Renovation and Construction in Siracusa

Most enquiries in Siracusa concern Ortigia, the small island that holds the historic centre. Its buildings are mostly local limestone masonry, often thick rubble filled walls faced with dressed stone, with vaulted ground floors, timber or iron beam floors above and terraces on the roof. Many old palazzi were divided into apartments during the twentieth century, so one floor may share a staircase, a roof and a facade with several other owners. Expect layered alterations, old wiring and pipes buried in the walls, and floors that have been raised or patched more than once.

Being surrounded by the sea shapes every decision. Salt air and rising damp attack plaster, mortar joints, iron balcony brackets and window frames, so we favour breathable lime plasters and mortars over cement, treat or replace corroded steel, and choose joinery and fittings that cope with a marine climate. On the mainland the picture changes: apartment blocks in the modern city and more recent detached villas along the coast towards Fontane Bianche, which usually need insulation, new systems and a complete rethink of the layout.

Many Ortigia buyers come to us before they sign. We can help find a suitable property and check it first: the state of the structure and roof, how damp the ground floor is, whether past works were properly authorised, and what the condominium rules allow. That check shapes a detailed quote and a realistic plan, prepared with our architects, who draw up the project and file the permits and the Soprintendenza request. For buyers who cannot be in Sicily, we can carry out these visits ourselves and report back on a video call.

Once approvals arrive, one project manager coordinates our muratori, the electricians and plumbers renewing the impianti, the carpenters and the finishing trades, and sources the materials, from lime plasters to joinery suited to sea air. Interior design runs alongside, so a narrow Ortigia layout gains light, storage and a working kitchen without losing its vaults or old floors. Owners abroad get weekly photo and video updates and video calls in English or Italian, and at the end receive a turnkey home with full documentation.