If you’re starting your journey through Sicily’s ancient history on the east side of the island, the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse is the place to begin. The remains of the Temple of Apollo might not look like much at first glance, a few columns and a low stone platform in the middle of Ortigia’s bustling streets, but it’s one of the most significant ancient sites in all of Sicily.
I was expecting a giant magnificent temple like the ones I’d seen in the Valley of the Temples, Selinunte, and Segesta. I kept looking at my location on Google Maps and trying to figure out how to get to the temple, and wondering why it looked like I was right on top of it. And then I realized I was right on top of it, without even realizing it!
Don’t discount these few remaining stones, though, because they mark the earliest known Doric temple in Sicily, built around 580 BCE, and the oldest known Greek temple in the Western World! They tell a story that spans nearly three millennia and have survived after repeated conquests, and repurposing through the ages.
In this post you’ll learn why it’s such a fascinating monument, how to find it, the best place to park, and how to incorporate visiting this site into a day of exploring the stunning island of Ortigia, across the bridge from Syracuse.
A Small Ruin with a Monumental Past
The original Temple of Apollo in Syracuse once stood as a symbol of Greek Syracuse’s power, and its devotion to the god of the sun, and music. Archaeologists believe it was among the first large-scale stone temples in the entire western Mediterranean, influencing later designs across Sicily from Agrigento to Segesta.
You can still trace the outlines of its grand proportions, even though, sadly, much of it no longer remains. It fell victim to one of the most frustrating ways ancient buildings die – by being “mined” for stones to be reused in other later buildings.
I kept reminding myself that this was one of those “you can’t judge a book by its cover” scenarios. Over the centuries, this building lived many lives, and changed identities more times than any other temple in Sicily. In the Byzantine era it became a church; in the Arab period it became a mosque; and in the Norman period it was transformed into a Christian basilica.
Each civilization left its mark, making this site a literal cross-section of Sicilian history.
Forgotten, and Found Again
For centuries, the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse lay hidden beneath newer modern buildings in Ortigia. But excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries, led by archaeologists including the famed Paolo Orsi (for whom the nearby archaeological museum is named), uncovered the remains and identified the site as one of the oldest Greek temples in the western world!
Today, it’s preserved in the open air right in the heart of Ortigia, surrounded by modern life – cafés, traffic, apartment buildings, and tons of pedestrians. That’s part of the reason I couldn’t see it initially! Ortigia is beautiful and colorful and bustling, but not the place you’d expect to see a Greek temple.
Visiting the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse
You’ll find the site right near the Piazza Pancali, not far over the bridge as you enter Ortigia.
The Temple of Apollo is free to visit and honestly it takes only about 10–20 minutes to see the whole thing. You can’t go inside it, but you do have close visual access to it around three sides of the perimeter.
There’s not much signage to read, but it’s worth slowing down, taking photos, and imagining the monumental temple that once dominated this spot. I kept trying to picture what life here was like 2000 years ago when the then-soaring white temple would have been complete in all its splendor and the center of life here.
Location: Piazza Pancali, Ortigia, Syracuse
Admission: Free, open 24 hours (viewed from perimeter)
Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for good light, off-season or weekdays are less crowded
Tip: Combine it with a walking loop through Ortigia’s historic center, or across the bridge to Syracuse Archaeological Park or the Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum
🅿️ Best Parking for the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse
I heard from a couple people that there was no parking on the island of Ortigia (wrong), and from others that it was a ‘nightmare’ (also wrong!)
That said, we had no trouble at all finding a parking area close to the bridge from Syracuse, and close to the Temple of Apollo itself. Spaces at the Parcheggio Talete were large enough for our medium-to-large car, and the price was reasonable. Payment is at the machine by the entrance.
There is also another parking lot on the other side, called Parcheggio della Marina, which is about the same distance from the temple, and from the bridge to the mainland. You can see both parking areas on the map below.
Both parking areas are open 24 hours.
Wondering Whether to Rent a Car in Sicily?
If the idea of driving in Sicily makes you nervous, you’re not alone. We felt the same way before our first trip. But after several road trips across the island, we’ve learned that having a car is often the only way to reach many of Sicily’s most fascinating ruins, and that driving here isn’t nearly as intimidating once you know what to expect.
If you’re wondering whether renting a car in Sicily is worth it, how the roads really are, or what to watch out for, we put together a practical guide based on firsthand experience to help you decide with confidence.
What to See Near the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse
After visiting the Temple of Apollo, hopefully your appetite will be whetted for more of the wonders of ancient Sicily. There are several archaeological sites nearby where you can continue your journey.
1) The Temple of Athena (Cathedral of Syracuse)
If the temple made you intrigued by the evolution of religious buildings and spaces, be sure to add a stop at the Cathedral of Syracuse (Duomo di Siracusa), a few minutes’ walk away. Built directly over the ancient Temple of Athena, it still incorporates the original Greek columns in its Baroque façade and side walls.
Even if you don’t step inside, it’s fascinating to see how one faith literally rose from the adopted stones of a more ancient one.
2) The Church of St. Peter the Apostle (Chiesa di San Pietro Apostolo)
Via S. Pietro, 18, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
This is another one of those “layers of history” sites, but it has always been a Christian church since 326AD! Millenia of restoration, renovation, and outright irrevocable changes have occurred. But nevertheless, this is a beautiful, small, and simple space whose roots go very, very deep. The visit will only take 10 minutes or so, and they do ask for whatever donation you are willing to give.
3) The Museum of Leonardo and Archimedes
Via Vincenzo Mirabella, 31, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Leonardo da Vinci did his work elsewhere (inspired by Archimedes who was born in 287BC), but the genius inventor Archimedes was a native son of Syracuse. If you are an Archimedes fan, or an engineering fan, this small museum is worth a visit.
Sadly, you can’t take pictures so I can only share the outside. But inside there are a variety of contraptions, and information boards that guide you through some pretty incredible stuff. The official Museum of Leonardo and Archimedes website will tell you more.
Allow 30-45 minutes to visit the Museum of Archimedes.
4) Take a Tour of Ortigia to Hit the Highlights
I’m always a fan of taking an organized tour if you have the time when visiting a new place. You will always catch things you otherwise would have missed, and it’s a great opportunity to ask questions.
You have several options for highly-rated tours of Ortigia which includes a visit to the Temple of Apollo:
⭐️ Syracuse: Highlights of Ortigia Guided Walking Tour
Available in English, this 2-hour tour meets right at the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse as its starting point, and will take you on foot to all the ancient highlights of the island.
⭐️ Discover the wonders of Ortigia: a Tuk-Tuk tour through history and the sea
Hop on board a little tuk-tuk for a tour around the island, stopping at all the best photo spots! This one-hour tour is available in English and has a 5-star rating!
⭐️ 2-Hour+ Tuk Tuk Tour of Syracuse and Ortigia
This 2-hour tuk-tuk tour will pick you up right at your hotel or any place of your choice, and whisk you (and your group of up to 4 people) to all the sights in Ortigia and beyond. Audio guides are available in English and many other languages.
🛥 Explore other incredible Ortigia experiences like: boat trips, sea caves and food & wine! 🍷
5) Bronze Statue of Archimedes
Ponte Umbertino, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Gazing over the harbor, you’ll find a bronze statue of Syracuse’s favorite son, Archimedes, holding a parabolic lens. This references the legend of his infamous invention, “burning mirrors” that set Roman ships on fire during the siege of Syracuse. Around the base of the statue are carved references to his dozens of famous inventions.
6) Old Market of Ortigia
Via Emmanuele de Benedictis, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
Right adjacent to the Temple of Apollo is the famous Old Market of Ortigia which is open every day except Sunday. Here you can find all kinds of amazing fresh local produce, cured meats, cheeses, sundried tomatoes, dried fruits and nuts, spices, and every mouthwatering Italian food you can possibly imagine. You’ll also find a touristy section with souvenirs in all shapes and sizes.
7) Unscheduled Exploration
This is one of the nicest ways to spend time in Ortigia. You literally cannot get lost, so let yourself wander and explore the ancient streets and buildings, soak in the sea views, pop into a local shop, grab a fresh Mediterranean bite at one of the many cafés, enjoy an aperitivo, take a boat tour, and just do what appeals to you in the moment.
8) The Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum
Viale Teocrito, 66, 96100 Siracusa SR, Italy
About a 25 minute walk across the bridge from Ortigia into Syracuse will land you at a museum with one of the largest collections of its kind in the world. You’ll start in the Neolithic, and move into the Bronze Age, the Greek and Roman eras, and beyond, in a geographic timeline of the island of Sicily. You’ll see many artifacts which were recovered right in the Syracuse area. Allow at minimum 2 hours here and more if you’re really into museums.
Discover everything you can expect at the museum here: Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum in Syracuse: The Good, and the Ugly
9) The Syracuse Archaeological Park (Neapolis Archaeological Park)
Practically next door to the Paolo Orsi Museum is one of the most unique and spectacular collections of ancient sites in the Mediterranean, the Syracuse Archaeological Park had me on Cloud 9 for days. It included one of my favorite organized tours ever, which I would highly recommend to get the most out of the site.
I learned a lot I didn’t know, and was absolutely amazed by the variety of things to be seen – a Roman gladiatorial coliseum, an ancient Greek theater that premiered the plays of Aeschylus, an extensive mining system that produced the building materials for the city, the largest sacrificial altar in the world… It just went on and on.
Our guide told us everything from stories of political intrigue to pointing out the local flora like peppercorn trees, and capers cascading down the walls of the old mine. It was just plain magic.
✅ Read all the details of my bucket list trip to the Syracuse Archaeological Park here: Syracuse Archaeological Park: Best Guide to Must-Sees & Hidden Details.
Why You Should Visit the Temple of Apollo in Syracuse
Today, the Temple of Apollo isn’t about grandeur, although in its day it surely was. The overriding importance of it today is not only its age, and its role as the oldest building of its kind in Sicily, but to demonstrate how humans repurpose and adapt to fit their needs.
Standing by these ancient blocks, you can really feel the whole arc of Sicilian civilization from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Norman revival, to the modern day, all within a single footprint.
It’s quick to visit, easy to overlook, but impossible to forget once you understand what you’re looking at!
Next Stop! Here are some other posts about the ancient archaeological sites in Sicily you might enjoy:
The Best Archaeological Sites in Sicily: East to West
Visit Villa Romana del Casale Mosaics: Room by Room Guide + Photos
Valley of the Temples in Sicily: Top Guide
Syracuse Archaeological Park: Best Guide to Must-Sees & Hidden Details
Selinunte Archaeological Park: Walk Inside the Temples of Ancient Sicily
Segesta Archaeological Park: Guide to the Hidden Gem of Western Sicily
Selinunte or Segesta: Which Ancient Site in Sicily Should You Visit?
Villa Romana del Tellaro: Sicily’s Hidden Gem of Roman Mosaics
Paolo Orsi Archaeological Museum in Syracuse: The Good, and the Ugly
The Greek Theater of Taormina: Drama, History & Volcano Views
Is Noto Worth Visiting? Discover Sicily’s Hidden Baroque Gem
