Its capital was the city of Syracuse, a town established by Greek colonists arriving from Corinth in the 8th century BC.

Following the suppression of the Sicilian provinces, it was replaced in August 2015 by the free municipal consortium of Syracuse (Italian: libero consorzio comunale di Siracusa).

In 2002, ancient centres of Noto, Palazzolo Acreide and six other towns in the Noto Valley, were awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and is a significant attraction due to its historical, architectural, artistic and archaeological interest.

[4] The island contains the Castello Maniace, dated to the Hohenstaufen period and the Doric Temple of Athena, which was renovated by the Normans.

[4] The coast to the south of Syracuse contains numerous protected areas, such as the Area Marina Protetta del Plemmirio, the Riserva Naturale Orientara Cavagrande between Cassibile and Avola, and the Riserva Naturale Orientata faunistica di Vendicar, north of Pachino.