Syracuse, Sicily: Where Is It and Why Now?

Follow in the footsteps of Indiana Jones in Sicily’s iconic city

A prominent travel trend consistent in 2023 has been ‘Set-Jetting’, travelling to destinations that were the filming locations of films or television series. It is therefore not surprising that the newly-released Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has put Syracuse on the Hollywood map. The destination was the filming location for many scenes – not only chosen for its Baroque beauty, but because it is known that the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, Aghlabids and Normans all had their time in this southeast corner of Sicily — each leaving behind architectural treasures, the perfect backdrop for any on-screen adventurer.

Italian’s Secret Syracuse

Although fairly unknown in the UK, Italians have always been proud of Syracuse’s diverse landscape, perfect for film productions to use the centre for a city setting or travel only a few minutes out of town to a rural landscape. Inspector Montalbano, an Italian television series, which is Italy’s answer to the UK’s Poirot, was filmed in the Baroque towns nearby including Modica, Ragusa and Scicli. The iconic scene in the Italian film Malena, where Renato is watching Malèna walking across the square, was filmed in the square of Ortigia, a little island off Syracuse and home to Ortigia, the Italian soap and scent company. Inspired by natural products, aesthetics and scents indigenous to Sicily, it is one of Italy’s most historic and tropical regions.

Start Your Own Quest

Now Syracuse’s secrets have been showcased internationally in the new Indiana Jones film, why not book a stay at the fabulous Hotel Roma and experience it for yourself? Spend a day following in Indiana’s footsteps at the Neapolis Archaeological Park full of ancient buildings and mysterious caves around the colourful piazzas offering classical Baroque charm. Those on a quest to find the best view of the Ionian Sea can find it at the top of Castello Maniace, a citadel and castle situated at the far point of the Ortigia promontory. It once protected raiders in the 13^th century, making it the perfect filming location in the latest Indiana Jones franchise.

Stay at Hotel Roma

Part of the VRetreats collection, Hotel Roma, is a historic 40 rooms and suites hotel, located at the heart of the island of Ortigia. It is a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, housed in an ancient late 19th century palace and built in the same limestone as the Greek temples. Founded in 1880, the property is located between the Cathedral and the Achbishopric, overlooking Piazza Minerva on via Roma, the most central street of Syracuse.