Temple of Apollo, Siracusa

Photo © Martin Liebermann. View all images in our Temple of Apollo Photo Gallery.

Photo © Hari Seldon.

Photo © Marcello.

The Temple of Apollo (Tempio di Apollo) on the island of Ortygia in Siracusa, is a Greek temple dating from the 6th century BC.

This is the oldest known Doric temple in Western Europe. An inscription says that the temple honors Apollo, but after Cicero came to Syracuse, he wrote that the temple was dedicated to Artemis.

Regardless, the temple was eventually devoted to neither – it was turned into a Byzantine church and then the Muslims took over and converted it into a mosque. Later, under Norman rule, it was turned back into a church.

Today the building is in ruins, but its imposing size is still evident - 58 x 24 m or 190 x 70 ft. It occupies a large part of Piazza Pancali. The dedication inscription is on the top step of the base.

Quick Facts on the Temple of Apollo

Site Information
Names:	Tempio di Apollo; Temple of Apollo; Temple of Apollo, Siracusa
City:	Siracusa
State:	Sicily
Country:	Italy
cat:	Temples
faith:	Ancient Greek
style:	Greek; Classical
Dates:	6th C BCE
Status:	ruins
Visitor and Contact Information
Address:	Piazza Pancali, Siracusa, Italy
Coordinates:	37.063957° N, 15.293028° E (view on Google Maps)
Opening Hours:	Always available to view (but fenced off).
Cost:	Free
Lodging:	View hotels near this location

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of the Temple of Apollo

Below is a location map and aerial view of the Temple of Apollo. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

Frommer's Sicily
Eyewitness Travel Guide to Sicily.

More Information

Temple of Apollo, Siracusa - Go Historic
Photos of Temple of Apollo - here on Sacred Destinations

Article Info

Title:	Temple of Apollo, Siracusa
Author:	Holly Hayes
Last updated:	04/04/2009
Permalink:	www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/siracusa-temple-of-apollo
Link code:	<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/siracusa-temple-of-apollo">Temple of Apollo, Siracusa</a>