The Cathedral of Sircusa (Syracuse), Sicily is built within the colonnades of Greek temple to Athena from the early 5th century BC. Byzantine Christians converted the ruins of it into their Cathedral in the 7th century. The fluted columns are engaged in the outer side wall, along with triglyphs, metopes, etc. (the parts of the Doric Order in Greek architecture). The arched windows and crenelated top date from the Middle Ages. (It even had been a mosque at one time.) However, around the corner, the facade is thoroughly Baroque, built in 1700s! Old and new don't clash, though -- because they aren't seen simultaneously. 
Behind the door of this
Cathedral's Baroque
facade, the simplicity of an
actual Doric temple
colonnades are hidden.
The medieval barrel vault
comfortably meets
the ancient Greek
colonnade to form
a side aisle.
comfortably meets
the ancient Greek
colonnade to form
a side aisle.
The temple's floor plan easily adapts to the
7th century Basilican plan church. The
darkest components of this plan belong
to the original Doric Greek temple.
7th century Basilican plan church. The
darkest components of this plan belong
to the original Doric Greek temple.
An amazing adaptation, probably not noticed in passing.
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