Siracusa - San Marziano Crypt

Steps lead down to the San Marziano Crypt, named after the man who founded the first Christian community in Syracuse in the year 44 and according to local legend suffered martyrdom on this very spot. Probably the crypt was originally a Roman hypogeum (sepulchral vault); eight of the Ionic column bases are still to be seen. Then it became the oldest church in Syracuse, and in the third or fifth century a triple-domed complex in the shape of a Greek Cross was built round it. The crossing pillars are surmounted by articulate capitals made up of both ancient and Christian features - above flat Ionic spiral scrolls can be seen warriors each bearing Gospel symbols. In the eastern part of the crypt stands the altar at which, according to local legend, the Apostle Paul prayed in the year 61, as well as the Tomb of St Marcian.