Top 20 most beautiful monuments in Sicile2026 ranking

This church is really beautiful. You can start by admiring the exterior architecture before heading inside to see the magically decorated interior. The walls, columns, and ceilings are stunning. Make sure to check the hours because the church isn't always open.

The Syracuse Cathedral really has some beautiful architecture. From the outside, it is impressive with all of its details. Even though there is an entrance fee, I recommend visiting the inside because it is sublime, especially the ceilings. Just a heads up, it is always very crowded, so try to get there early.

This fortress is set in a beautiful natural location and offers a magnificent view of the sea. The building is not in very good condition anymore, and I found the visit a little bit short considering the entrance price. The most impressive part is the underground section, which is worth it.

This castle is a pretty imposing building that you cannot miss when visiting Syracuse. While the tour of the interior is interesting, I found the castle a little bit empty. You can get through it pretty quickly. Everything is very understated, so do not expect rich or elaborate decor.

Like the title says, these are ruins so you shouldn't expect anything exceptional. However, it is on the way to the botanical garden, so a quick stop is pretty nice, especially if the light is good for a little photo shoot. Some ruins and, in the background, pretty flowering trees that make it a peaceful spot when the weather is nice.

A must-see little stop, right next to the Chiesa della Martorana. The fountain is very beautiful, and so are the buildings surrounding it, which makes for some pretty photos. Especially since you can only walk around the fountain, which is a shame for the visit itself, but better for avoiding photos crowded with tourists!

I almost missed it because it was closed on Sunday afternoon when I first stopped by, but luckily, I forced myself to go back. It is just splendid! The style is very ornate, but that is exactly what makes it so impressive. The colorful ceiling contrasts with the rather white walls, and every vault is a lovely discovery! I did the museum and the crypt, but that is not the most interesting part. The church itself is a must!

I didn't dare go too far inside because there was a service going on when I stopped by, so I just took a quick look. The interior seemed pretty plain to me, but maybe some corners held hidden wonders? Regardless, just the exterior is worth the trip! It is magnificent, no matter which side you look at.

Included in the tour of the Norman Palace, the chapel is indeed magnificent! I was a little annoyed when I saw the "no photos" sign while I was waiting in line to get in, but once inside, everyone was taking them anyway, so it was fine! The gilding, the frescoes, the mosaics, basically the decor in general is worth the trip. Only small downside: the entrance fee for the Norman Palace which is still a bit expensive (€17 that day).

Some might say it lacks charm with its stripped-back style (if you compare it to the other churches nearby!), but I liked it anyway. You have to pay to get in, about 2 euros or less if you do the church tour and have the "paper" they give you during your first visit to one of the sites. Anyway, I found it pretty in its difference, and I thought that little red cross was intriguing!