Siracusa is located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, and is one of the island’s most historically significant and storied cities. Founded by Greek settlers from Corinth in 734 BCE, it quickly grew into one of the most powerful city states of the ancient world. In antiquity, Siracusa was not only a dominant force in the Magna Graecia, but a major political and military player across the Mediterranean. At its height, the city held enormous military, economic, and cultural influence, rivaling even Athens. Siracusa continued to flourish under Roman rule, and remained significant through the Byzantine, Arab, and Norman periods.
Just off the historical center of Siracusa is a small island named Ortigia. It was the original site of the Greek colony, and today it is a beautifully preserved district filled with ancient and medieval architecture. Here, layers of history are visible in virtually every street and building. Reminders of ancient life are everywhere, from baroque churches, to remains of temples, and classical sculptures. Modern day Siracusa and Ortigia are remarkable testaments of over two millennium of human history.
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.
The Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi in Siracusa is one of Italy’s most important archaeological museums. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from the prehistoric, Greek, Roman, and early Christian periods of southeastern Sicily. With each room dedicated to a specific era, the museum offers a well organized and engaging introduction to the island’s ancient history that is both exhilarating and accessible.
The Catacomba di Vigna Cassia, part of the Cimitero di Santa Maria di Gesu, dates back to the 3rd century AD. This early Christian burial site features underground chambers carved into limestone, reflecting the quiet resilience of a growing faith during the Roman Empire.
This reconstructed terracotta revetment comes from the Temple of Minerva, dating to 7th century BC. Created by local artisans, the colorful roof tiles are richly decorated with oriental motifs. These tiles represent some of the earliest architectural terracottas in the Western world.
This marble kouros, carved from cycladic marble from Naxos, represents a young man from 550 BC. An inscription in the Megarian alphabet identifies him as the son of a physician. As one of the earliest discovered funerary statues in the area, it illustrates the early development of Greek literacy and inscriptions.