Temple of Apollo Delphi
Majestic 6th-century BCE Doric temple ruins on Ortigia Island, a free and captivating glimpse into ancient Greek history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Temple of Apollo Delphi
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic 6th-century BCE Doric temple ruins on Ortigia Island, a free and captivating glimpse into ancient Greek history.
"Amazing to see antique building directly in the city. It is not directly accessible, you can only walk around it and watch."
Walk Around, Don't Touch
You can explore the exterior freely, but access is fenced. Admire its ancient beauty respectfully. :pray:
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Go early! It gets hot and busy. A shuttle bus is available for 4 euros if needed. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Temple of Apollo Ruins
Ortigia Island, Syracuse
Majestic remnants of a 6th-century BCE temple, once a focal point of ancient life.
Piazza Duomo Views
Adjacent to the Temple
Admire the temple's grandeur against the backdrop of the stunning Baroque piazza.
Arethusa Fountain
Ortigia Island
A mythical freshwater spring with a rich history, a short walk from the temple.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the Ruins
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Walk Around, Don't Touch
You can explore the exterior freely, but access is fenced. Admire its ancient beauty respectfully. :pray:
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Go early! It gets hot and busy. A shuttle bus is available for 4 euros if needed. :bus:
Free to Explore
The temple is free to visit and walk around. Enjoy the historical ambiance! :moneywithwings:
Capture the Charm
Wander the quaint streets for stunning architecture and picturesque coastal views. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
Walk Around, Don't Touch
You can explore the exterior freely, but access is fenced. Admire its ancient beauty respectfully. :pray:
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Go early! It gets hot and busy. A shuttle bus is available for 4 euros if needed. :bus:
Free to Explore
The temple is free to visit and walk around. Enjoy the historical ambiance! :moneywithwings:
Capture the Charm
Wander the quaint streets for stunning architecture and picturesque coastal views. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning beauty and historical significance of the Temple of Apollo ruins, appreciating its free access and central location on Ortigia Island. While some note the limited access to the structure itself, the overall experience of exploring the ancient site and the charming island is highly praised.
"Mix of culture in Ortigia is stunning. Everything is beautiful and warm... people, architecture, food, drinks... I'm in love 😍"
Goran Djukic
"The beauty and the architecture! Quaint streets with lovely restaurants. A delight to walk around the city taking in the culture and the gorgeous buildings all around."
Aditya Singh
"Amazing to see antique building directly in the city. It is not directly accessible, you can only walk around it and watch."
Benjamin S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Temple of Apollo is located on Ortigia Island, the historical heart of Syracuse, Sicily. You can reach Ortigia by car, bus, or taxi from mainland Syracuse. Once on the island, the temple is easily accessible on foot, situated in the main piazza.
Parking on Ortigia Island can be challenging, especially during peak season. There are several paid parking lots available, such as the Talete parking lot, which is a short walk from the temple. Consider parking on the mainland and walking or taking a bus across the bridge if you prefer.
Yes, local buses operate within Syracuse and can take you to Ortigia. Once you arrive on the island, the temple is a central landmark and easily found.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Temple of Apollo ruins on Ortigia Island are free to visit. You can walk around the exterior and admire the ancient structure without purchasing a ticket.
As the temple is an open-air ruin, there are no strict opening hours. You can view it at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid crowds and heat.
There is no entrance fee to see the Temple of Apollo ruins. It's a freely accessible historical site on Ortigia Island.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can see the impressive Doric columns and remnants of the ancient Greek temple, dating back to the 6th century BCE. While you can't enter the structure, you can walk around its perimeter and appreciate its historical significance and architecture.
The temple is located in a piazza and you can walk around its exterior. The surrounding area is generally flat, but cobblestone streets on Ortigia can be uneven. Access directly to the ruins is fenced.
You can see the Temple of Apollo in about 15-30 minutes as it's an exterior viewing. However, many visitors combine it with exploring Ortigia Island, which can take several hours.
While there aren't specific tours solely for the Temple of Apollo ruins, many guided tours of Ortigia Island include a stop to view and discuss the temple's history. You can also find audio guides or explore independently.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon. The golden hour light casts a beautiful glow on the ruins, and you'll have fewer people in your shots.
There are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, professional photography or drone usage may require permits.
Great photo opportunities include capturing the temple against the backdrop of Piazza Duomo, framing it with the charming streets of Ortigia, or focusing on the remaining Doric columns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the cooler parts of the day to keep children comfortable. The nearby Arethusa Fountain can also be a point of interest for younger visitors. Combining the temple visit with a stroll through the lively market or a boat trip around the island can make for a fun-filled family day.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To save money on food, explore the local market for fresh produce and snacks, or look for trattorias slightly off the main tourist paths. Walking is the best way to see Ortigia, so comfortable shoes are a must, and you can skip the shuttle bus if you don't mind a bit of a walk.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the most dramatic lighting. Experiment with different angles, framing the temple with the charming streets or the expansive Piazza Duomo. Don't forget to capture the vibrant details of the market and the coastal views for a comprehensive portfolio of your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Temple of Apollo: A Glimpse into Ancient History
+1Originally, the temple would have been a grand structure, likely featuring a peristyle of Doric columns surrounding a central cella. Over centuries, it has been repurposed and altered, with parts of it even incorporated into later buildings. Today, visitors can walk around the fenced perimeter, marveling at the scale and enduring presence of these ancient stones. The temple's location in the heart of Ortigia, amidst the vibrant Baroque architecture, creates a unique juxtaposition of historical eras.
While the Temple of Apollo itself is an open-air ruin, its presence is a cornerstone of Ortigia's historical allure. It invites contemplation on the layers of history that have shaped this beautiful island. The surrounding Piazza Duomo and the charming streets of Ortigia further enhance the experience, making it a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history and Sicilian culture.
Exploring Ortigia Island: Beyond the Temple
Beyond the Temple of Apollo, Ortigia boasts numerous other attractions. The Piazza Duomo, a magnificent Baroque square, is home to the Syracuse Cathedral, built on the site of an ancient Greek temple. The Arethusa Fountain, a legendary freshwater spring, is another iconic spot, often surrounded by ducks and papyrus plants. The island also features a vibrant market, numerous artisan shops, and a wide array of restaurants and cafes offering delicious Sicilian cuisine.
Visitors often describe Ortigia as a place that captures the heart with its beauty and warm atmosphere. The blend of ancient ruins, Baroque splendor, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea creates an unforgettable experience. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, food, or simply soaking in the ambiance, Ortigia offers something for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit