Cathedral of Syracuse

"The cathedral (duomo) of Siracusa offers visitors the chance to glimpse a unique collection of more than a millennia of history: traces of a Greek temple, Norman craftsmanship and High Sicilian Baroque can all be seen here. Looking at the length of the duomo (both from the outside in Piazza Minerva and in the interior), it is possible to see ancient columns peeking out between the stone walls: these are the original columns from the temple of Athena which was built here in the 6th century BC on the foundation of an even older place of worship. The current cathedral was built during the Byzantine occupation of Sicily in the 7th century AD, but like many places of worship, was subsequently used as a mosque during the Arab occupation, then converted back into a church in 1085, at which time the Norman ceiling and mosaics were added. The exterior baroque facade of the church was added following the earthquake in 1693 that destroyed much of south-east Sicily. Inside the church is the statue of the patron saint of Siracusa, Santa Lucia, which is paraded through the city annually on December 13th, as well as her relics. "

"The Cattedrale Metropolitana della Natività di Maria Santissima, commonly known as the Syracuse Cathedral, is a magnificent religious edifice located in the historic heart of Ortigia. The Syracuse Cathedral stands as a testament to the rich history of the city. It was originally built in the 7th century on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Athena. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone several renovations, incorporating various architectural styles, including Byzantine, Norman, and Baroque, making it a fascinating blend of influences."

"There's simply no way you could skip the main Cathedral of Syracuse. Well worth the 2 EUR admission (as of summer 2024)."