Ortygia is a small island which is the historical center of the city of Syracuse, Sicily. The island, also known as the Città Vecchia (Old City), contains many historical landmarks.
Ortygia, being an island just off the coast, was easily transformed into a natural fortress with harbors and was big enough that it could hold a significant population in ancient times. Therefore, the history of Ortygia is synonymous with the early history of Syracuse