Cathedral of Syracuse

Syracuse, Italy

The Cathedral of Syracuse (Duomo di Siracusa) origins on this site date to prehistory. The great Greek Temple of Athena was built in the 5th century BC. The temple was a Doric edifice with six columns on the short sides and 14 on the long sides. Plato and Athenaeus mention the temple, and the looting of its ornament is mentioned by Cicero, in 70 BC, as one of the crimes of the governor Verres.

The present cathedral was constructed by Saint Bishop Zosimo of Syracuse in the 7th century. The battered Doric columns of the original temple were incorporated in the walls of the current church. They can be seen inside and out. The building was converted into a mosque in 878, then converted back when Norman Roger I of Sicily retook the city in 1085. The roof of the nave is of Norman origin, as well as the mosaics in the apses.

As part of the increased building activity after the 1693 Sicily earthquake, the cathedral was rebuilt and the façade redesigned by architect Andrea Palma in 1725–1753. The style is classified as High Sicilian Baroque, a relatively late example. The double order of Corinthian columns on the facade provide a classic example of carved Acanthus leaves in the capitals. Sculptor Ignazio Marabitti contributed the full-length statues on the facade.

The interior of the church, a nave and two aisles, combine rustic walls and Baroque details. Features include a font with marble basin dating from the 12th or 13th century, a ciborium (an altar canopy) designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli, and a statue of the Madonna della Neve by Antonello Gagini (1512).

The cathedral of Syracuse is included in a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2005.

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Details

Founded: 7th century AD
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

M Sacc (2 months ago)
Amazing cathedral built around the 7th century. Its architecture and design are second to none and rival that of other cathedrals built before and after its time. We didn't get a chance to go inside but it is a sight to be seen if you're visiting Siracusa
Ionut (2 months ago)
All buildings in this square including the cathedral are worth to be visited. Take your time and explore the area.
Los Notes (3 months ago)
Beautiful Cathedral inside and out. You forget how old they are since they are very well kept. The entire are where the Cathedral is looks like a postcard. Must visit.
snezana sismanovic (4 months ago)
Everyone must see Siracusa.It's a capitol of old Greek.And it's really impressive. Arhimed squer,museum,wild coast and piaca Duomo.Boath sightseeing,don't miss anything.
Stefano (5 months ago)
During an early morning walk, we decided to visit this magnificent Cathedral of Syracuse. As they just opened, there was no queue and after paying the entry ticket of €2 each we walked in. The Cathedral is beautiful and well maintained. It is worth the visit and if you don’t want people ruining your pictures, I really recommend going in the early morning. It’s much quieter and you have time to explore it without been disturbed by others.
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