The Cathedral of Siracusa, located in the heart of Ortigia, stands as a remarkable symbol of religious and architectural continuity. Beneath its striking Baroque facade lies the original Doric columns of the 5th century BC Temple of Athena (Minerva). These ancient columns still support the nave of the cathedral today, a testament to its enduring beauty. Over the centuries, the structure was adapted to reflect the dominant cultures of the time. It was converted into a Christian church in the 7th century, later transformed into an Arab mosque, and then reshaped by the Normans who imposed a Christianity once more. Following significant damage from earthquakes, Baroque elements were added in the 17th century, giving the cathedral its dramatic decoration. Inside, 7th century mosaics and a Byzantine apse still survive. Today, the cathedral remains as a powerful expression of the city’s seamlessly blending of ancient Greek, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Baroque influences into a single sacred monument.

On the southern tip of the Ortigia island lays one of the most striking examples of medieval military architecture in Sicily, Castello Maniace. Built between 1232 and 1250 AD under Federick II, this fortress was built in an effort by the King to fortify the island’s coastline and assert authority. Named after the Byzantine general Maniakes, who briefly captured Syracuse from Arab rule in the 11th century, the castle reflects a unique blend of Norman, Arabic, and classical influences. Its robust stone walls, strategic position, and square layout with cylindrical corner towers exemplify how architecture can serve as a symbol of centralized power. 

The Temple of Apollo is the oldest known stone Doric temple in the greater Greece. Dating back to the early 6th century BC, it was built with six by seventeen monolithic columns, a magnificent innovation for its time that marked the shift from wood to stone architecture. Over time, the temple underwent numerous transformations that reflect the region’s layered history. It was converted into a Christian church during the Byzantine period, later becoming a mosque under Arab rule, and then a Christian basilica under the Normans. During Spanish rule in the 16th century it was incorporated into military barracks, and shortly after a new church, Santa Maria delle Grazie, was built over it. After centuries of alteration, a long process of excavation and restoration began in 1858 and concluded in 1942. Although few elements from the original temple still stand, it is magnificent that such an ancient tale of religion and power remains in the heart of the city.