll through its charming alleys. In the afternoon, you will be visiting the baroque Noto, considered an "open-air museum".
…More
From
$299.79
Price varies by group size
From
$299.79
Price varies by group size
Syracuse's Neapolis Archaeological Park Tour with Enrica De Melio
9
Get crucial context on ancient ruins during this private walking tour through Neapolis Archaeological Park—home to Syracuse’s most celebrated, millennia-old remnants. Learn about the lives of everyday inhabitants in one of the city’s five residential quarters. Tours include stops at the Ear of Dionysius—a limestone cave famous for its acoustics—and Cave of the Rope-Makers, plus the Greek Theater and Roman Amphitheater.
…More
From
$155.66
per group
From
$155.66
per group
- Things to do in Sicily
- Things to do in Catania
- Things to do in Taormina
- Things to do in Messina
- Things to do in Valletta
- Things to do in Mellieha
- Things to do in Agrigento
- Things to do in Palermo
- Things to do in Capri
- Things to do in Amalfi
- Things to do in Positano
- Things to do in Sorrento
- Things to do in Naples
- Things to do in Amalfi Coast
- Things to do in Puglia
- Syracuse Greek Theater (Teatro Greco)
- Tecnoparco Archimede Museum (Tecnoparco Museo di Archimede)
- Ortygia (Ortigia)
- Syracuse Cathedral (Duomo di Siracusa)
- Basilica of San Salvatore (Basilica del SS. Salvatore)
- Nicolaci di Villadorata Palace (Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata)
- Church of Santa Chiara (Chiesa di Santa Chiara)
- Church of San Domenico (Chiesa di San Domenico)
- Tellaro Roman Villa (Villa Romana del Tellaro)