Church of San Giovanni Alle Catacombe, Syracuse

The Church of San Giovanni Alle Catacombe, located near the Archaeological Park Neapolis and the Madonna delle Lacrime’s Sanctuary, is an extraordinary basilica that hides subterranean treasures. This open-air church is home to the painted San Marciano’s Crypt and the San Giovanni’s Catacombs, both of which offer a unique and intriguing journey into the past of Syracuse.

The San Giovanni’s Catacombs are a network of underground tunnels, carved meticulously into the limestone rocks, creating a sacred labyrinth shrouded in silence. The catacombs have a relatively simple architectural layout. The main tunnel, known as the Decumanus Maximus, serves as the central passage, from which ten perpendicular minor tunnels, called Cardines, branch out. These minor tunnels lead to round chambers known as Rotonde, which originally served as cisterns for the ancient Greek aqueduct but were later converted into funeral chapels for prominent families.

Within these underground catacombs, one can encounter various burial types. Loculo, which refers to a rectangular niche covered by tiles or a slab of marble or stone with inscriptions, is common. Arcosolio, on the other hand, represents a more elaborate niche surrounded by an arch carved into the limestone rock. Forma denotes a space excavated on the floor of the tunnels, typically used when space or resources were limited.

One particular grave inside one of the minor tunnels stands out. It features a niche covered by a stone slab with three holes, evoking an ancient pagan ritual known as "Refrigerium" or "refreshment." During this funeral feast, offerings of wine, milk, and honey were poured through the holes to honor the departed, ensuring their transition to eternal life.

One of the most significant archaeological discoveries within these catacombs occurred in 1872 when the archaeologist Saverio Cavallari found the Sarcophagus of Adelfia in a Rotonda. This is considered one of the most important and ancient pieces of evidence related to early Christianity. It is dedicated to a lady, the wife of Count Valerio, a high imperial official. The sarcophagus features a marble bas-relief depicting the lady and her husband, with a rich decoration of biblical scenes. Notably, it includes the Nativity, considered "the oldest Manger scene in the world."

The catacombs' tunnel walls have yielded several inscriptions that offer valuable iconographic, historical, and social insights. For instance, the inscription of Euskia, discovered in 1894 by the archaeologist Paolo Orsi, represents the oldest evidence of devotion and worship to Santa Lucia in Syracuse.

The Basilica named after San Giovanni Evangelista is a captivating architectural creation with a striking white limestone rose window and an elegant porch adorned with various decorations from different eras, creating a harmonious blend of styles. According to tradition, it was constructed in the 6th century by the Byzantines. The original church featured a large rectory and three wide naves, although only remnants of the original columns remain today.