Temple of Apollo, Siracusa
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 |
|---|---|
| Categories: | temples; ruins |
| Styles: | Classical Greece |
| Dedication: | Apollo |
| Dates: | 6th C BCE |
| Status: | ruins |
| Visitor and Contact Information | |
| Coordinates: | 37.063957° N, 15.293028° E |
| Address: | Piazza Pancali Siracusa, Italy |
| Hours: | Always available to view (but fenced off). |
| Lodging: | View hotels near the Temple of Apollo |
References
- Frommer's Sicily
- Eyewitness Travel Guide to Sicily.
More Information
- Photos of the Temple of Apollo - here on Sacred Destinations
Map of the Temple of Apollo, Siracusa
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.