La Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square), Syracuse (must see)
Cathedral Square is a stunning showcase of baroque town planning, a place where history and architecture converge in a harmonious blend of ancient and more recent influences. This long, rectangular piazza, bordered by magnificent palazzi, occupies the site that was once Syracuse's ancient acropolis, a fortified citadel.
While the original Greek structures have largely disappeared, signs of their enduring presence remain. If you cast your gaze along the side of the Duomo, the city's cathedral, you'll notice a series of sturdy Doric columns seamlessly integrated into the cathedral's architecture. These columns stand as silent witnesses to the square's ancient legacy.
To the north of the Duomo, high above Via Minerva, you'll find Palazzo Municipale, also known as Palazzo Senatoriale, the residence of Syracuse's city council. Constructed in 1629 by Juan Vermexio, a Spanish architect affectionately nicknamed 'Il Lucertolone' (the Lizard), the palace bears the architect's signature鈥攁 small lizard鈥攃arved into a stone on the left corner of the cornice. This charming detail serves as a lasting testament to the city's architectural heritage.
On the opposite side of the Duomo lies the graceful Palazzo Arcivescovile, a 17th-century palace that houses the Biblioteca Alagoniana and a valuable collection of rare 13th-century manuscripts. Its presence on the square adds to the rich tapestry of history and culture that defines the area.
Overlooking the square's northwestern corner stands the Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, an edifice adorned with an exquisite 18th-century facade. It adds to the square's architectural charm with its elegant design.
At the southern end of Cathedral Square is the Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia, a church of historical and artistic significance. The square encompasses an array of notable buildings and cultural treasures, making it a focal point for visitors to explore the diverse heritage and rich legacy of Syracuse. Each step taken in this square offers a journey through the ages, where past and present merge in a captivating blend of architectural splendor.
While the original Greek structures have largely disappeared, signs of their enduring presence remain. If you cast your gaze along the side of the Duomo, the city's cathedral, you'll notice a series of sturdy Doric columns seamlessly integrated into the cathedral's architecture. These columns stand as silent witnesses to the square's ancient legacy.
To the north of the Duomo, high above Via Minerva, you'll find Palazzo Municipale, also known as Palazzo Senatoriale, the residence of Syracuse's city council. Constructed in 1629 by Juan Vermexio, a Spanish architect affectionately nicknamed 'Il Lucertolone' (the Lizard), the palace bears the architect's signature鈥攁 small lizard鈥攃arved into a stone on the left corner of the cornice. This charming detail serves as a lasting testament to the city's architectural heritage.
On the opposite side of the Duomo lies the graceful Palazzo Arcivescovile, a 17th-century palace that houses the Biblioteca Alagoniana and a valuable collection of rare 13th-century manuscripts. Its presence on the square adds to the rich tapestry of history and culture that defines the area.
Overlooking the square's northwestern corner stands the Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, an edifice adorned with an exquisite 18th-century facade. It adds to the square's architectural charm with its elegant design.
At the southern end of Cathedral Square is the Chiesa di Santa Lucia alla Badia, a church of historical and artistic significance. The square encompasses an array of notable buildings and cultural treasures, making it a focal point for visitors to explore the diverse heritage and rich legacy of Syracuse. Each step taken in this square offers a journey through the ages, where past and present merge in a captivating blend of architectural splendor.
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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La Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square) on Map
Sight Name: La Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square)
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Syracuse, Italy (See walking tours in Syracuse)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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.
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
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