Temple of Olympian Zeus

Syracuse, Italy

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the second oldest temple in Syracuse after that of Apollo in Ortigia, rose in the ancient village called Polichne, in a panoramic position, slightly elevated. The Doric building, surrounded by large monolithic columns, appeared really impressive.

Today, what is left of the huge building (which measured 20.50 meters x 60) is part of crepidoma and two columns of the south side.

From it there is a complete view of Porto Grande, Saline, Ortigia and Plemmirio. Not by chance for the Greeks, this temple was a reference for sailors who entering or leaving Syracuse’ port.

References:

citymapsicilia.it

Address

Via Elorina ., Syracuse, Italy

See all sites in Syracuse

Details

Founded: 6th century BCE
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Italy

More Information

www.citymapsicilia.it

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Palazzo degli Elefanti (52,4 km)
Terme Achilliane (52,3 km)
Catania Cathedral (52,3 km)
University of Catania (52,5 km)
Noto Cathedral (24,3 km)
Palazzo Ducezio (24,4 km)
San Carlo al Corso Church (24,4 km)
Basilica della Collegiata (52,5 km)
Montevergine Church (24,3 km)

User Reviews

Jonix (2 years ago)
Old but beautiful church.

Dimitris Karathanos (2 years ago)
The temple was dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare, as testified by Cicero in his Verrine Orations and also by Plato and Athenaeus. Cicero provides extensive details in his speech, claiming that the temple had been respected by the conqueror of Syracuse, Marcus Claudius Marcellus and had only been plundered by the praetor Verres.

John-Anthony Fletcher (3 years ago)
Beautiful building with great architecture, a large inviting entrance to bedazzle even the hardcore critic, unfortunately we only had time to walk past so never looked inside but I’m told it is amazing like my partner Steph x ?

Sebastian H. (3 years ago)
What to say..its history direct infront of you eyes. So beautiful and impressive. There is no good reason not to come by when you are in syrakus.

Aleksandra Kambič (3 years ago)
for me the most beautiful building on the island.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright medioman

Historic Site of the week

Duino Castle

Duino Castle was built by the Wallsee family in 1389 on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. It replaced an older castle from the 11th century. Over time, the Wallsee family disappeared and the castle, after having been used as a prison, became the residence of the Luogar and Hofer.

At the end of the 19th century it became the property of Prince Alexander von Thurn und Taxis from the Czech branch of the House of Thurn and Taxis. It remains with the family to this day with his great-grandson Prince Carlo Alessandro della Torre e Tasso, Duke of Castel Duino the current owner. The castle has been opened to the public as a museum and park.