THE MAINLAND
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Catacombs of Saint Lucia in Syracuse.
Together with the Catacombs of San Giovanni, the Catacombs of Saint Lucia are the most easily visited part of the entire complex of Syracuse’s catacombs,
which in terms of expansiveness and articulation are second only to those of Rome.
Thousands of burial recesses pierce the
walls of the tunnels of the Syracusan catacombs. |
The catacombs were dug starting in the 4th century AD, and were frequented for
many centuries, even after losing their original purpose as a cemetery, becoming,
in fact, small underground places of Christian worship, among the most important
of which is undoubtedly the tomb of Saint Lucia, which now stands on its own but was once an integrated part of the tunnels.
As with the catacombs of San Giovanni, a very particular atmosphere pervades
this site, filled with light and shadow that is at times unsettling, despite the
fact that the state of conservation of the part open for visits can unfortunately
be precarious.
Also here, after thousands of years of looting, only the "bare bones" survive,
as it is completely stripped of colored plaster, mosaics, stone slabs that decorated
at least the graves of the wealthy, and even the small objects placed at the fastening
of the tombs to distinguish one from another.
Only the tunnels remain, immersed in the penumbra and riddled with hundreds and
hundreds of niches, as far as the eye can see.
Only in one of the areas open for visits does the ceiling reveal an appreciable
part of a Byzantine chapel (painted with a row of saints in the 8th or 9th century), later enlarged to accommodate
an enormous cistern, as evidenced by the waterproof plaster that still covers
the walls. |
A space within the Catacombs of Santa Lucia of Syracuse, a converted cistern.
At the conclusion of a visit to the actual catacomb (which is relatively quick,
given that most of the structure is at risk of collapse and therefore not accessible),
one enters the Rotunda of Saint Lucia, constructed by breaking through the tunnels of the ancient cemetery in order
to present on one side of the opening the ancient tomb of Saint Lucia on its own.
How to reach the catacombs of Saint Lucia from the Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel.
The architectural complex of Saint Lucia of Syracuse is located about one kilometer /
0.62 miles away from Ortigia, which makes it possible, if desired, to reach it by foot.
By car one can reach it by following the Riviera Dionisio il Grande (the road
that runs along the sea), turning left towards Piazza Santa Lucia.
Those who do not have their own transportation can call a taxi from the reception
desk at a special rate, or use the bicycles that the Hotel Algilà offers for free to its guests.
The statue of Santa Lucia, a work by Gregorio Tedeschi (1634).
Visitor Information
The opening and tours of the catacombs and the attached tomb of Saint Lucia are entrusted to the cooperative Kairòs.
Visits (tickets € 6, € 4 reduced, € 2 educational discount, including the cost
of the guide) take place by way of a guided tour every 15 to 30 minutes, from
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (5:30 p.m.
in the summer). Closed on Monday.
The guide, who is well-prepared and very courteous (although sometimes speaking
a rather italianate kind of English), provides an explanation of the history and
significance of the site.
For information: Kairòs, tel. / fax (++39) 0932 64694.
Accessibility
The catacomb is accessed via stairs and passages that are at times narrow, not
permitting access, therefore, to people with mobility problems.
The visit is not recommended also for people who suffer from claustrophobia,
owing to the absence of an external opening.
Back to TOURISM IN SYRACUSE, SICILY
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