Photo: pjt56 --- · CC BY-SA 3.0 · editedSyracuse Cathedral
Sign up free — See who's going and message them.
Is this your place? Get the badge for your websiteAbout
More photos 11
1 / 11
Carlomorino · CC BY-SA 3.0 · edited
Why go
- Ancient Doric columns remain exposed inside the cathedral and along its left exterior side.
- Andrea Palma’s façade is a late example of High Sicilian Baroque.
- The baptismal font reuses a marble basin described as Hellenistic, supported by seven small 13th-century bronze lions.
- A statue of Saint Lucy is carried from the cathedral in processions twice a year.
Don't miss
- Madonna della NeveAntonello Gagini’s statue dates to 1512.Inside the cathedral1512 On the map
- CiboriumDesigned by Luigi Vanvitelli.Inside the cathedral On the map
- High altar tableA single stone reused from the ancient temple portal’s lintel.At the high altar On the map
Know before you go
- Monday–Saturday: 07:30–19:00.
- Sunday: 07:30–12:30 and 16:00–20:00.
Interesting facts3
-
55 metres
The temple measured 22 by 55 metres, with columns almost nine metres high.
Kathedrale von Syrakus - Wikipedia -
The cathedral’s multicoloured floor dates to the 15th century.
Kathedrale von Syrakus - Wikipedia -
The silver statue of Saint Lucy contains three fragments of her ribs in its chest.
Cathedral of Syracuse - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
In 70 BCE, Cicero cited the looting of the temple’s ornaments among governor Verres’s crimes. Excavations by Paolo Orsi in 1907–1910 uncovered older foundations and ancient artefacts. An early-20th-century restoration removed heavy Baroque stucco to reveal the temple’s original lines. The cathedral was reconsecrated on 9 January 1927 and dedicated to Gesù Cristo Re and Maria Nascente.
- PrehistoryThe site served as a sacred place before the Greek temple was built.
- Ancient Greek periodA Doric temple dedicated to Athena occupied the site.
- 7th centuryThe temple became a Christian basilica, with the cathedral’s establishment associated with Bishop Zosimo.
- 878 and subsequent Islamic ruleAfter Syracuse’s conquest, the building later served as a mosque.
- Late 11th centuryUnder the Normans, the building returned to Christian worship.
Show all
- Norman periodBuilders raised the arches, added windows and decorated the apse with mosaics.
- 1693An earthquake destroyed the Norman façade but left the interior structure and Greek temple columns standing.
- 18th centuryAndrea Palma designed the replacement façade in Sicilian Baroque style.
Sources: Cathedral of Syracuse - Wikipedia · Chiesa Cattedrale - Chiesa di Siracusa · Storia - Chiesa di Siracusa · Kathedrale von Syrakus - Wikipedia · Cathédrale de Syracuse - Wikipedia · Duomo di Siracusa - Wikipedia · checked 6 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +39 0931 66571
Questions and answers
What is Syracuse Cathedral’s street address?
Piazza Duomo, 5, Syracuse.
Where can I see the ancient columns from outside Syracuse Cathedral?
Along the cathedral’s north side on Via Minerva.
Can I explore Syracuse Cathedral’s interior online?
A 3D virtual tour lets you explore the cathedral’s interior.
How can I contact Syracuse Cathedral?
Call +39 0931 66571.
What was the ancient temple’s decoration like at Syracuse Cathedral?
Cicero described ivory-and-gold decoration and painted panels showing a cavalry battle and 27 rulers.
- See who's going — faces, not ticket counts.
- Write to someone who shares your interests — no swipes, no matches, no paywall.
- Pick the event or the place to meet at — and go together.