Province of Syracuse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Province of Syracuse
Syracuse
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Country |  Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Capital | Syracuse |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2,109 km2 (814 sq mi) |
| Population
(2001)
|
|
| • Total | 396,175 |
| • Density | 188/km2 (490/sq mi) |
| Postal Code |
96100, 96010-96019
|
| Telephone prefix |
0931, 095
|
| ISTAT | 089 |
| Vehicle registration | SR |
| No. of communes | 21 |
The Province of Syracuse (which in Italian is Provincia di Siracusa) is a special area in the Sicily region of Italy. It's located on the island of Sicily, which is an autonomous region. In 2015, the way provinces were organized in Sicily changed. The Province of Syracuse was then replaced by the Free municipal consortium of Syracuse.
The main city and capital of this area is Syracuse. This city was first settled by Greek people from Corinth way back in the 8th century BC. The province covers an area of about 2,109 square kilometers (814 square miles). As of 2016, it had a total population of 403,985 people. Syracuse holds about 8% of Sicily's population and 8.2% of its total land area.
Contents
Geography of Syracuse Province
The Province of Syracuse is found in the southeastern part of Sicily, in southwestern Italy. It shares its northern and northwestern borders with the Province of Catania. To the west, it borders the Province of Ragusa. The eastern and southern sides of the province are next to the Ionian and Mediterranean seas. The total area of the province is 2,109 square kilometers.
The Hyblaean Mountains are the main mountain range in this province. They gently slope down towards the coast. This coastline has many beautiful features. You can find stretches of white sandy beaches, tall cliffs, quiet bays, and small islands.
Natural Protected Areas
The coast south of Syracuse has several important protected areas. These areas help to keep nature safe. One example is the Area Marina Protetta del Plemmirio, which protects marine life. Another is the Riserva Naturale Orientara Cavagrande, located between Cassibile and Avola. There is also the Riserva Naturale Orientata faunistica di Vendicar, which is north of Pachino.
Inside the province, you will also find Lago di Lentini. This is the largest lake in Sicily. It is also thought to be the largest artificial lake in Europe. The lake supports a marshland habitat. This means it is home to over 150 different species of plants and animals.
Historical Heritage and Architecture
In 2002, several ancient towns in the Noto Valley received a special honor. Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, and six other towns were named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This means they are very important places because of their history, buildings, art, and old ruins.
These towns are especially famous for their late Baroque architecture. This style of building became very popular after a huge earthquake in 1693. This earthquake caused a lot of damage across Sicily. After the earthquake, many towns were rebuilt in this beautiful Baroque style.
The capital city of Syracuse is a key center for roads and railways in Sicily. The Park of Neapolis is on the island of Ortygia. This island is connected to the mainland by three bridges. On Ortygia, you can see the Maniace Castle. This castle dates back to the Hohenstaufen period. There is also the Doric Temple of Athena, which was later updated by the Normans.
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Siracusa para niños
