Piazza Archimede

Piazza Archimede in Ortigia is a nineteenth-century square centred on Giulio Moschetti's Fountain of Arethusa, completed in 1906.

Why it matters

The square brings together two themes associated with Syracuse: the ancient mathematician Archimedes and the myth of Arethusa and Alpheus. Historic palaces around it represent architectural phases from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.

What to notice

Moschetti's fountain depicts Arethusa fleeing Alpheus under the protection of Diana. The surrounding buildings include Palazzo Pupillo, Palazzo Gargallo and the former Banco di Sicilia building, whose varied facades reflect different periods of Ortigia's history.

Context and history

The square was laid out in the nineteenth century as Ortigia's fortifications lost their military function. The Fountain of Arethusa, completed in 1906, gave it a mythological centrepiece. Its surrounding palaces record later changes to the historic centre.