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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User Reviews

Stacy Pennington (8 months ago)
Come for the history, but dodge the dogma. This location has been a religious site for at least 2500 years and probably much longer. 2€ to get in and worth it. Originally the Temple of Diana, it was turned into a basilica in the 7th century, then a mosque, and then a cathedral again. Pay particular attention to the ceiling frescos and way in which the older parts of the structure were modified to make different uses through time.
Michael Prinzi (10 months ago)
What a unique and wonderful place! The architecture is a wonderful mix of styles from the past two millennia. A must see for history enthusiasts. Elements of an ancient Greek temple, byzantine conversion, Norman occupation and baroque architecture along with the relics and frescos make this a must on any stop in Syracuse.
Jennifer Smith (10 months ago)
Grand front and relatively plainer interior. But the Doric columns from the ancient temple ? are a fascinating aspect of the interior structure. Also the interior chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha is quite interesting, including a video of the annual procession.
M Sacc (13 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 (13 months ago)
All buildings in this square including the cathedral are worth to be visited. Take your time and explore the area.
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