Temple of Apollo

Located in the heart of the island of Ortigia in Syracuse, the Temple of Apollo is one of the oldest and most fascinating testimonies to Greek history and architecture in Sicily.
This extraordinary monument, with its imposing columns and rich history, offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in antiquity.
The Temple of Apollo in Syracuse was an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Apollo, the god of music, prophecy, and light.

A Colossus of Doric Architecture

Passing the Umbertine quarter, the visitor is confronted by the grandiose hemicycle that holds the ruins of the Temple of Apollo.
The original temple building, dating from the early 6th century B.C. (if not the last of the previous one), is considered the oldest Doric temple in Sicily.
The six columns on the facade and seventeen on the sides, all monolithic, must have made a strong impression on ancient visitors.
The majesty of the temple was accentuated by six more columns placed behind the facade, with a pronaos leading into the cella divided into three naves by two rows of columns.

Unique Architectural Features

The temple reveals its archaic nature through various architectural elements, such as the very wide echinus, the considerable height of the architrave (as much as 2.15 meters), and the very narrow and irregular intercolumniations.
These features made it difficult to apply the strict laws of eurythmy between the triglyphs and the axes of the columns.
Its historical importance is accentuated by the fact that it was the first temple with stone peristasis (sequence of crepidom, columns, and epistyle).
The innovation of stone columns is celebrated in the dedicatory inscription on the east side of the krepis, which reads, “Cleomenes, son of Cneidieides, made Apollo (the temple) and Epicles (made) the columns: it is a fine work.”
However, confidence in the stone’s resilience was limited, as evidenced by the surviving lintel fragment with a strong wooden core.

Transformations over Time

The Temple of Apollo has gone through several transformations over the centuries.
During the Roman period, it continued to be used, but in Byzantine times it began its own travails, being transformed first into a Christian basilica, then into a mosque by the Arabs, and later into a Christian church by the Normans.
During this period, the walls of the cella were raised to accommodate the Church of the Savior of the quartarari masters, with the ancient entrance now offering a picturesque perspective on the Ortigia market.
In the 16th century, during the fortification of the city ordered by Charles V, a barracks, known as the Quartiere Vecchio, was built on the ruins of the temple.
Although the old church was demolished, another was erected to Our Lady of All Graces in 1664.
In the second half of the 19th century, a series of excavations brought to light the remains of the temple and the demolition of the last church in 1864.

Excavation and Restoration

Since the 1940s, further excavation campaigns and the demolition of military structures have finally brought to light the surviving parts of the temple.
Today, what immediately comes into view is the rear part of the building, as Greek temples had an east-facing elevation.
Although only two columns and a few other remains remain, the site still retains its monumentality and charm.

Visiting the Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo is easily accessible and offers a unique experience for those wishing to explore the wonders of ancient Syracuse.
Located in the bustling neighborhood of Ortigia, the temple is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and stores, making it an ideal stop for a day of cultural discovery.

A Heritage to Preserve

The Temple of Apollo is not only a historical monument, but a symbol of Syracuse’s rich cultural heritage.
Its preservation and enhancement are essential to keep alive the memory of a glorious past and to allow future generations to admire and study this extraordinary example of Doric architecture.
Visit the Temple of Apollo and be fascinated by its thousand-year history and imposing beauty, an eternal testimony to the greatness of Greek civilization in Sicily.