Ear of Dionysius, Sicily, Italy
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Ear of Dionysius. Photo by Michael Wilson
This large limestone cave has a great sound legend attached to it. The story goes that the tyrant Dionysius (ca. 432–367 BC) used this place as a prison. The wedge shape of the cavern causes peoples’ conversations to be focussed and amplified at the roof of the cave, 22m above the floor. Supposedly this enabled guards to spy on prisoners by listening to the amplified sound through a small hidden opening at the top of the cave: even when the prisoners spoke in whispers.
“The tearing of a piece of paper makes a noise not unlike that occasioned by knocking a heavy stick against a stone” Conrad Malte-Brun, 1829.
Unfortunately, it’s no longer possible to hear the effect because of safety fears; in the past travellers were hosted up by rope and pulley to the opening. Consequently, a modern listener is just left to enjoy the reverberance at ground level, marvel at the legend and take in the cavern’s ear-like shape.
The Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, which includes the cavern, also has a Greek amphitheatre which sound tourists can admire.
Ear of Dionysius – film is dark to begin with
Whooping in the Ear of Dionysius
Singing in the Ear of Dionysius
Logistics and some suggested locations
In Parco Archeologico della Neapolis, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy. map.
Credits and sources
Site suggested by Nick Antonio
Photo, references and sound credits
about 3 months ago
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about 2 months ago
Quite an impressive effect ! If possible, try to come in at a quiet time of the day/year, so that you can experiment by yourself without lots of people shouting or singing around you.
The Greek theatre is great too, although the rear wall has disappeared, and its acoustical afficiency altogether.