Church of San Nicol貌 ai Cordari, Syracuse
The Church of San Nicol貌 ai Cordari is a historic place of worship in Syracuse, with a rich history that reflects the city's diverse cultural and architectural heritage. This church, one of the earliest to be constructed in Syracuse, dates back to the Norman era, built shortly after the Arab rule in the Aretusea city.
The site of the present church holds historical significance, as it once housed an early Christian-era basilica-style religious building. In the Byzantine period, this church was transformed into an underground place of worship. Below the church, you can explore the so-called Roman Pool, which consists of large water tanks hewn from the stone of the Latomie. These ancient water conduits were originally used by the people of Syracuse during the Roman period to fill the Roman amphitheater, where nautical games and water fights took place.
In 1093, the church gained further prominence when it hosted the funeral of Count Giordano d'Altavilla, the son of the renowned Count Roger I of Sicily. The Normans dedicated the church to Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint invoked to help expel the Arabs from Syracuse.
Over the centuries, as the population of Syracuse dwindled during various historical periods, including the Angevin, Spanish, Austrian, and Bourbon rule, the church was eventually deconsecrated and abandoned. The city's inhabitants concentrated within the fortified island of Ortigia, leading to the neglect of structures beyond its walls, including the church of San Nicol貌.
In 1577, the church was granted to the cordari, artisans who crafted ropes and worked in the nearby Latomie of Neapolis. It was during this time that the church became known as the Church of San Nicol貌 dei Cordari, as it served the families of rope makers in Syracuse. The church subsequently had various uses, including as a grain warehouse, and during a plague outbreak around 1600, its cellars served as a mass grave.
Today, the church plays a vital role as the entrance to the Neapolis archaeological park. Inside, you'll find a small photographic museum exhibiting period photographs of various monuments located within the Neapolis Park. The church maintains its rectangular layout and architectural integrity. Its design is austere, with dimensions measuring 16 by 8 meters. The church features two cuspidate arch portals, one of which is situated laterally. The only decorative element is a small semicircular apse at the church's end, characterized by narrow, long windows with arched shapes, offering a glimpse into the architectural history and significance of this ancient place of worship.
The site of the present church holds historical significance, as it once housed an early Christian-era basilica-style religious building. In the Byzantine period, this church was transformed into an underground place of worship. Below the church, you can explore the so-called Roman Pool, which consists of large water tanks hewn from the stone of the Latomie. These ancient water conduits were originally used by the people of Syracuse during the Roman period to fill the Roman amphitheater, where nautical games and water fights took place.
In 1093, the church gained further prominence when it hosted the funeral of Count Giordano d'Altavilla, the son of the renowned Count Roger I of Sicily. The Normans dedicated the church to Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint invoked to help expel the Arabs from Syracuse.
Over the centuries, as the population of Syracuse dwindled during various historical periods, including the Angevin, Spanish, Austrian, and Bourbon rule, the church was eventually deconsecrated and abandoned. The city's inhabitants concentrated within the fortified island of Ortigia, leading to the neglect of structures beyond its walls, including the church of San Nicol貌.
In 1577, the church was granted to the cordari, artisans who crafted ropes and worked in the nearby Latomie of Neapolis. It was during this time that the church became known as the Church of San Nicol貌 dei Cordari, as it served the families of rope makers in Syracuse. The church subsequently had various uses, including as a grain warehouse, and during a plague outbreak around 1600, its cellars served as a mass grave.
Today, the church plays a vital role as the entrance to the Neapolis archaeological park. Inside, you'll find a small photographic museum exhibiting period photographs of various monuments located within the Neapolis Park. The church maintains its rectangular layout and architectural integrity. Its design is austere, with dimensions measuring 16 by 8 meters. The church features two cuspidate arch portals, one of which is situated laterally. The only decorative element is a small semicircular apse at the church's end, characterized by narrow, long windows with arched shapes, offering a glimpse into the architectural history and significance of this ancient place of worship.
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Church of San Nicol貌 ai Cordari on Map
Sight Name: Church of San Nicol貌 ai Cordari
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