According to legend, Dionysius, the tyrant (ruler) of Siracusa, kept prisoners inside this cave because its unusual acoustics allowed him to hear even the faintest of whispers uttered within. The artist Caravaggio gave the cave its name.
Ear of Dionysius, Neapolis, Siracusa, Italy
By Nancy Parode, About.com Guide
Much of the stone used to construct Siracusa came from this quarry area, home to several caves. This one, the Ear of Dionysius, has an interesting history.
Photo © Steve Parode
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