Nuovo volto
1 / 10

San Filippo Apostolo Church and Hypogeum

4.7
·290 reviews·Siracusa, Italy

Explore ancient tombs, Jewish ritual baths, and WWII shelters on an incredible guided tour beneath a historic church.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mid-morning tours

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Nuovo volto

San Filippo Apostolo Church and Hypogeum

Best Time

Mid-morning tours

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient tombs, Jewish ritual baths, and WWII shelters on an incredible guided tour beneath a historic church.

4.7
(290 reviews)

"A must-see! Amazing underground system built by Greeks then improved by Romans and Jewish."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐕 Dogs Welcome (in arms!)

Well-behaved dogs are welcome if carried, making it a great spot for pet owners.

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

At just €5, the guided tour offers incredible value for the historical depth you experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Greek & Roman Tombs

Ancient Greek & Roman Tombs

Underground Levels

Explore ancient burial sites, offering a glimpse into early civilizations and their funerary practices.

Jewish Ritual Baths

Jewish Ritual Baths

Underground Levels

Discover the historical mikveh, a testament to the ancient Jewish community's presence and traditions.

WWII Bomb Shelters

WWII Bomb Shelters

Underground Levels

Walk through extensive tunnels used as shelters during World War II, a poignant reminder of recent history.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Guided Tour

The church's underground levels are only accessible via a guided tour. Tours are offered in Italian and English, so check the schedule to ensure you catch an English-speaking one. Booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Understand the Layers of History

This site spans millennia, from ancient Greek and Roman tombs to Jewish ritual baths and WWII bomb shelters. Embrace the multi-layered history; the guide will illuminate how each era shaped the subterranean complex. It's a fascinating journey through time beneath the city.

Best Times

When
Mid-morning tours
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Guides are well-versed
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Mokrito ortigia Ormai tutti lo conoscono l aperitivo piu buono di ortigia😍 #aperifish #pranzoveloce #aperitivo #aperitivodipesce #mokrito #siracusa #sicilia #ortigia #catania #fastcasualfood #casualdining #fastfood #viralvideo #andiavirali #voliamoneiperte
@mokrito
52.1K likes • 2.9M views

🐕 Dogs Welcome (in arms!)

Well-behaved dogs are welcome if carried, making it a great spot for pet owners. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

At just €5, the guided tour offers incredible value for the historical depth you experience. Reddit

Via dei benedictis 6. Ortigia @CaseificioBorderi If you know you know!!! @caseificioborderiofficial started as a cheese stand then they started making cheese and then with a he kids help they started making panini. What a beautiful panini story 🌭❤️ #ortigia #siracusa #borderi #caseificioborderi #sicily #sicilia #rockin_kitchen_sicily #panino #panini #italy #rockinkitchensicily
@rockinkitchensicily
40.3K likes • 1.1M views
one of the most beautiful beaches in sicily! Save location 🇮🇹 #sicily #beach #traveltips #siracusa #italy #travel
@sebastianochristian
20.3K likes • 581.6K views

🗣️ Bilingual Guides

Tours are conducted in both Italian and English, ensuring accessibility for international visitors. Reddit

💧 Ancient Well Water

See the well at sea level where fresh water is still present, a fascinating natural element. Reddit

🌿 Laghetto di Pantalica 🌿 Nestled in the heart of the Pantalica Nature Reserve in Sortino, Siracusa, this hidden gem is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Crystal-clear waters surrounded by ancient rock formations make it a breathtaking spot for a peaceful dip or a hike in nature. 🏞️💧 @Giulia Vasta 🎥 Pantalica is not just about its lagoons—it’s also home to a UNESCO World...
@visit_sicily
14.5K likes • 521.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐕 Dogs Welcome (in arms!)

Well-behaved dogs are welcome if carried, making it a great spot for pet owners. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry Fee

At just €5, the guided tour offers incredible value for the historical depth you experience. Reddit

🗣️ Bilingual Guides

Tours are conducted in both Italian and English, ensuring accessibility for international visitors. Reddit

💧 Ancient Well Water

See the well at sea level where fresh water is still present, a fascinating natural element. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(290 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the San Filippo Apostolo Church and Hypogeum for its fascinating multi-layered history, from ancient tombs to WWII shelters. The affordable guided tours, offered in both Italian and English, are highlighted as informative and engaging, making it a highly recommended historical site. Some visitors note that the underground can be a bit damp, but this is generally outweighed by the historical significance and value.

"Very interesting catacombs history. The church has an underground tour about 20 minutes long that takes you to 3 different historic levels. From ancient tomb to WW2 history. The guide speaks in Italian and english. Entry is €5 and dogs in arms welcome. Definitely worth doing."

Chrissie S

"Must see! Amazing underground system build by Greeks then improved by Romans and Jewish. The tunnels are 1300m long according to the guide and fitted 10 000 local people hiding from 2ndWW bombings. Mikhev inside so no use to see the other one in the city. Fresh water still at the bottom of the well at the see level. 5Eur for entrance including the guide in English and Italian"

Krzysztof Wilk

"Tour of 3 layers of under ground was interesting and informative. Guide presented in both Italian and English. Under ground area is very immense and was used as shelter during WW2. Definitely worth the 5 euro cost."

Mark Richards

What People Like

Fascinating history
Affordable guided tours
Bilingual guides

What People Dislike

Underground can be damp

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is centrally located, making it easily accessible on foot if you're in the city center. Public transport options like buses also serve the area. Check local transport apps for the most convenient routes from your accommodation. Reddit

Parking in the historic center can be challenging. It's advisable to use public transport or a taxi. If driving, look for paid parking garages a short walk away. Reddit

Yes, you can visit the church itself. However, the main historical attraction, the hypogeum, is only accessible through a guided tour. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee for the guided tour of the hypogeum is €5 per person. This includes access to the church and the informative guided tour. Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your spot on an English-speaking tour. Reddit

Tour times vary and are typically offered at specific intervals throughout the day in both Italian and English. It's best to check the official schedule or inquire locally for the most up-to-date timings. Reddit

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is not widely advertised, but it's worth inquiring directly with the site management when booking. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The guided tour typically lasts around 20-30 minutes, covering the three distinct historical levels beneath the church. Reddit

The tour involves walking and some uneven surfaces. While generally accessible, those with significant mobility issues might find it challenging. The guides are usually accommodating, so communicate any concerns. Reddit

The underground levels maintain a consistently cool temperature, offering a welcome respite from the heat, especially during summer months. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted inside the hypogeum, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions or ask your guide. Reddit

The tour covers a vast historical span, from ancient Greek and Roman times, through Jewish history, to its use as a shelter during World War II. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly within the church or the hypogeum. However, the surrounding area is rich with cafes and restaurants offering local Sicilian cuisine. Reddit

It's generally not recommended to bring food and drinks into the historical underground site to preserve its integrity. Water might be an exception, but check with your guide. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The underground levels themselves offer unique photographic opportunities with their ancient architecture and atmospheric lighting. The church's interior can also be picturesque. Reddit

While general photography is usually allowed, flash photography might be restricted to protect the ancient artifacts and structures. Always confirm with your guide. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The San Filippo Apostolo Church and Hypogeum offers a unique adventure for families. The underground tour, with its ancient tombs and WWII shelters, can spark a child's imagination and make history tangible. The guides are often engaging and can tailor their explanations to be interesting for younger audiences. Remember that the underground can be cool, so a light jacket might be useful for children. Reddit

Dogs are welcome if carried, which is a bonus for families traveling with small pets. The affordable entry fee makes it an accessible activity for families on a budget. The relatively short duration of the tour is also ideal for keeping children engaged without them getting restless. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This site is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers, with an entry fee of just €5 for a comprehensive guided tour. Reddit It offers significant historical value for a minimal cost, providing insights into multiple eras of the city's past. The central location also means you can easily walk to it, saving on transportation costs. Reddit

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to potentially have a more intimate experience. Since there are no dining facilities on-site, you can save money by packing your own snacks or seeking out local eateries away from the main tourist hubs for more affordable meals. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the San Filippo Apostolo Church and Hypogeum is an absolute must-visit. The multi-layered historical narrative, spanning from antiquity to the 20th century, is exceptionally well-preserved and presented. The guided tour provides in-depth explanations of the Greek, Roman, Jewish, and WWII periods, offering a rich tapestry of the region's past. Reddit+1

Pay close attention to the architectural details of the tombs and the functionality of the bomb shelters. The presence of the ancient mikveh is a significant find for those interested in religious and cultural history. The guides' expertise further enhances the experience, making it a deeply rewarding exploration of historical layers. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Layers of History: A Journey Through Time

The San Filippo Apostolo Church and Hypogeum is a remarkable archaeological site that reveals centuries of human activity beneath the surface. The tour guides visitors through three distinct historical layers, each offering a unique perspective. You'll begin by exploring ancient Greek and Roman tombs, showcasing early burial customs and architectural styles. This is followed by a look at the Jewish ritual baths (mikveh), highlighting the presence and practices of the ancient Jewish community in the area. Reddit

Perhaps the most poignant layer is the network of tunnels that served as bomb shelters during World War II. These extensive passages could accommodate thousands of people, a testament to the city's resilience during wartime. The guides often share fascinating anecdotes about the hypogeum's use during these periods, bringing the history to life. The sheer scale of the underground complex, with tunnels stretching over 1300 meters, is impressive. Reddit

Visitors consistently praise the informative and engaging nature of the guided tours. The guides, fluent in both Italian and English, are adept at explaining the complex history in an accessible manner. The €5 entry fee is widely considered a bargain for the depth of historical insight provided, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Reddit+1

Navigating the Underground Experience

The guided tour of the hypogeum is the primary way to experience this historical site. Tours are conducted in both Italian and English, so it's crucial to check the schedule to align with your language preference. While the tour is relatively short, around 20-30 minutes, it's packed with historical information. The underground environment is naturally cool, offering a pleasant escape from the Sicilian heat, but be prepared for walking on potentially uneven surfaces. Reddit

For those with mobility concerns, it's advisable to communicate with the tour guide beforehand. While the site is generally manageable, some areas might present challenges. The guides are often accommodating and can provide assistance where possible. The experience is enriched by the guides' knowledge and passion, making the ancient stones and tunnels come alive with stories of past inhabitants. Reddit+1

Photography is usually permitted, allowing you to capture the unique atmosphere of the underground chambers. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific signage regarding flash use. The presence of fresh water in a well at sea level is another fascinating natural element that often captures visitors' attention. Reddit

You may also like