Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo features forty-two monolithic stone columns arranged in a 6 x 17 pattern, measuring 55 meters in length and 21 meters in width.

Built around 575 BCE by architect Epicles, this temple later transformed into a Byzantine church, an Islamic mosque, and a Spanish military barracks through centuries.

The temple exhibits early Doric architectural elements, with its design marking the transition from wooden to stone-built religious structures in ancient Greek colonies.

Archaeological remains of the temple stand at the northern edge of Ortygia island, facing Piazza Pancali in the historical center of modern Syracuse.

The temple contains an adyton, a restricted rear chamber typical of Sicilian temple designs, and bears one of the oldest Greek architectural inscriptions.

Location: Syracuse

Architectural style: Doric order

GPS coordinates: 37.06389,15.29306

Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:31