Piazza Duomo, on the island of Ortigia, is the heart of the city of Siracusa. The Baroque square, semi-elliptical in shape, features many imposing monumental buildings and elegant noble residences on its perimeter. Especially grandiose and majestic is the Cathedral of the Natività di Maria Santissima, built in the 7th century on the ruins of a temple to Athena whose Doric columns can still be seen in the left-hand nave. The Cathedral was modified continuously until the 1700s when it was restored after earthquake damage. The façade in Baroque and rococo style is characterised by two orders of robust Corinthian columns.
To the left of the cathedral is Palazzo Senatorio, also known as Palazzo Vermexio, which houses the town hall and was built by Andrea Vermexio between 1629 and 1633. To the right are Palazzo Vescovile and the Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia and on the opposite side of the square, two noble residences, Palazzo Gaetani and Palazzo Beneventano del Bosco, famous for having hosted Admiral Nelson.
Sicilia Film Commission
Via Emanuele Notarbartolo 9 — 90141 Palermo
Phone: +39 091 7078008; +39 091 7078264; +39 091 7078133; +39 091 7078145
Email: filmcommission@regione.sicilia.it
