Siracusa is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean, with a wonderful collection of historical sites from both the ancient Greek and Roman time periods. In 2005, Siracusa and the nearby necropolis of Pantalica were deemed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Euryalus Castle, built by order of Dionysius the Elder. Also explore the Catacombs of Vigna Cassia, Saint Lucia and the Basilica of St. John. These three sites consist of a series of tunnels dug into the rock, where men and women of the Christian faith were buried, which at that time was prohibited. Made between the third and fourth century AD, they are visible along with sarcophagi paintings, frescoes, and altars.