One of the most iconic symbols of Syracuse, and especially Ortigia. According to legend, the goddess Diana (the Greek Artemis) transformed the nymph Aretusa into a spring to help her escape the pursuit of the Greek river god Alpheus. The chase began in Greece, and Aretusa fled across the sea, finally emerging in Syracuse.

The spring’s water is fresh and sweet, despite its proximity to the sea, and it historically served as a drinking water source for the local population. Ducks, fish, and papyrus plants—some originally from Egypt—inhabit the spring. Papyrus sheets were once made from these plants, and today you can find them for sale in nearby shops.