Photos: Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo credits
Photos: Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Berthold Werner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The Roman amphitheatre beside the Greek theatre
Your local guide
Patrizia Failla
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Highlights
- An oval arena beside a curved theatre
- Roman gladiator games, explained on site
- Underground passages once used by performers
- Greek and Roman design side by side
- A second ancient theatre, easy to miss
About this tour
This session looks at the Roman amphitheatre in Syracuse's Neapolis park, built for gladiator games and shaped in a full oval rather than the curved half-circle of the nearby Greek theatre. You see the outline of the arena and what survives of its underground passages. The camera stays on the public viewing paths throughout.
I start by tracing the oval shape and explaining how it differs from the Greek theatre, then point out the underground passages once used to bring performers into the arena. I take questions throughout and send a short note on the amphitheatre's history afterwards.
It suits anyone interested in the contrast between Greek and Roman approaches to public spectacle. It also pairs well with the Greek Theatre session close by.
Included
- Live video walk with a local guide
- Questions to your guide all the way
- A short list of places to visit later
Not included
- Internet connection
- Travel to the city
Itinerary
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Welcome and sound check 5 min
The guide joins the video call, checks the picture and sound with you, and gives you a quick sense of Syracuse before heading out.
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The oval shape 15 min
The camera traces the amphitheatre's oval outline, and I explain how it differs in shape and purpose from the curved Greek theatre nearby.
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The underground passages 15 min
Pointing to what remains of the underground passages, I explain how animals and performers would have entered the arena out of view of the crowd.
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Your questions 7 min
Time to ask anything about Syracuse: prices, safety, food, or whatever you are curious about.
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A short list to keep 3 min
Before you go, the guide sums up with a few things worth remembering: a dish to try: Arancini and Borgata, worth a slower look.
Good to know
- A stable wifi or mobile connection makes the picture smoother than a shaky one.
- Any phone, tablet or laptop with a camera works. You watch, the guide does the walking.
- Times are shown in Rome time, so check the time where you are before you book.
- The session is not recorded, and recording it yourself is not allowed. Feel free to take your own notes.
- Ask questions any time, out loud or in the chat. The guide will pause to answer.
- Sessions run in small groups, up to 9 people, so there is room for everyone to ask something.
Questions about this tour
What will the session cover?
The guide walks through Syracuse, showing you The oval shape and The underground passages live on camera, plus whatever else you would like to see.
What happens if my connection drops?
Rejoin with the same link within a few minutes and the guide will catch you up on anything you missed.
Can I ask the guide questions during the session, or is it a fixed script?
Anything, any time. Sessions leave room for your own questions throughout, not just at the end.
Do I need to know the history already?
No background needed. The guide explains everything as it comes up.
How it works
- You get one join link after booking.
- Join from any device: phone, tablet or laptop.
- We meet on Google Meet; the link comes with your booking. I walk Syracuse live with my phone.
Times shown in Rome time (CET)
Cancellation
Flexible
- Cancel up to 24 hours before the start: full refund.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before the start, or no-show: no refund.
- If the guide cancels or the date does not reach its minimum group: full refund.
- Cancel in My Account → Bookings; the refund is calculated from the start time in the tour's local time.
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Next: Wed 16 Dec · 9 seats left From 24,00 €
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