On the spot where, according to tradition, Saint Lucia (283-303 A.D.) was martyred and buried, a Byzantine church was built as early as the 6th century. After the Arab domination of Sicily, the Normans, in the 12th century, rebuilt and enlarged the building, but due to the earthquake of 1693 it survives largely with the appearance given to it by its Baroque reconstruction.

The airy and elegant side porch of the 18th century (on whose columns still today one can read the curious inscriptions carved by pilgrims in centuries past) was rebuilt in 1970 after a collapse caused by neglect that the entire island of Ortigia suffered for many years.

The Piazza Duomo is just a few hundred meters from the Hotel Algilà.

It is therefore advisable to make the journey on foot through the streets of Baroque Syracuse. The Hotel Roma is situates directly on the Piazza Duomo, thus it is only a couple minutes walk to the Church of Santa Lucia.

Visitor Information.

The church is open and offers free admission from Tuesday to Sunday between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.; the church is closed Mondays. There is a climb of five stairs to enter the church.
The church is under the control of the Curia of the Archbishop of Syracuse; for more information you may call the Curia offices at: 0931 65328.