Syracuse and Pantalica/The rocky Necropolis of Pantalica

UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005

The UNESCO site consists of two separate elements, Syracuse, containing outstanding vestiges dating back to Greek and Roman times and The Necropolis of Pantalica with over 5,000 tombs cut into the rock near open stone quarries, most of them dating from the 13th to 7th centuries BC., used for about six centuries since 2200 years ago.

This archaeological site is located not far from Syracuse on a cliff that overlooks the gorges of the river Anapo. This area, as well as being rich in history is also a valuable natural oasis and to swim in the cool waters of this river is a unique opportunity for fans of canyoning.

Even before the Greek colonisation, south-eastern Sicily was inhabited by various populations, as evidenced by the impressive archaeological remains are still visible and the vast necropolis of artificial caves of Pantalica. However, the first human traces could date back to 70,000 years ago with some settlements of Homo Sapiens and perhaps before, Homo Neanderthal…

Here we are in an era of the heroes which the Greek poet Homer talked about in the Iliad and the Odyssey. For instance, when it was the Mycenaean people sailing the seas in search of new commercial landings.

It is precisely at this time that the stronghold of Pantalica in Sicily reaches the height of its powers.

Dating back to this period is the spectacular necropolis consisting of about 5,000 burial caves carved into the natural rock and the Anaktoron (Prince’s Palace), located on the hill top, reminiscent of the grandeur of the Mycenaean palaces.

The site was also inhabited during the Byzantine era, about 1,200 years ago, 15 centuries about after the previous settlement abandonment.

http://www.visitsicily.info/en/rocky-necropolis-of-pantalica/

http://unescosicilia.it/wp/project/siracusa-e-le-necropoli-rupestri-di-pantalica/?lang=en