You can understand why this was built here. Stunning setting, wonderful views all around and, considering its history which includes an accidental explosion, good state of repair.

This is a good castle on the very tip of the island of Ortigia. Apart from looking at the castle itself the views from the upper areas are wonderful. It is currently open in the morning only and closed on Sunday and Monday.

The place appears to be under renovation, but judjing from the age of the renovation works it might be falling into neglect. The fortified castle has a huge potential as a historic reanactment site with great touristic impact, however its neglect make it of limited interest for the non-historically inclined visitor.

Really enjoyed wandering around and viewing the castle. Located on the very tip of the peninsula, it has great views, across the harbour and out to sea. Look for the carved names of soldiers stationed here during different wars.

The visit of the castello was more interesting than I thought. The view is fantastic and you can see parts constructed in different periods of its history. And if you're lucky, you'll fall into that nice old german lady living in Syracuse who loves to tell the tourist a little more about the place.

The first morning in Siracusa we went to this fortress. We were hoping for some good views of the sea, but wasn't prepared for this huge and imposing fortress. When walking around Ortygia, Castello Maniace is a mandatory stop.

nice big fort at the end of the island. They could have made more of its history with some more informative signs (in English please), and opened more up. There is an informative display behind the gendarmerie house, bizzarely

In spite of being covered in scaffolding, this castle is well worth a visit. However, the entrance is very off-putting, as the only sign of it is a notice telling one that it's a military base and one should keep out. Unless we'd seen that it was open to visitors in our guide book, we'd not have looked closely enough... More

I am surprised more focus is not given to this in guidebooks. The Castello has a complicated history and it is complex in its architectual mix - some parts very old, some clearly very recent. But the central hall is exraordinary and the views from the battlements are stunning.