It was the first peripteral temple built entirely of stone in Sicily.
During the Byzantine era, the central nave was transformed into a church with a new entrance on the eastern side.
Archaeologists discovered a staircase within the building that dates back to the Islamic period.
The temple was dedicated to Apollo, as confirmed by an inscription found on a block on the eastern side.
It originally consisted of a 6x17 column arrangement, a rare design for temples of that period.
The Temple of Apollo in Syracuse is the oldest Doric-style Greek temple in Sicily, dating back to the early 6th century BCE. Situated in the Ortigia district, the site features the remaining monolithic columns and sections of the base. Historical excavations reveal it has served as a Byzantine church and a mosque over its two-millennia lifespan. The structure was rediscovered in the late 19th century after being integrated into Spanish military barracks and residential buildings. It represents a transition point in Greek architecture from wood to stone construction. Today, the ruins are accessible to the public, offering a clear view of the stylobate and the arrangement of the peristyle.
From the Piazza Pancali level, looking down at the temple ruins with the modern city skyline in the background.
View the site from the elevated wooden walkway to see the ground plan layout clearly.
Visit during the evening when the ruins are illuminated by spotlights.
Combine the visit with a walk to the nearby Ortigia food market.
Do not attempt to climb onto the ruins; the barriers are in place to preserve the fragile limestone structures.
