About
Syracuse Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Siracusa or the Cathedral of the Nativity, stands on Piazza del Duomo in the historic heart of Siracusa, on the eastern coast of Sicily. It is a Baroque church, and what makes it worth a visit is its construction: the cathedral was built incorporating the columns of an ancient Greek temple of Athena, so the building itself holds several layers of the island's past in one place.
What to look for
- The side walls, where the ancient columns of the Greek temple can still be seen within the later structure.
- The Baroque elements added in the church's later form, set against the older stone.
- The square itself, a good place to pause before or after going inside.
Visiting Siracusa
The cathedral is an easy starting point for exploring the old town of Ortigia, the island quarter of Siracusa, where narrow streets and the seafront lie within a short walk of the piazza. Because the building reflects so many periods at once, it suits visitors interested in how Sicilian towns have been shaped over time, as well as those who simply want to see a striking church in a handsome setting.
For details on visiting, you can call the cathedral on +39 0931 65328 before you go.
