Description
Heading towards to Noto, famous for its fine buildings of the early 18th century, many of which are considered to be among the finest examples of Sicilian baroque style. It is a place of many religious buildings and several palaces. The city was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693 in a different position from the one in which the old city is set and the new location was chosen for its benefits in the construction of a city. Dubbed the “Stone Garden” because many of the newer structures are built of a soft tufa stone, which assume a honey tonality under sunlight.
Continue to Modica, Modica was was rebuilding in a different location post earthquake, with the new city being a bit further downhill, the old city sits a top the hill. There are a few notable examples of Sicilian Baroque style in the new town of Modica, including the Cathedral is St.aGeorge.Continue to Ragusa, Ragusa like Noto, was rebuilt in a different place post earthquake, so you can see the differences between the town. The new Ragusa is, along with Catania, noted for its examples of the high Baroque Style. There are nine churches and seven Palazzos in Ragusa, all in Sicilian Baroque style.
Ragusa, following the catastrophe on 1693 the city was largely rebuilt, and many Baroque buildings from this time remain in the city. Most of the population moved to a new settlement in the former district , calling this new municipality “Ragusa Superiore” (Upper Ragusa) and the ancient city “Ragusa Ibla”. Ragusa Cathedral, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, is the biggest attraction in Ragusa Superiore. Ragusa Ibla is home to a wide array of Baroque architecture, including several stunning palaces and churches.
The Hyblean Garden offers a good view to the three churches of the Cappuccini Vecchi, St. James and San Domenico.
The Cathedral of San Giorgio started in 1738, in place of the temple destroyed by the earthquake, and of which is the only place in the city a Catalan-Gothic style portal can still be seen.
On a narrow winding street connecting Ragusa Ibla with Ragusa Superiore lies the church of Santa Maria delle Scale (“Saint Mary of the Steps”). This church is particularly interesting: badly damaged in 1693, half of this church was rebuilt in Baroque style, while the surviving half was kept in the original Gothic style.
Theese towns in the Val di Noto, is part of UNESCO Heritage Sites in Italy.
Time Excursions: 8h in total