Fountain of Cyane

Outside the conurbation of the city, on the west side of the Porto Grande harbor, lie two completely contrasting ancient sites, both of great interest - the Spring of Cyane and the Temple of Zeus.

The Spring of Cyane, Fonte Ciane, 7km/4.5mi southwest of the city center, can be reached either by boat from Foro Italico or by car; first take the road southwest to Canicattini Bagni for nearly 4km/2.5mi and then follow the signs to the left.

The Spring was named after the nymph Cyane, referred to in the myth of Demeter, who attempted to prevent the abduction of Demeter's daughter Persephone by Hades, the God of the Underworld but was turned into a spring by Hades. Every year the ancient Syracusans held a feast at the spring in honor of Persephone and Cyane.

The pond formed by the spring, well-stocked with fish, is the source of the Ciane River, which is only 6km/4mi long. Surrounded by wild papyrus beds it is a very peaceful place, where the visitor can perhaps experience something of the atmosphere of an ancient natural sanctuary.