The Church of San Nicolò dei Cordari is located above thePiscina Romana, at the entrance of the Archaeological Park of Neapolis.
In this church, in 1093, were celebrated the funeral of the Count of Syracuse Giordano d’Altavilla, son of the great Count Roger I of Sicily.
During the Paleochristian period (3rd – 4th century of the Christian era) in the same place where the Church is today, there was a building always of religious origin.
In the Byzantine period (535-879 AD), however, was used as an underground church.
Originally dedicated to St. Nicholas of Mira, it was built in the 12th century (1101-1200) during Norman rule (the Normans were a Viking people of Scandinavian origin).
During the years of the plague (contagious infectious disease), it was converted to a mass grave (1348).
A few centuries after its construction, during the Middle Ages, it was deconsecrated and abandoned because the population of Syracuse because of the plague was greatly reduced in number to the point of occupying only the island of Ortigia.
The Church, therefore, during its years underwent several changes.
In 1577 it was granted to the Cordari (producers of ropes that worked, inside the Grotta dei Cordari not far from there).
Of the original structure, today, only the apse and the side door are preserved.
Built on a rocky base, it measures 16m x 8m and is oriented along the east-west directive, according to the principles of Byzantine art.
It has a rectangular plan composed of a single nave and ends with a semicircular apse, in which there are 3 slit windows (narrow opening).
In the early 1900s the population began to grow again, moving back to the ancient areas of Siracusa, below the church, have also emerged tombs dating from the first – third century AD.
Thanks to the establishment of the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, the attendance of the Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari was also resumed, which in 1955 became the seat of the information office for visitors.
Inside it are currently exposed photographs of the time of all the monuments located within the Park of Neapolis.
OPENING HOURS AND PRICES
Location: Viale Paradiso – Parco Archeologico della Neapolis
Contacts.: +39 0931 489511
Archaeological site without architectural barriers
First Sunday of each month free entry.
Entry ticket to the Archaeological Park: Adults € 10.00 – Reduced € 5.00 (under 18 years) – Free entrance up to the age of 12.
Combined ticket for the Archaeological Park + a museum of your choice between the Paolo Orsi Museum or the Palazzo Bellomo Gallery – Ticket price: € 13.50 – Reduced € 7.00 (under 18) – Free admission until the age of 12
Opening hours of the ticket office: from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm
PARK OPENING HOURS: from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
From May 10 to July 18 the schedule may vary, on the occasion of the tragedie greche that will be performed at the Greek theater.
