Source Image: PR117_01_09 of Syracuse Quarries

The Syracuse quarries to the north-west of centre of the city supplied material for building at the site throughout its history. In the late 5th century BC the quarries were famously worked by Athenian prisoners following Athens' defeat in the war against various Sicilian cities, notably Syracuse. This particular tunnel, or cave, was named 'Orecchio di Dionisio' ('Ear of Dionysius') by Carravagio in the 16th century.