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A journey through faith and history inside the Catacomb of Saint Lucy, one of Syracuse's most important places of worship.

Highlights

• Explore the underground secrets of Syracuse
• Discover the heart of Syracuse's devotion to its patron saint
• Admire Caravaggio's painting inside the Basilica of St. Lucia

Description

The Catacomb of Saint Lucy is the oldest Christian cemetery in Syracuse and guards the place where Saint Lucy was buried after her martyrdom. Dating back to the 3rd century, it represents one of the earliest evidences of the presence of the Church in Sicily. It develops under the present-day Piazza Santa Lucia and includes a community cemetery and private hypogea, divided into four areas. The oldest sections feature galleries with loculi, while the more recent ones include funerary cubicles arranged along corridors. One of the most famous events related to the Basilica of Saint Lucia is the passage of Caravaggio to Syracuse in 1608. The master of chiaroscuro, fleeing Malta, created his poignant Burial of Saint Lucy here, one of his most intense works, now once again on display inside the Basilica, in the place for which it was originally conceived. Over the centuries, the site has undergone several changes, including adaptations to air raid shelters made during World War II. Today, the Catacomb of Saint Lucy remains a place of great historical and spiritual value to Syracuse.

Includes

The price includes the full ticket price Entry ticket Guided tour of the Catacombs of Saint Lucy

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund