Duomo di Siracusa

The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Most Holy Nativity of Mary (Catedral Metropolitana della Natività di Maria Santissima) is located at the highest point of the island of Ortigia, which served as a shrine before the Greek era. The first Greek tyrant (self-proclaimed ruler) Gelone built a grand temple on the site of the ancient sanctuary, dedicating it to Athena, the goddess of victory and wisdom, which served its functions until it was transformed into a Christian basilica in the 7th century. Over the centuries, the ancient temple has undergone many alterations and now the Doric columns can be seen in the main nave. Of particular interest is the main facade. Work on it was carried out in two stages, from 1728 to 1751, and it includes elements of both Late Baroque and Rococo.

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