The complex was constructed by repurposing an ancient Greek aqueduct system.
The Crypt of San Marziano contains fragments of Byzantine frescoes depicting the early bishops of Syracuse.
The burial galleries were organized in a grid-like fashion similar to the urban planning of ancient Syracuse.
Many of the original tombstones and marble inscriptions were removed or damaged during the Saracen and Norman occupations.
The site features a specific sector, the 'Rotonda di Adelfia', containing the sarcophagus of Adelfia, a noblewoman of the 4th century.
The catacombs extend well beyond the current boundaries of the Basilica, underneath much of the surrounding Neapolis district.
The Catacomba di San Giovanni is an expansive subterranean paleochristian burial site located beneath the Basilica of San Giovanni in Syracuse. Constructed between the 4th and 6th centuries AD, it served as a cemetery for the early Christian community. The layout follows a Greek-style subterranean architecture, featuring a main gallery known as the 'Decumanus Maximus' intersected by secondary corridors. It houses a vast array of loculi, arcosolia, and cubicles carved directly into the limestone rock. A key feature is the Crypt of San Marziano, situated near the entrance, which incorporates elements from an earlier Greek cistern. The site reflects the transition of Syracuse from a classical Greek city to a Christian center of the Byzantine era. The catacombs were heavily modified over centuries, including use as a shelter during World War II.
The entrance to the Crypt of San Marziano, featuring the contrast between the stone columns and ancient frescoes.
The underground temperature remains constant and cool, so bring a light jacket even in summer.
Wear shoes with excellent grip, as the limestone floors can be slippery and uneven.
Visitors must join a guided tour to access the interior galleries, as independent exploration is not permitted.
Do not attempt to explore the site without a certified guide; straying from the group is strictly prohibited.
Closed on Mondays throughout the winter season; occasionally closes for private liturgical events.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required; flash photography is prohibited inside the burial galleries.
