Cathedral of Syracuse, Syracuse (must see)
The Cathedral of Syracuse is a captivating testament to the island of Sicily's rich and diverse history, marked by various periods and rulers. This remarkable cathedral, like many other landmarks in the region, reflects the island's evolution over time. Its distinct feature is an entire outer wall constructed using the Doric columns of the ancient Temple of Athena.
The cathedral's history is intertwined with the ancient temple, as it was built around these Doric columns in the seventh century. These columns remained visible, leading to the cathedral's naming as "Santa Maria delle Colonne." The Doric columns, which can be admired from Via Minerva, create a striking contrast with the Baroque facade. The grand entrance is accessed via a wide flight of steps, and statues of the Apostles Peter and Paul, sculpted by Marabitti, adorn the facade, gazing out onto Piazza Duomo.
The cathedral is part of a larger complex of buildings in the square, many of which date from the 17th to the 18th centuries. Notable structures in the vicinity include the Episcopal Palace, the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia (constructed between 1695 and 1703), Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, and the Municipio (Town Hall).
The cathedral underwent significant transformations over the centuries. To adapt the ancient temple into a Christian place of worship, the columns in the perambulatory were bricked up, and eight arcades were created in each of the cella walls. This configuration turned the cella into the central nave, with the side perambulatory passages serving as the side aisles of a triple-aisled basilica. The entrance was shifted to the west side, between two of the original columns, which are still visible today.
Following the devastating earthquake of 1693, Andrea Palma undertook the construction of an exuberant Baroque facade, along with a portico featuring finely crafted columns. Subsequent restorations in 1927 aimed to remove many later Baroque additions, while preserving several important elements. These include the 1517 wooden ceiling, a 12th-century Norman font supported by seven small bronze lions, the 1659 high altar, the sacramental chapel built in 1653, a painting of San Zosimo in the crucifix chapel attributed to Antonello da Messina, and a collection of statues by sculptors A. and G. Gagini. The restorers' careful work ensured that the ancient temple's history still shines through, while honoring the contributions of later periods.
The cathedral's history is intertwined with the ancient temple, as it was built around these Doric columns in the seventh century. These columns remained visible, leading to the cathedral's naming as "Santa Maria delle Colonne." The Doric columns, which can be admired from Via Minerva, create a striking contrast with the Baroque facade. The grand entrance is accessed via a wide flight of steps, and statues of the Apostles Peter and Paul, sculpted by Marabitti, adorn the facade, gazing out onto Piazza Duomo.
The cathedral is part of a larger complex of buildings in the square, many of which date from the 17th to the 18th centuries. Notable structures in the vicinity include the Episcopal Palace, the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia (constructed between 1695 and 1703), Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, and the Municipio (Town Hall).
The cathedral underwent significant transformations over the centuries. To adapt the ancient temple into a Christian place of worship, the columns in the perambulatory were bricked up, and eight arcades were created in each of the cella walls. This configuration turned the cella into the central nave, with the side perambulatory passages serving as the side aisles of a triple-aisled basilica. The entrance was shifted to the west side, between two of the original columns, which are still visible today.
Following the devastating earthquake of 1693, Andrea Palma undertook the construction of an exuberant Baroque facade, along with a portico featuring finely crafted columns. Subsequent restorations in 1927 aimed to remove many later Baroque additions, while preserving several important elements. These include the 1517 wooden ceiling, a 12th-century Norman font supported by seven small bronze lions, the 1659 high altar, the sacramental chapel built in 1653, a painting of San Zosimo in the crucifix chapel attributed to Antonello da Messina, and a collection of statues by sculptors A. and G. Gagini. The restorers' careful work ensured that the ancient temple's history still shines through, while honoring the contributions of later periods.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Syracuse. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Cathedral of Syracuse on Map
Sight Name: Cathedral of Syracuse
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Syracuse, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Syracuse
Creating your own self-guided walk in Syracuse is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Syracuse Introduction Walking Tour
Syracuse, a city steeped in 2,700 years of Greek and Roman history, boasts a rich cultural heritage, remarkable amphitheaters, and iconic architecture. It was the birthplace of the renowned mathematician and engineer Archimedes and played a pivotal role as a Mediterranean powerhouse in ancient times.
Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans, the city-state formed influential alliances... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Founded by Ancient Greek Corinthians and Teneans, the city-state formed influential alliances... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Neapolis Archaeological Park Walk
For those keen on ancient history, Syracuse's main attraction lies within its Neapolis Archaeological Park. Spread across a vast area, this historical site contains a variety of fascinating landmarks, each with its own unique story.
Our first stop on this walk is the Augustan Arch (Arco Augusteo), the majestic archway built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Nearby, you'll find the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Our first stop on this walk is the Augustan Arch (Arco Augusteo), the majestic archway built during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Nearby, you'll find the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles