This is a true gem of a building. Initially a Greek temple with doric columns, it was then a Byzantine church, a mosque, a Norman church and now it is a Catholic cathedral. The Greek columns can still be clearly seen both outside and inside. It reminded me of Mezquita of Cordoba, which is a cathedral constructed over a mosque.

Grand front and relatively plainer interior. But the Doric columns from the ancient temple 🛕 are a fascinating aspect of the interior structure. Also the interior chapel dedicated to Saint Agatha is quite interesting, including a video of the annual procession.

The Duomo of Syracuse is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The site is very ancient, the Greeks built a Temple on this spot to celebrate the goddess Athene. The first Christian church was built here in the VII. century. It was also rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake and finished in 1753. As there was a wedding inside, we could only catch a glimpse of the baroque interior.

This cathedral charges an entrance fee. The external façade is very ornate but internally quite austere when you first enter. The decor of the side chapels is fabulous. There is a lovely marble floor. Remains of the preceding Greek temple are evident in the columns internally. Staff were not particularly helpful