Siracusa old town centres on Ortigia, the island quarter where Piazza Duomo and the Cathedral of Syracuse provide a natural starting point. You can add the market near the Temple of Apollo to your visit, with its stalls of fish, vegetables, cheeses and olives.
- Location: The Cathedral of Syracuse is at Piazza Duomo, 5, on Ortigia.
- Market: Open Monday to Saturday from early morning until about 14:00; allow around 45 minutes.
- Cathedral: Admission is paid, and visits are not permitted during religious services.
- Nearby history: The Ipogeo di Piazza Duomo is an underground route running from the piazza towards the Marina walls.
Start around Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo is the focal point for a visit to Ortigia’s old town, with the cathedral at its centre. Begin here to see the square and its historic setting before going inside the church. You can make Ortigia part of a Siracusa visit from a bed and breakfast in Siracusa.
The Cathedral of Syracuse stands at Piazza Duomo, 5. The piazza also gives access to the Ipogeo di Piazza Duomo, an underground route that runs east to west from the square to the Marina walls. Its main tunnel has smaller galleries, including one that reconnects to the large cistern of the Archbishop’s Palace.
The Ipogeo is listed by the Ministry of Culture as open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00, with no reservation required, and admission of €4 full price, €2 reduced price and €1 for residents of the province.
Another heritage listing describes it as closed and gives prices of €6 full and €3 reduced; opening details also conflict. Check the official site before you go.
The Ipogeo di Piazza Duomo in Siracusa is a natural addition for a visit focused on the square’s underground history.
Visit the Cathedral of Syracuse
- Ticket
- office hours are 09:00–17:30 from January to April and October to December, and
The Cathedral of Syracuse combines a working place of worship with the remains of an ancient Greek temple. Its dedication is to the Nativity of Mary Most Holy, and the Doric columns of the Temple of Athena remain visible along the cathedral’s north side.
The Temple of Athena was built in the 5th century BCE. Under the Byzantines, the site became a Christian basilica, and it had been a church since the 7th century CE.
Cathedral admission is paid, guided tours in Italian or English are available on request, and visits cannot take place during religious services. Sunday and holiday Mass times are 08:00, 11:30 and 19:00. Ticket-office hours are 09:00–17:30 from January to April and October to December, and 09:00–18:30 from May to September; Sunday is a closing day.
The cathedral has an accessible entrance for visitors with disabilities and no architectural barriers. The main entrance is up steps from Piazza Duomo; a ramped entrance is available in the Archbishop’s Palace courtyard for visitors with mobility difficulties.
Walk to Fonte Aretusa and the waterfront
Fonte Aretusa sits beside the Ortigia waterfront, where you can also find bathing platforms around Forte Vigliena and the eastern seafront. The swimming season runs from June to September.
For a coastal change of pace, beaches in Siracusa include options along the city’s coast.
Add the Ortigia market to your route
The Ortigia market sits near the Temple of Apollo and is a lively stop for local food stalls. You’ll find fish, vegetables, cheeses and olives, and the market is busiest before noon.
The market operates Monday to Saturday, from early morning until about 14:00, and closes on Sundays. Entry is free, and the local tourism site suggests allowing 45 minutes. Arriving earlier gives you time to browse while the stalls are busy.
For a broader itinerary that connects the island with the archaeological area, one day in Siracusa from Neapolis to Ortigia includes both parts of the city.
FAQs
Is the Cathedral of Syracuse inside Piazza Duomo?
Yes. The cathedral is at Piazza Duomo, 5, on Ortigia.
Can you visit the cathedral during Mass?
No. The cathedral cannot be visited during religious services. Sunday and holiday Masses are at 08:00, 11:30 and 19:00.
When is the Ortigia market open?
It operates Monday to Saturday from early morning until about 14:00 and is closed on Sundays.
How much time should you allow for the market?
The local tourism site suggests allowing around 45 minutes.