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Has anyone visited the Neapolis Archaeological Park in Siracusa recently?

I have been reading a lot of bad reviews of the Neapolis Archaeological Park on Trip Advisor and was wondering if Rick’s followers have read the same reviews or have visited and had a negative experience? Thank you

Posted by
27706 posts

What were the complaints? I haven't been there since 2015.

Posted by
5254 posts

I was there a year ago in the spring. There was a lot of construction but a theatrical set was not in place. The seating was being made usable for modern audiences. In many seating sections the original materials were still visible but made safe with modern materials as necessary.

I'm sure the reactions to such "improvements" would be mixed. I appreciated the effort to make the original materials still visible.

Posted by
1215 posts

I was there in April of this year. Maybe it's because I had just recently spent a day in Agrigento Valley of the Temples (wow!), and a day in Selinunte (temples and huge ancient metropolis), and had a day trip to Segesta (temple and magnificent amphitheater), that I found the Siracusa Archaelogical Park ... well... okay. Not stunning like the previous three mentioned. Perhaps it's because I was hot and tired. Perhaps it's because the theater was partially under construction and it was hard to discern the ancient parts from the modernized parts. Perhaps it's because there are basically three sites at Siracusa A.P.: The theater, the Ear of Dionysus cave (which I did find fascinating, albeit with horrific history), and the long low sacrificial altar. The Park site is not particularly extensive, so even in April the crowds mid-day were tight since there are only a very few walkways and places to see. Sister and I were in Ortigia for several days, so thought a quick bus ride up to the A.P. was a good idea. I guess I would do it again, but wouldn't make a second trip.