Emergenza Covid-19: le nostre escursioni potrebbero subire cambiamento o ritardi
info point

Covid-19: le nostre escursioni potrebbero subire cambiamenti


ARTEMISION DI SIRACUSA – HOME OF DIVINE

The Artemision in Siracusa is a fascinating archaeological site, one of the most important historical place of Ancient Greece, which prove the presence of human beings from Prehistory to Late Middle Ages.

ORIGIN

Historical stratifications describe that Ortigia Island has been an important trade centre, moreover an artistic and cultural centre, since the Middle Bronze Age. Indeed in the archaeological site Artemision are still clear evidences of prehistorical huts dated to the 2nd millennium b.C., which have been the houses of Sicilian indigenous for a long time, due to the finding of several advanced tools and ceramic fragments.


IONIC TEMPLE

The Artemision is the Ionic Temple dedicated to Goddess Artemis, it was discovered by the archaeologist Paolo Orsi in 1910 and it is located in an area rich in sacred buildings. Already in Greek period the area was used as a place of worship, due to the finding of bone fragments in this dig site, evidence of animal sacrifices. In the same area was built during the 6th century the Greek Temple of Artemis, the one and only example of Ionic style in all Sicily, even though it remained unfinished. The columns show architectural similarities with Artemis’ Temple in Efeso (Turkey) and the basements have stylistic analogies with Hera’s Temple in Samo (Greece). Great miners and craftsmen came in Siracusa because drawn by its amazing commercial and political importance in the Mediterranean.


NOTE


LOCATION:

Piazza Minerva, 11, Siracusa, SR, 96100

COORDINATES:

37.05985 15.29376000000002


ARCHITECTURE

The entire temple was 59 meters long and 25 meters wide, with 6 columns on two fronts and 14 (or 16) on two lateral sides. The entrance was called Pronao and it was at East side, so the back side called Opistodomo was at west side. No roof elements have been found, therefore the hypothesis suggest an open air chamber called Sekos. Just the columned porch called Peristilio had a terracotta roof-tile.

CRYPT

From the glory of ancient age, to the shadows of Middle Age, the last archaeological evidence: the underground Crypt of San Sebastianello’s Church, called Putridarium. To assist and to ensure the transition of departed persons to eternal life, the components of San Sebastianello’s Confraternity made the “double funeral”, taking care of the body during decomposition process up until the burial.

PAVILION

The Pavillion is the entrance hall of the archaeological area and it replaced the destroyed Church of San Sebastianello. It was projected and realized by the architect Vincenzo Latina and it represents the open air chamber Sekos of the Ionic Temple of Artemis. The structure is related with the close “Artemis Garden” designed as donation to the Goddess of fertility and nature, which offers to tourists a great selection of plants and flowers.


SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT

Erga has implemented a sustainable management system that is adequate for its size and scope. Its organization complies with all the regulations in force at local, national and international level, with particular reference, among others, to health, safety, work and environmental aspects. Erga undertakes to respect and enforce the rules of conduct appropriate to the places visited, the sea, nature reserves and places of worship. Particular attention should be paid to avoiding waste in the environment and, where existing, to respect the rules of separate collection.

Artemision di Siracusa

SEE ALSO



  • MUNICIPAL THEATER OF
    Siracusa

    Culture exhibition

  • LATOMIA DEI CAPPUCCINI OF SIRACUSA

    When stones speak

  • Cathedral of Siracusa

    Cathedral of Siracusa: cultures crossroad

Stay up to date subscribe to our newsletter

    I have read the privacy policy statement issued by Erga S.r.L. and consent to their treatment of my personal information.