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.

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

References

  1. Frommer's Sicily
  2. Eyewitness Travel Guide to Sicily.

More Information

© Martin Liebermann
© Hari Seldon
© Marcello

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.