The Basilica of Saint Lucia al Sepolcro

Churches, Culture, Tipical places
Piazza Santa Lucia - 96100 Siracusa
0931 67946

The Basilica stands on the place Saint Lucia, patron saint of Siracusa, was martyred.

Probably built over a byzantine basilica the actual building was built by the Normans over an existing Arab construction. Norman details can still be seen on the façade and the floors on the bell tower.

With subsequent restoration work and restyling due to damage caused by the earthquake in 1693, a portico facing the square was added which can be attributed to Pompeo Picherali, and inside there are  round arches and pillars by Giovanni Vermexio, which presumably cover the Norman columns. Thanks to more recent restoration work original details have been brought to light such as the wooden ceiling.

The church has three apses and is made up of a central and two side naves.

The basilica played an important religious role in the city of Siracusa. During the week of celebrations to honour Saint Lucia it hosts the simulacrum of the saint that is taken around the city streets in a procession.

Since the first half of the Seventeenth century the basilica and the adjoining convent have been home to a community of Franciscan monks.