Temple of Apollo, Siracusa
The Temple of Apollo by night. Photo
Martin Liebermann.
Extensive ruins of the Temple of Apollo. Photo
Hari Seldon. 
Ancient Doric columns. 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
| Names: | Temple of Apollo; Tempio di Apollo |
| Type of site: | Greek temple |
| Faith: | Ancient Greek religion |
| Status: | Ruins |
| Dates: | 6th century BC |
| Architecture: | Doric |
| Location: | Piazza Pancali, just across the bridge to the island of Ortygia from mainland Syracuse |
| Hours: | Always available to view (but fenced off). |
| Cost: | Free |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of the Temple of Apollo on Ortygia. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Siracusa Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Frommer's Sicily
- Eyewitness Travel Guide to Sicily.
