The church of Santa Maria della Concezione, a few steps from the Duomo, is certainly not the most beautiful among the Baroque churches in Syracuse, but being one of the few regularly in use it is one of the most easily visited, not requiring any particular reservations or permissions (although restorations between 2014-2015 will limit visitation). Through it one can appreciate the characteristics of the Baroque style prevalent in the houses of worship of Syracuse, owing to reconstruction  after the disastrous earthquake of 1693.

The church, consisting of just one nave, has a splendid floor, laid in ceramic tiles of Capodimonte.  Painted by hand this rich mosaic of tile creates a phantasmagorical multicolored carpet.

The space is very bright and is covered by a frescoed ceiling in the Rococo style.  

Four magnificent side altars frame Baroque paintings by noteworthy local artists.
The true impact of this church comes not from individual works of art but rather the interior as a whole. Airy and elegant, Santa Maria della Concezione works against the accusation of the Sicilian Baroque as being "heavy" and overloaded.  

Just inside the church’s entry is the great choir of 1703, which is a typical example of those “choirs of nuns” present in all the churches formerly attached to convents. The simple ironwork, transformed by Baroque artists with lavish decorative accents, wraps around the entire space. This created a confined area reserved, according to ancient custom, for the daughters for whom a family would not, or could not, pay an adequate "dowry".

Accordingly, Baroque architects were confined, here as in many other churches scattered throughout Italy, to mediate between a jail (to take in the unruly girls) and a fortress (to keep out very bold young men).  In the Sicilian Baroque, the grating becomes a decorative element, as in this church, so that rather than being hidden discreetly it stands on display. Adding to this choir’s Baroque sensibilities is the play with undulated, curved forms, gilded accents, and also two balconies, midway up, on either side of the main altar.

The church is located a few hundred meters from the Hotel Algilà, a short distance from the Duomo, just a few steps away from the Hotel Roma. One is advised, therefore, to make the journey on foot, walking along the streets of Baroque Syracuse.

Visitor Information.

Santa Maria della Concezione is open during hours normally observed by churches (however in late 2014 the church was undergoing restoration). During services visits are not permitted.

Both male and female visitors are asked to avoid entering in clothes that are too skimpy, like shorts, sundresses, and the like. If one plans to walk about with light clothing it would be advisable to bring along clothing suitable for a visit.
Initial entrance is at street level, but the passage from the vestibule of the church (which is at street level) to the church itself has three steps that require assistance for those in wheelchairs.