Syracuse’s cathedral is remarkable more for its history than its decor. The cathedral was built on the site of a Greek temple whose columns are still visible as elements of the structure’s wall. It’s worth a visit to see that alone, and the cathedral’s history is a microcosm for Sicily’s. The Greek temple was constructed around 480 B.C., and the first church on the site was built by the Byzantines in the sixth century A.D. Sicily’s Arab rulers probably used it as a mosque during the ninth century. During the twelfth century, the Normans built a grand façade, which was unfortunately destroyed in a major earthquake in 1693. The current baroque façade was added during the eighteenth century.
Hours
October-March: 9-5:30
April-June, September: 9-6:30
July-August: 9-7
Admission
€ 2.00