In the days of ancient Greece, Siracusa’s Piazza del Duomo once held twin temples side by side. One, dedicated to Athena, was incorporated into the cathedral when it was built and thus is well preserved. The second, and larger, temple, known today as the sixth-century B.C. Ionic Temple of Artemision, has suffered the ravages of centuries. Transformed at one point into a quarry for stones, today all that remains are the foundations that have been excavated below the town hall. According to a recent hypothesis, this temple was never actually completed, as revolt ousted the leadership that originally had planned its construction.

A few years ago the archaeological site was opened to the public (tickets required for admission). Obviously, with so little of this ancient structure remaining relative to the other adjacent structures still standing , the remains of the Artemision hold interest typically only for tourists intersted in Greek history or classical architecture.

The entry ticket comes along with an information pamhplet that explains the meaning of various points that are specially marked within the archaeological area. A macabre inclusion are the carved seats of perforated stone. Once housed in the crypt of the Church of San Sebastianello (now demolished), these seats were used to drain fluids from corpsed being prepared for the ancient practice of mummification.

One will note the ingenious “puzzle” like system of building here: each boulder is marked with a Greek letter so that they could be carved at a distant quarry, then transported, and then rejoined on site with relative ease. Also noteworthy is the elegant yet austere hall connecting the Artimesion with the city hall. This structure was designred by architect Vincenzo Latina, who has won numerous awards for his innovative designs.

The Artemision of Syracuse is in the Piazza Duomo, just a few hundred meters from the Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel. We recommend that you take the walk through the streets of Baroque-inspired Syracuse. The museum is located directly in front of the Antico Hotel Roma, so close you can see if from your windows.

Visitor Information.

The Artemision is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You enter from the Piazza Duomo on the east side of the cathedral. The entrance fee (€ 5) per person; groups of 6 or more people can receive a discount. The entire space is equipped with walkways and is there for accessible to those with difficulty walking.

For more information, please visit the Artemision’s website: http://www.artemisionsiracusa.com/