The complex is certainly spectacular and covers an astronomical 240,000 sq metres. From older Teatro Greco (5th C, BC), La Tomia del Paradisio – Tombs (5th C, BC), Ara Di Ierone – Altar (3rd C. BC) Grotta (Grotto) Dei Ninfeo (2nd C, BC), Antiteatro Romano (1st C, BC) to newer Orecchio Di Dionisio – Artificial Cave (17th C), Grotta (Grotto) Dei Cordari (17th C). The main arenas were used for gladiatorial combats and horse races and these became quite the spectacle. The grounds are full of lemon and orange trees and in some parts there was that distinct citrus smell. If you want to see most of these ruins, plan some time. To me it was worth it....

I have been to a LOT of archeological parks around the world and yes, many are much better in terms of signage and placard explanations but it’s not as if this park has NOTHING in that regard! There ARE Italian/English placards with albeit minimal info at each site entry. And some extra placards around the Roman theatre. The downloadable pamphlet gives a few more info tidbits for each site. Yes, there are sites closed off, which in that regard a ticket should absolutely NOT cost as much as it does at €12.50. But you DO see the most important sites of the Ear of Dionysus (of which the landscape is a pleasure to stroll around), which is fantastic and the adjacent Salt Caves. The Roman Theatre is not spectacular but definitely worth a view. The Greek Theatre is 💯 disappointing as it’s full of workers and construction preparing for the summer season. I also dinked a star bc of the audacity to charge for loos when tickets are already too much! A combo ticket with the museum is an eye-watering €22. I decided to bite the bullet and do so and I’m glad I did bc I enjoyed my time in the museum. Also, I loved the modern art sculptures at the sites and especially the blue heads in the Salt Caves. Great punch of colour.

My second visit to Parco Archeologico della Neapolis was because my spouse and brother had never been before. It was worth seeing again, even though this visit engendered sad memories since my first time was during the week of 9/11/01. The impressive Ear of Dionysius, as well as the Greek Theatre, Roman amphitheatre and other archeological monuments, seemed to be maintained and generally still well preserved.

We read the Trip Advisor reviews ahead of going and still went. Interesting but the Greek Theatre was a building site (getting ready for the Opera); the Roman theatre interesting; the art instillation somewhat engaging. But overpriced (16 Euro pp) and desperately badly signed/mapped. Definitely support the thinking that for that level of entrance fee there could be some investment in explanatory signs and better maps. We parked at Parking Paradise and for 5 euro, close to the park, it gave us peace of mind and walked from the park to Ortygia for the rest of the day .

Do take a guide: there is little interpretation and few site maps. Entrance is pricey This is an important site presenting remains from many eras. The major buildings are a huge Roman theatre and sizeable amphitheatre. These are imposing structures. The theatre is sometimes used in summer

First Sunday of the month is free. It closes by 2 pm. The Greek Theatre was setting up for a show. Take an hour or two to stroll through the park , see the caves. Then head out to Ortigia which is the old historic part of Siracusa.

Absolutely fascinating place but with a bit more effort on the part of the organisers it could be so much more rewarding for the visitor. We hired the Audio Guide and found it informative. There are only 14 points to press but you need to find the numbers from a map you're give at the kiosk. How much effort and wit does it take to put 14 numbers at key places on the site?? Some sectors were not accessible but with no explanation as to why. Recreated images of the ruins are available. A few spread around the site might have helped to visualise the scene in its heyday . The size of the Greek Theatre in it's pomp is pretty mind blowing. The Roman amphitheatre is a bit small. The quarries are very impressive and must have been some place before the earthquake.

This is a rambling area with lots to see. Pick a direction and try to loop around and catch all the things to see. I didn’t care for the sculptures that were added for effect, but, they needed to spruce it up. The ruins are adequately explained, though the one amphitheater is partially modernized which is both good and bad. Good that it’s put to good use, bad because they didn’t leave it in ruins. Definitely spend a few hours here.

Apart from the ear of dionisis which Caravaggio apparently went to visit the rest is a bit crap. There’s not much you can do see. They have put good sculptures in to make it more interesting but really it’s just a tourist trap full of fat old people doing the historical rounds

Tips: It was recommended to us before we arrive that we should download the EasyPark pass onto our phones. It is a pink icon with a brown E. I highly recommend that you download this app while you are on Wi-Fi before you arrive. We were also told to try to park in the parking spots that had blue lines. Once we found these we were able to easily park. We arrived a little bit before 11 AM and stood in the line for over 30 minutes just to get tickets. Very confusing ticket situation. The group in front of us had three people and could not buy tickets until later time. For whatever reason they had tickets for two people and my husband and I were able to get in. I would highly recommend that you buy the tickets in advance online. The Good. The park is very pretty. We went up to the amphitheater and I was a bit surprised that it had been relatively renovated so that you cannot see many of the original seats. However, the hike above the amphitheater is very nice with the small caves that look like luxury suites if you were at a football game. Additionally, the grotto were beautiful. It was fun seeing “the ear” and we really like seeing all of the sculpture work. The bad. As mentioned above, getting tickets took a long time. A few of the site areas are roped off, and you cannot get in. There is not good signage. One of the washrooms was completely closed. The only washroom that we could find that was open did not have any toilet paper in any of the eight stalls. They also did not have hand towels or air dryers. Poorly managed. But overall I would recommend.