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 peripteral (having a row of columns on each side) Doric temple in the world. The 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 would soon be devoted to neither – it was first turned into a Byzantine church before 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.
| 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 |
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.
