Church of San Martino in Syracuse
The Church of San Martino is one of the oldest churches in the city of Syracuse .
The architectural characteristics identify it as an early Christian basilica probably built in the 6th century AD. and remodeled in the fourteenth century, the period from which the entrance portal dates back to 1338.
The facade has a portal, dating back to the Aragonese age, in limestone with a deep splay widely modulated by bundles of columns with elegant capitals decorated with floral motifs. Above the portal there is a flowery rose window, rebuilt in 1915 in place of the original one of which traces remained, in imitation of that of the basilica of S. Marziano which is traditionally considered the first cathedral church of Syracuse.
The interior has three naves, divided by round arches resting on rectangular pillars, with a semicircular central apse that retains the original structure. The beautiful wooden roof with exposed trusses dates back to the 15th century. The altars dedicated to S. Amatore, to all the saints, to S. Elena, S. Costantino and S. Aloè open up on the side aisles.
Of considerable value are: a wooden crucifix dating back to the sixteenth century; a six-panel polyptych from the first half of the 15th century originally placed on the high altar, then placed, after the slit window was found, on the side altar. It depicts the Madonna and Child, Saints Martian and Lucy, Christ Crucified and the Annunciation.
