Syracuse, ItalyOrtigia
Palazzo Artemide
Vaulted limestone palazzo
Ortigia Syracuse, Italy
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
The house
VRetreatsVaulted limestone palazzo
Ortigia's oldest hotel borders the cathedral, leading guests through vaulted limestone halls to open-air tables on Piazza Minerva.
“A recent renovation of the hotel preserved its historic architecture, including arches, vaulted ceilings, and decorative stone elements, while updating furnishings and fabrics.”
What it’s good at
Notable
VRetreats highlighted the ancient stone archways with custom lighting over preserved ochre marble floors.
Notable
Ortigia’s oldest hotel, opened in 1880 beside the Duomo along the ancient Via Sacra.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
Palazzo Artemide is Ortigia’s oldest hotel, reopened in 2024 after a careful update by VRetreats.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Piazza Minerva opens directly outside the doors, with Ortigia's pedestrian dining lanes leading down to the water.
The rooms
Rooms have parquet floors and marble bathrooms, and some open onto balconies overlooking Piazza Minerva.
Amunì Restaurant
Regional Sicilian dishes are served beneath vaulted tufa arches, and parasols shade outdoor tables on the piazza.
Amunì Cocktail Bar
A fluted counter sits beneath stone arches, where bartenders mix Sicilian aperitivi under backlit mirrored shelves.
How it began
The property took its name from Artemis, honoring the Greek protector goddess of Syracuse and her nearby temple remains.
Syracuse
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.