Syracuse - Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo in Syracuse, which was excavated in 1938-43. Built c. 570 B.C., it is Sicily's oldest Doric temple. According to the builder's signature it was dedicated to Apollo by Kleomenes. In later years it was in turn a Byzantine church, an Islamic mosque, a Norman church and a Spanish barracks. The foundations, some columns with their entablatures and parts of the cella wall have survived. The stylobate base measures 21.57m/70.8ft by 55.33m/181.5ft, with six pillars at the end and 17 along the sides - a ground plan which came about because contemporary temples in Greece itself which had only 15 pillars along the sides also had a portico with six columns across and two lengthwise. This led to the emphasis being put on the