Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari, Syracuse

The Church of San Nicolò ai Cordari is a historic place of worship in Syracuse, with a rich history that reflects the city's diverse cultural and architectural heritage. This church, one of the earliest to be constructed in Syracuse, dates back to the Norman era, built shortly after the Arab rule in the Aretusea city.

The site of the present church holds historical significance, as it once housed an early Christian-era basilica-style religious building. In the Byzantine period, this church was transformed into an underground place of worship. Below the church, you can explore the so-called Roman Pool, which consists of large water tanks hewn from the stone of the Latomie. These ancient water conduits were originally used by the people of Syracuse during the Roman period to fill the Roman amphitheater, where nautical games and water fights took place.

In 1093, the church gained further prominence when it hosted the funeral of Count Giordano d'Altavilla, the son of the renowned Count Roger I of Sicily. The Normans dedicated the church to Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint invoked to help expel the Arabs from Syracuse.

Over the centuries, as the population of Syracuse dwindled during various historical periods, including the Angevin, Spanish, Austrian, and Bourbon rule, the church was eventually deconsecrated and abandoned. The city's inhabitants concentrated within the fortified island of Ortigia, leading to the neglect of structures beyond its walls, including the church of San Nicolò.

In 1577, the church was granted to the cordari, artisans who crafted ropes and worked in the nearby Latomie of Neapolis. It was during this time that the church became known as the Church of San Nicolò dei Cordari, as it served the families of rope makers in Syracuse. The church subsequently had various uses, including as a grain warehouse, and during a plague outbreak around 1600, its cellars served as a mass grave.

Today, the church plays a vital role as the entrance to the Neapolis archaeological park. Inside, you'll find a small photographic museum exhibiting period photographs of various monuments located within the Neapolis Park. The church maintains its rectangular layout and architectural integrity. Its design is austere, with dimensions measuring 16 by 8 meters. The church features two cuspidate arch portals, one of which is situated laterally. The only decorative element is a small semicircular apse at the church's end, characterized by narrow, long windows with arched shapes, offering a glimpse into the architectural history and significance of this ancient place of worship.