Italy

Ear of Dionysius

Limestone artificial cave in Syracuse, Sicily

Location

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Historical Context

About

The Ear of Dionysius (Italian: Orecchio di Dionisio) is a limestone cave carved out of the Temenites hill in the city of Syracuse, on the island of Sicily in Italy. Its name, given by the painter Michelangelo da Caravaggio, comes from its similarity in shape to the human ear. The name is also linked to echoes in the cave.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Caravaggio names the grotto

1608

Film appearance

2023

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Miscellaneous Features

Underground Tunnels
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Water Management Features

CisternsReservoirs
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Industrial and Craft Structures

Mines
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves
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Environmental and Natural Features

Modified Caves
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Italy

Coordinates

37.08° N, 15.28° E