Cathedral of Syracuse, Syracuse (must see)

The Cathedral of Syracuse is a captivating testament to the island of Sicily's rich and diverse history, marked by various periods and rulers. This remarkable cathedral, like many other landmarks in the region, reflects the island's evolution over time. Its distinct feature is an entire outer wall constructed using the Doric columns of the ancient Temple of Athena.

The cathedral's history is intertwined with the ancient temple, as it was built around these Doric columns in the seventh century. These columns remained visible, leading to the cathedral's naming as "Santa Maria delle Colonne." The Doric columns, which can be admired from Via Minerva, create a striking contrast with the Baroque facade. The grand entrance is accessed via a wide flight of steps, and statues of the Apostles Peter and Paul, sculpted by Marabitti, adorn the facade, gazing out onto Piazza Duomo.

The cathedral is part of a larger complex of buildings in the square, many of which date from the 17th to the 18th centuries. Notable structures in the vicinity include the Episcopal Palace, the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia (constructed between 1695 and 1703), Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, and the Municipio (Town Hall).

The cathedral underwent significant transformations over the centuries. To adapt the ancient temple into a Christian place of worship, the columns in the perambulatory were bricked up, and eight arcades were created in each of the cella walls. This configuration turned the cella into the central nave, with the side perambulatory passages serving as the side aisles of a triple-aisled basilica. The entrance was shifted to the west side, between two of the original columns, which are still visible today.

Following the devastating earthquake of 1693, Andrea Palma undertook the construction of an exuberant Baroque facade, along with a portico featuring finely crafted columns. Subsequent restorations in 1927 aimed to remove many later Baroque additions, while preserving several important elements. These include the 1517 wooden ceiling, a 12th-century Norman font supported by seven small bronze lions, the 1659 high altar, the sacramental chapel built in 1653, a painting of San Zosimo in the crucifix chapel attributed to Antonello da Messina, and a collection of statues by sculptors A. and G. Gagini. The restorers' careful work ensured that the ancient temple's history still shines through, while honoring the contributions of later periods.