The Helmet of Archias at Porta Marina: the new artwork that tells the story of Syracuse’s origins
- veronicameriggi
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Since July 2026, a bronze helmet standing in front of Porta Marina has recalled a story that began almost three thousand years ago. It is the Helmet of Archias in Syracuse, an artwork by Stefania Pennacchio dedicated to the colonist who left Corinth and is associated with the foundation of the city.
The choice of location connects past and present: Porta Marina once marked one of the entrances to Ortigia, while the helmet recalls the Greek origins of Syracuse. To understand the meaning of this new presence, it is therefore necessary to learn about both Archias and the history of the place where the artwork has been installed.
The new artwork dedicated to the founder of Syracuse
The Helmet of Archias was unveiled on 20 July 2026 in the green area in front of Porta Marina, on Foro Vittorio Emanuele II. Created by Stefania Pennacchio, the sculpture represents a Corinthian helmet and is made of patinated bronze resting on a stone base.
Its shape is immediately recognisable: the rounded crown, nose guard and side openings reproduce the design of helmets used in the Greek world. The surface, however, does not attempt to imitate an archaeological find. The artist takes an object associated with antiquity and places it in today’s urban landscape, in a spot crossed every day by residents and visitors.
The sculpture was promoted by the Municipality of Syracuse and included in a cultural and tourist project funded by the Italian Ministry of Tourism. Its position in front of Porta Marina creates a direct connection with Ortigia: the artwork stands near the harbour and along one of the island’s historic entrances, where the story of the city’s foundation meets present-day Syracuse.
Who was Archias and how Syracuse was founded
According to ancient tradition, Archias came from Corinth and belonged to the Bacchiad family. In the 8th century BC, he led a group of colonists to Sicily and settled on the island of Ortigia, where the first centre of the Greek colony of Syracuse was established.
The foundation is generally dated to 734 BC, although some reconstructions differ by a few years. Ancient sources recount that Archias consulted the Oracle of Delphi before leaving. Behind this legendary episode lies a common practice in the Greek world: colonial expeditions were organised by the city of origin and entrusted to a leader, known as an oikist, whose role was to guide the journey and establish the new settlement.
The choice of Ortigia was also based on practical considerations. The island was protected by the sea, had suitable landing places and occupied a useful position along Mediterranean routes. From this first settlement, Syracuse later expanded onto the mainland and became one of the most important cities in the Greek world.
The meaning of the Corinthian helmet
The Corinthian helmet recalls the origins of Archias and the colonists who travelled with him. It is therefore not simply a reference to the military world: in the artwork, it becomes a symbol of the Greek origins of Syracuse and of the journey that marked the beginning of the city’s history.
Stefania Pennacchio explained that her work explores the relationship between past and future, based on the idea that a city cannot build its identity without knowing its roots. The helmet draws on a symbol from antiquity, but it is not presented as an archaeological replica. Its presence at Porta Marina instead invites visitors to see the history of Syracuse as something that continues to be part of the city’s landscape and everyday life.
Porta Marina, the historic entrance to Ortigia
Porta Marina is one of the few remaining traces of the fortification system that protected Ortigia for centuries. Built in the 15th century and altered during the following century, it provided access to the city from the side of the Porto Grande. The white-stone structure still preserves a small aedicule with Catalan-style decorations, one of the gate’s most recognisable features.
Its connection with the sea remains clear even after the demolition of much of the city walls. On one side lies Foro Vittorio Emanuele II, the tree-lined promenade running alongside the harbour; on the other, Via Ruggero Settimo leads towards the centre of Ortigia.
The decision to place the Helmet of Archias here therefore follows a clear logic. Those passing through Porta Marina enter the oldest part of Syracuse and encounter an artwork dedicated to the man who, according to tradition, led the foundation of the city. The helmet thus becomes the first reference to Syracuse’s Greek history.
Where to find the Helmet of Archias
The Helmet of Archias is located in the green area in front of Porta Marina, on Foro Vittorio Emanuele II. The artwork stands outdoors and can be viewed freely during a walk along the harbour or through the historic centre.
It can be reached from our Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel in around 10–12 minutes on foot. Starting from Via Vittorio Veneto, you can walk across Ortigia towards Piazza Archimede and then continue along Via Ruggero Settimo, which ends at Porta Marina. The route is short and passes through some of the most visited streets and squares in the centre.
The visit does not take long and can easily be included at the beginning or end of a walking itinerary. From Foro Italico, you can continue along the seafront or head back towards the heart of Ortigia.
What to see near Porta Marina
Once you reach Porta Marina, several other sights are only a few minutes away. Foro Italico runs alongside the Porto Grande and is one of the best places for a walk by the sea. Heading towards the entrance to Ortigia, you can instead reach the Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest surviving traces of the Greek presence in Syracuse.
Returning towards the centre, you will come to Piazza Archimede and the Fountain of Diana, while a little farther on lies Piazza Duomo. Here you will find Syracuse Cathedral, Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco and other buildings that reflect the different periods in the city’s history.