We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Catacombs of St. John (Catacombe di San Giovanni)

Piazza San Giovanni | Archeological zone, Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
0931-665-71
Update attraction details
Ranked #7 of 43 attractions in Syracuse
Type: Cemeteries
Description: Descend into this maze of eerie tunnels niched with early Christian tombs hidden beneath the roofless, flower-filled ruins of a Norman church.
Write a Review

99 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    55
    33
    10
    1
    0
Date Rating
Perth, Australia
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

We had to join a tour, which meant waiting a while, but it was worth it as the catacombs are a labyrinth of underground passages, and the guide was very informative. We asked advice at the tourist information, and they gave us a discount voucher, which meant that we paid 5 euros each instead of the normal 8 euro entrance... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Manchester, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
6 attraction reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 June 2013

we allowed an hour for this visit - but it was by small guided group only - took around 5-10 mins. NO photos allowed either - copyright apparently even though there are no skeletons

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by lbwww for Syracuse
Stowmarket, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2013

We enjoyed this visit very much. The catacombs are second best only to the ones in Rome. Could be chilly underground take a jacket or cardigan if you feel the cold. Guided tour only which is understandable as people would get lost. Well informed guide who spoke good English.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by Linda B for Syracuse
NTexas
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
41 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

Great tour when it is hot outside. Very interesting how they were built and expanded. Guide was very informative.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by RockwallTraveler for Syracuse
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
17 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 18 April 2013

Very extensive catacombs and you get a guided tour included. Well worth a visit. Not to be missed and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by Catherine E for Syracuse
EUROPE
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 March 2013

my guide spoke good English and I have learnt a lot about! It was interesting but far from being a top attraction in Sicily. Go there if you have extra time to spare.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by cultureVultureEurope for Syracuse
Dublin, Ireland
Top Contributor
58 reviews 58 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 February 2013

We stopped here on our way out of Syracuse and got the tour. Very interesting, informative and would recommend as a quick stop. It does not take long and a interesting way to wile away an hour or two in this nice town.

Was this review helpful? Yes
switzerland
Top Contributor
133 reviews 133 reviews
60 attraction reviews
Reviews in 46 cities Reviews in 46 cities
84 helpful votes 84 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 February 2013

my tour guide was obviously not too keen on doing my tour as I was the only tourist...she looked at her watch twice in half an hour and didn't really have her heart in it! however the man who received me at the door was very nice, very helpful and spoke in english. shame he wasn't my guide as I'm... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 5 more reviews by serena99 for Syracuse
Perth
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2013

These catacombs are interesting but not spectacular. Visit if you have lots of time. In Piazza Duomo in Ortigia check if the underground area there is open. It was used as an air raid shelter and is worth visiting.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by ScotPerth for Syracuse
Rayleigh, United Kingdom
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 January 2013

Loved this felt so much like stepping into history, underground and very good English speaking guide, well worth seeing as the others in Naples and Rome are maybe bigger but these were still vast

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Emma B for Syracuse

Travellers who viewed Catacombs of St. John (Catacombe di San Giovanni) also viewed

Syracuse, Province of Syracuse
 
Syracuse, Province of Syracuse
 

Been to Catacombs of St. John (Catacombe di San Giovanni)? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Catacombs of St. John (Catacombe di San Giovanni), register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing