The islet of Ortigia is the historical heart of the city of Syracuse. Within its area of one square kilometer it is possible to admire the architectural beauties of different historical periods: from the first prehistoric settlements, through the numerous remains of ancient Greek Byzantine and Norman.
Today Ortigia lives in a brilliant reconstruction of its old charm, finding consensus in the numerous tourists who remain entranced by the rare beauty of Syracuse.
The Cathedral of Ortigia
The Cathedral is the most important building of the homonymous square, built on the ruins of an ancient Greek temple that forms the backbone. Severely damaged by the earthquake of 1693, it underwent several restorations, the most important of which was the facade, rebuilt during the first half of the eighteenth century (designed by Andrea Palma).
The great abundance of baroque style contrasts sharply with the interior of the Cathedral: here, the sobriety of the ancient temple has been maintained over the centuries. Of the three aisles, the right is even further removed from the other: the rich decoration of the chapels is in typical baroque, as well as the grand altar, placed in 1659. The interior of the cathedral is also decorated with many works of Gaginis marble.
