Ciane fountain, Natural spring in Siracusa, Italy

Ciane Fountain is a natural spring in Siracusa that sits within a protected natural reserve, supplying fresh water to the surrounding wetland ecosystem. The reserve contains diverse plant and animal life, including rare plant populations and various bird species.

The spring was used since ancient times and played a role in the water supply of the ancient city. The natural reserve surrounding it was established later to protect the unique habitats and biodiversity of the region.

The name comes from the Greek kyanos, blue, after the colour of the water. Diodorus Siculus recounts that Hades opened the earth here with his chariot after abducting Persephone, and that the Syracusans held an annual festival at the spring, sacrificing bulls by immersing them in the water; Heracles was said to have introduced the rite.

The spring is accessible through marked paths within the reserve that lead visitors through different habitats. Early morning visits are best for observing birds and enjoying the landscape with fewer people around.

The papyrus here may descend from plants given by Ptolemy II Philadelphus to Hiero II of Syracuse in the 3rd century BC, according to the tradition reported in the sources. The reeds grow several metres tall along the spring and the river banks.