Tours & tickets

Catacombe di Santa Lucia

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.

With this Pass you can gain access to the Cathedral of Syracuse, visit with an expert guide the fascinating catacombs of St. John and St. Lucy, and conclude the experience with access to the exclusive Secreta Palatii itinerary, among historic rooms usually closed to the public. The ticket includes the innovative experience of a virtual reality (VR) introduction, which allows you to relive the cathedral's transformation over the centuries and immerse yourself in the spirituality of the catacomb at the time of the early Christians. A complete journey between art, faith and archaeology, to experience Syracuse in all its historical and symbolic depth. The Syracuse Pass includes: Guided tour of the Catacomb of St. John (VR experience included) Guided tour of the Catacomb of Santa Lucia Admission to the Cathedral of Syracuse (VR experience included) Entrance to Secreta Palatii