Ear of Dionysius
The Ear of Dionysius (or Denys, in Italian Orecchio di Dionisio or Orecchio di Dionigi) is an artificial cave that is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city of Syracuse. Located not far from the Greek Theatre of Syracuse, the Ear of Dionysus is an archaeological site not to be missed for lovers of culture: according to tradition, the tyrant Dionysius dug the cave where the prisoners locked up, and lurking within a upper cavity listened to their speeches. Due to its shape, the Ear of Dionysius has acoustic characteristics such as to amplify sounds up to 16 times. According to the presence of the cavity underneath the auditorium of the Greek Theatre, favors the acoustics of the theater. |