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Cathedral · Siracusa, Sicília
Duomo di Siracusa
The cathedral of Siracusa, on the Piazza Duomo in Ortigia, built over the Temple of Athena from the 5th century BC. The Greek Doric columns remain standing within the walls.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Duomo di Siracusa
The Duomo de Siracusa is a Greek temple that became a church and has been in use for more than 1,300 years. Originally it was the Temple of Athena, erected in the 5th century BC after the victory of the Greeks of Siracusa over the Carthaginians at Himera in 480 BC.
In the 7th century Christians converted the temple into a church: they closed the gaps between the columns with walls and opened arches in the cella. That is why the Greek Doric columns are still visible today, inside and out, on the side wall facing the Via Minerva.
The Baroque façade dates from the 18th century, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake to a design by Andrea Palma, and features statues of São Pedro, São Paulo and Santa Lúcia, the city's patron saint. Inside, the chapel of Santa Lúcia preserves objects linked to the saint.
The cathedral stands on the Piazza Duomo, an elongated square of light-coloured stone, with the Palazzo Vermexio, the town hall, and the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, with light on the façade, or in the late afternoon. At night the Piazza Duomo is illuminated, but the church is already closed.
How to get there
In the centre of Ortigia, about a 10-minute walk from the bridges and 2 minutes from the Fonte Aretusa.
Tip
Visit with shoulders and knees covered. On the Via Minerva next door you can see the columns of the Greek temple from outside. There is an entrance fee for tourists; check opening times before you go.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Duomo di Siracusa
Are the cathedral's columns really Greek?
Yes. They are from the Templo de Atena, from the 5th century BC. Christians closed the spaces between them with walls and converted the temple into a church.
Do you need appropriate clothing?
Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter.
From what period is the façade?
From the 18th century, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake to a design by Andrea Palma.
What else is in the Piazza Duomo?
The Palazzo Vermexio, the town hall, and the church of Santa Lucia alla Badia, along with Baroque palaces.