The park at a glance
Neapolis is the large archaeological area of ancient Syracuse. It is a separate site in the city area and not part of Ortigia, so plan it as its own trip from the old town. It belongs to the UNESCO listing "Syracuse and the Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica" (2005).
Inside the park you find the Greek theatre, the area of the nymphaeum, the Via dei Sepolcri (street of tombs), the Altar of Hieron, the Roman amphitheatre and the latomie, the old stone quarries. The Ear of Dionysius is an artificial cave in these quarries and the stop most visitors come for. This is an independent guide and not the website of the park.
What to see
Allow around two hours, longer if you like to read every sign.
The Greek theatre
The main monument of the park. In late spring it is used for classical drama, and a stage is built for the performances. Outside the season you can see the theatre and the site around it.
The Ear of Dionysius
An artificial cave in the quarries, named after the ancient tyrant Dionysius of Syracuse. The popular story that he listened to prisoners from it is a legend and not a documented use of the cave.
The quarries
The latomie are the old stone quarries of the site. Some quarry caves hold water. Not every area may be open on the day, so follow the signs and the staff.
Amphitheatre and tombs
The Roman amphitheatre, the Altar of Hieron, the nymphaeum area and the Via dei Sepolcri complete the visit for those who want the whole site.
Our pick: the Neapolis park
A guided walk with a licensed guide.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Neapolis tours and Syracuse day trips
Guided visits of the archaeological park, walks in Ortigia and excursions from Syracuse, with live prices and availability.
Tickets and discounts
The regional archaeological parks site lists the Neapolis ticket at €14 for adults and €7 reduced, and sends you to an online ticket seller. A municipal tariff sheet valid from 2025 shows €17 and €10 including the exhibition. The prices may cover different things, so check what is included and the final price at checkout. Online booking can add a small fee.
Discounts and free entry follow the regional rules:
- Visitors under 18 enter free. Children under 12 need to be accompanied by adults.
- EU citizens between 18 and 25 pay the reduced price. Bring proof of age and citizenship.
- Visitors with a disability and one family member or qualified companion enter free.
The site is not guaranteed to be fully step-free. If you use a wheelchair, ask the staff at the entrance which areas you can reach.
Opening hours in October 2026
Hours change with the season, so check the park site for the month of your visit.
| Dates | Park open | Ticket office closes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 24 October | 8:30 to 18:15 | 17:00 |
| 25 to 31 October | 8:30 to 17:15 | 16:00 |
The ticket office closes well before the park does. Arrive at least two hours before closing time. In other months the hours differ, so look up the current table before you go.
Greek drama at the theatre
The INDA foundation stages classical plays in the Greek theatre each spring. The 61st season in 2026 ran from 8 May to 28 June, with plays such as Alcesti, Antigone, The Persians and the Iliad. That season is over, and there is no performance in October.
A theatre ticket is separate from the daytime park ticket. In 2026 adult prices ran from €28 on single-price dates to €70 for the best seats on Fridays and Saturdays, with reduced rates €5 to €10 lower. Look at the INDA calendar of the next season before you fix your dates.
Add the Paolo Orsi museum
The Museo archeologico regionale Paolo Orsi is a separate museum with its own ticket: €10, reduced €5. A combined ticket for Neapolis and the museum is sold online and is valid for 3 consecutive days. It cannot be refunded or extended, and the museum is closed on Mondays, even if the ticket can be picked for that day. The online seller adds a booking fee of up to €1.52.
Check the museum's current opening hours before you go. A combined ticket suits a slower trip with two half days. If you only have one day, the park alone is the better use of your time.
More in and around Syracuse
Combine the park with the old town or the sea.
Ortigia
Cathedral, spring, Temple of Apollo and the market on the island.
Boat tours
Sea caves and the Plemmirio coast from the harbour.
Things to do in Syracuse
Twelve experiences across the city and the coast.
Syracuse tours
Guided walks, boat trips and day trips compared.
Staying a few days? The baroque town of Noto is covered on visitsicily.org. If you arrive via the airport, see the Catania airport guide.
Neapolis: frequently asked questions
How much is a ticket for the Neapolis park?
The regional park site lists €14 for adults and €7 reduced. A municipal tariff sheet valid from 2025 shows €17 and €10 including the exhibition. Check what is included and the final price when you book.
Who enters for free?
Visitors under 18 and people with a disability together with one family member or qualified companion. Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults.
What are the opening hours in October 2026?
From 1 to 24 October the park is open from 8:30 to 18:15, and from 25 to 31 October from 8:30 to 17:15. The ticket office closes at 17:00 and 16:00. Arrive early.
Is the Ear of Dionysius part of the park visit?
Yes, the cave is part of the Neapolis visit. The story that the tyrant Dionysius listened to prisoners there is a legend and not a documented use.
Can I see a play at the Greek theatre now?
Not in October. The 2026 season of classical drama ran from 8 May to 28 June. Tickets are separate from the park ticket, so check the INDA calendar for the next season.
Can I combine the park with a museum visit?
Yes. A combined ticket with the Paolo Orsi museum is sold online and is valid for 3 consecutive days. The museum is closed on Mondays.