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Hypogeum of Piazza Duomo: historical testimony of the survival of the Second World War.

20 May 2022 - Categorie: Cultural tourism, The places of the heart, Archaeological sites and museums Tags: Eastern Sicily, Tourism in Sicily, Trip to Sicily, Itineraries in Sicily, History of Sicily, Visit Sicily, Beauties of Sicily, 10 places not to be missed in Sicily, 10 things to see absolutely in Sicily, Places to visit in Sicily, The best destinations in Sicily, Art and Culture in Sicily

Located in Piazza Duomo, in Syracuse, the hypogeum represents one of the major attractions of both local, national and international tourism. Great historical testimony of a war past that has had the entire globe as its stage, you cannot miss this glimpse of sound and chilling reality during your journey in the heart of south-eastern Sicily.

The hypogeum is an underground path that connects the Duomo square to the Marina walls in an east-west direction and is divided into a main gallery from which other smaller galleries branch off: one of these connects to the cistern of the Archbishop's Palace. Built by Bishop Paolo Faraone (1619 - 1929), this played a fundamental role in supplying water to the entire island of Ortigia. A first nucleus of galleries is linked to the presence of a previous and very important quarry since the stone for the construction of the facade of the Cathedral (or Duomo) was obtained from it. The access point used today from the hypogeum was created in 1869 during the construction of public works.
The hypogea has always aroused historical and / or anthropological interest since their functions over the centuries have been different:
  • Hydraulic works
  • Civil settlement works
  • Works of worship
  • Military works
  • Extractive works
  • Transit routes
In the specific case considered here, the underground path of Syracuse was primarily a hydraulic work and with the advent of World War II a military work. In view of Italy's entry into the war, collection points for the civilian population in the event of an attack were set up by the U.M.P.A. (Military Union of Anti-Aircraft Protection). So around 1942, the accesses for the population located in the retaining wall of the archbishop's garden were prepared. As evidence of this military work, the large walls that show drawings and writings of the period spent there by the refugees. Not surprisingly, the underground path is dedicated to the civilian victims of the bombing of Syracuse on 19 July 1943. Inside you can find photos and period images which, in addition to the specific use during the war period, show the transformations undergone by the hypogeum over the centuries. During your holidays in Sicily, while strolling through the heart of Ortigia, take a few minutes to this wonderful historical and architectural testimony.
Corridor
Main Gallery
View of the Gallery
Historical evidence
Installations
Entrance - Internal part
This complex system remained closed for a very long period of time and for several reasons ranging from security to logistical-operational difficulties, but today it is finally open to the public and it is possible to admire the beauty of this mysterious underground city. What are you waiting for? Syracuse and its hypogeum await you to tell you a different, sensational, engaging and mysterious story.

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