The Greek myth
It is said that the spring was dedicated to the nymph Aretusa. According to the myth, Alpheus, son of the god Oceanus, had an unrequited love for the nymph. Tired of his constant attention, Aretusa asked for help from Artemis, who enveloped her in a cloud and transformed her into a spring on the coast of Ortigia. To help the inconsolable Alpheus reunite with his beloved, Zeus transformed him into the river that flows into the port of Syracuse.
The story of the spring
Known as "a funtana re papiri" according to local tradition, the Aretusa Spring in Syracuse was restored many times over the centuries. The last modification dates back to 1540, when the Spaniards reduced the lake by about 200 meters to build the fortifications surrounding Ortigia Island. The walls were demolished in 1847, and the current Belvedere was built on the bastion foundations.
Curiosities about Fonte Aretusa
Inside the Fonte Aretusa spring is one of the only two existing wild papyrus plants in Europe, with ancient origins. The water is quite shallow, and numerous freshwater fish can be seen. The spring is also home to domestic ducks. You can admire the spring from both the Belvedere, looking at it from above, and from the Aquarium.
