The Artemision of Syracuse: What Lies Beneath Piazza Duomo?
Anyone walking through Piazza Duomo in Ortigia would hardly imagine that beneath the buildings surrounding the square lie the remains of a Greek temple dating back to the 6th century BC.
This is the Artemision of Syracuse, an archaeological site that reveals a lesser-known chapter of the city's history. Alongside the foundations of the ancient temple, traces from different periods have been uncovered, offering evidence of how Ortigia has changed over the centuries.
Just a short walk from Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel, the Artemision is an interesting addition to a stroll through the historic centre, offering a different perspective on Syracuse's past alongside its churches and Baroque palaces.
The History of the Artemision: A Greek Temple from the 6th Century BC
The story of the Artemision begins in the late 6th century BC, when Syracuse was already an important Greek colony. The temple stood in an area of the city dedicated to the worship of the gods, just a short distance from where the Temple of Athena would later be built, now incorporated into Syracuse Cathedral.
The Artemision was built in the Ionic style, an architectural order particularly recognisable by its columns topped with capitals featuring spiral-shaped scrolls. Interestingly, despite its name, archaeologists have yet to establish with certainty whether the temple was actually dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
For centuries, traces of the temple remained hidden beneath buildings erected over time. In 1910, archaeologist Paolo Orsi discovered architectural fragments that confirmed its existence. The most significant discoveries, however, came in the 1960s, when work to extend the Town Hall uncovered the foundations of the ancient structure, allowing researchers to gain a clearer understanding of its original design.
What Can You See at the Artemision of Syracuse Today?
A visit to the Artemision offers a close-up view of the foundations of the Ionic temple and some elements of its ancient colonnade, preserved beneath Palazzo Vermexio, which houses Syracuse's Town Hall.
But the Greek temple is only part of what the excavations have revealed. Archaeologists have also uncovered traces of a Bronze Age settlement, dating from before the arrival of the Greeks, as well as remains of homes built by the first Greek settlers. These discoveries help us understand just how long this part of Ortigia has been inhabited and how much it has changed over time.
The archaeological site also includes the remains of the medieval Church of San Sebastianello, dating back to the 15th century, together with its underground crypt. Within just a few metres, visitors can therefore see traces of historical periods separated by many centuries.
The entrance to the site is also worth a closer look. Designed by architect Vincenzo Latina, the contemporary pavilion was created to blend with the archaeological surroundings. Inside, natural light filters down from above, illuminating the excavations and helping visitors distinguish the different layers of ancient structures.
How to Visit the Artemision: Location, Opening Hours and Tickets
The entrance to the Artemision is at 4 Via Minerva, right next to Piazza Duomo in Ortigia's historic centre. Its location makes it particularly convenient for anyone exploring the city on foot. After visiting the archaeological site, you can continue towards Syracuse Cathedral, where columns from the ancient Temple of Athena can still be seen incorporated into its walls.
Visitors can explore the site with the help of an audio guide available in Italian and English, included in the admission ticket. The guide explains the archaeological remains and the different periods of the site's history.
The Artemision is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, with the ticket office closing half an hour earlier. A standard admission ticket costs €5, while reduced rates and free admission are available for certain categories of visitors.
As opening hours and visiting arrangements may change, we recommend checking the latest information on the official Artemision website before planning your visit.
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