Fountain of Arethusa, Freshwater spring with lake in Ortigia, Syracuse, Italy
The fountain of Arethusa is a freshwater spring in Ortigia, Syracuse, Italy, that feeds a natural basin of clear water close to the Mediterranean shore. Grey mullet swim among the green papyrus stalks that grow directly from the shallow bottom.
The spring was known to the Greeks who settled in Syracuse and originally formed a larger lake. Spanish troops built fortifications around the shore in the 16th century and reduced the basin considerably.
The name comes from a Greek tale in which the nymph Arethusa turned herself into freshwater to flow beneath the sea. Today visitors can see papyrus stalks growing from the shallow basin and lining the shore.
The basin sits directly beside the seafront promenade and is accessible at any time, with a low stone wall surrounding the water. The walk from the town center takes just a few minutes and the site is lit in the evening.
This is one of only two remaining places in Europe where papyrus still grows wild in its natural habitat. The fish seen swimming among the roots live in freshwater just a few meters from the salt sea.
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