Syracuse - Ear of Dionysius

Inside the entrance archway of the Archeological Park in Syracuse, along the garden wall, we come to the so-called Ear of Dionysius, an S-shaped cave hewn from the rock, 65m/213ft deep, 23m/76ft in height and 5-11m/5.5-12yd wide, contracting towards the top, in which sound is considerably amplified without any recurring echo. It has born its present name since the 16th century, reflecting the belief that the tyrant Dionysius was thus able to overhear even the whispered remarks of state prisoners confined in the quarry. Farther to the right, under the west wall of the quarry, is the Grotta del Cordari, named after the ropemakers who carried on their trade there.