The Myth of the Fountain of Arethusa: A Love Story from Greek Times

Syracuse has entered the lists of the most searched-for and promoted travel destinations, including by foreign newspapers such as The New York Times. Recently, our city applied to be elected Italian Capital of Culture 2024. Founded by the Greeks in 734–733 BC, Syracuse has a remarkable heritage of myths. The very heart of our city’s historic centre is represented by the Fountain of Arethusa, a small lake fed by a freshwater spring that rises just a few metres from the sea: a magical place linked to an equally magical story, that of the nymph Arethusa.

The myth

According to Greek mythology, Arethusa was a nymph in the service of Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting. One day, during a hunting trip, she lost her group and found herself on the banks of the Alpheus River in the Peloponnese. The clear waters and the hot day led her to undress and immerse herself in the river. It was then that the waters began to stir, and when Arethusa reached the shore, she was met by Alpheus, the river god, who had fallen in love with her.

Frightened, Arethusa began to run, and when she realised that Alpheus was catching up with her, she begged Artemis for help. The goddess transformed her into a spring, making her sink underground and then re-emerge on the island of Ortigia.

Alpheus, desperate at the loss of Arethusa, prayed to Jupiter for help. Jupiter granted his wish by carving an underground channel from the Peloponnese to Ortigia, allowing him to reach his beloved Arethusa.

Faced with such a proof of love, the nymph too became convinced of the sincerity of his feelings and yielded to Alpheus’ love, sealed by the eternal union of their waters.

The Fountain as a symbol of good luck

Because of the myth connected to it, the Fountain of Arethusa has become a symbol of good luck for lovers, who traditionally should touch the waters of the fountain together. As you approach the fountain, you will also notice a beautiful contemporary bronze statue depicting Arethusa and Alpheus.

Today, the Fountain of Arethusa is one of the most beautiful points of interest on the island of Ortigia. In addition to the charm of the Greek myth, its papyrus plants and breathtaking view over the Porto Grande and the Syracuse promontory offer a unique spectacle, especially at sunset — so much so that even Cicero fell in love with it. Cicero described it as “an incredibly large spring, teeming with fish and so situated that the waves of the sea would flood it if it were not protected by a massive stone wall”, and praised the entire city as “the greatest and most beautiful of the Greek cities”.

In addition to Cicero, the Fountain of Arethusa is mentioned in numerous works by poets such as Ovid, Virgil, Pindar and, more recently, John Milton, André Gide, and Gabriele D’Annunzio.

Did you already know the Fountain of Arethusa and its myth? If you have already been to Syracuse, you have surely seen this magical place, but perhaps you did not know the myth hidden behind it.

For those of you who have not yet visited the island of Ortigia and Syracuse, this might inspire your next trip. We are sure you will be amazed to discover how visible the influence of Greek civilization is in every corner of our city.