Grundriss und Aufriss der Grotte "Orecchio di Dionisio" ("Ohr des Dionysos") im Parco Archeologico von Syrakus

This print presents two technical diagrams of the 'Orecchio di Dionisio' cave, detailing its elongated S-curve and narrow, high ceiling. The upper diagram illustrates the floor plan, while the lower depicts the vertical cross-section, showing how the space tapers toward the top. Lettered labels correspond to specific architectural and acoustic features mentioned in the accompanying text.

Athanasius Kircher used this site to study the physics of sound, or 'phonurgia,' treating the cave as a natural megaphone that amplified whispers into loud speech. This reflects the early modern interest in using natural philosophy and geometry to uncover the hidden mechanisms behind ancient wonders and seemingly magical phenomena.