A center of antiquity on the Mediterranean Jul 9, 2021

A center of antiquity on the Mediterranean

This bird"s-eye view lets us take in the charms of Ortygia, a small island just offshore from Syracuse, on Sicily"s east coast. Ortygia is considered Syracuse"s "old town" and the historical heart of the city. Two bridges cross the narrow channel that separates Ortygia from Syracuse. Ancient Greeks first colonized this island in the 8th century BCE, and the town is brimming with 2,700 years of history. Walk Ortygia"s web of narrow streets and you"ll see Greek and Roman ruins, medieval Norman buildings, and examples of Baroque architecture as well.

© DaLiu/Shutterstock

palette

Today in History

Jul 9, 2018Gauchos showcase Argentina’s independent spirit
Jul 9, 2019Jaguar in the Pantanal wetlands
Jul 9, 2020High alpine color in Colorado
Jul 9, 2022Dolomites
Jul 9, 2023Moselle River loop near Kröv, Germany
Jul 9, 2024Talampaya National Park, Argentina
Jul 9, 2025Independence Day of the Argentine Republic

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jul 7, 2021Back on the rise
Mar 15, 2023Agüero, Huesca province, Spain
Oct 1, 2025Clark Range, Yosemite National Park, California
May 6, 2020The (Inca) empire strikes back
Dec 25, 2019Merry and bright
Jun 4, 2022National Trails Day
Jan 13, 2022Tasiilaq, Greenland
Jun 6, 2020The long and wiggling path
Dec 13, 2024Christmas market, St. Stephens Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
Jan 7, 2020Jupiter and the Galilean moons
Nov 18, 2022Keyholes to the kingdom
Jun 11, 2024Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana
Sep 30, 2021Global commerce in motion
Dec 26, 2020Happy Boxing Day!
Jul 17, 2024Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany
Jun 1, 2019Hiking the High Trestle Trail
Feb 12, 2020Wake up, it s Darwin Day
Aug 15, 2023Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
Feb 29, 2024Leap day
Nov 1, 2025National Bison Day
Sep 7, 2023Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates
Dec 8, 2021Petrified Forest National Park
Dec 20, 2023Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Dolomites, Italy
Sep 30, 2020All eyes on moths
Feb 16, 2024Great Backyard Bird Count
May 23, 2020Bask in the glow—It s World Turtle Day
Jun 5, 2025World Environment Day
Apr 6, 2021On the rebirth of the Olympic Games
Feb 8, 2021A hero for the 21st century
Nov 5, 2023Playa del Silencio, Spain