Arethusa myth has been sung for centuries by many poets including Virgil, Pindar, Ovid, Milton, André Gide, D’Annunzio…
The fountain is a natural source of fresh water flowing up from a cave just few meters below sea level.
Why it is the symbol of Siracusa since ancient times?
The myth of Arethusa reveals the deep connection between Greek colonies and motherland Greece. Arethusa was a nymph of Siracusa and maiden of goddess Artemis; god Alpheus (son of Oceanus) was totally and madly in love with her; so he tried to seduce Arethusa against her will. She needed to escape, so fled to Sicily, where prayed protection to Artemis: the Goddess turned Arethusa into a fountain, Ortigia a tiny Island so sacred to Artemis. Alpheus prayed to Zeus to turn him into a river located in Greece, near Olympia, so that he could flow underground and reach her. But the fountain is protected from sea’s waves by a massive stone wall. According to the myth, even today, the famous fountain bears her name Arethusa, and the seafront as well is called Lungomare Alfeo. They never really met, then or now.
Today it’s possibile to admire the special fountain adorned with papyrus vegetation, populated by ducks and freshwater fish, with a spectacular view over the coast. Below the fountain, is located the aquarium.
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