Sicily is a magical land, where the cultures shared by the various peoples who inhabited it have mixed over the centuries, creating some spectacular places and artistic masterpieces.
In fact, few areas in the world present an architectural richness like Val di Noto! This region of south-eastern Sicily was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2002, as the three provinces of Catania, Syracuse and Ragusa include some wonderful Baroque cities. The towns of Caltagirone, Noto, Modica, Scicli, Ragusa, Militello in Val di Catania, Palazzolo Acreide and Catania are eight masterpieces of Baroque art, as they include splendid monuments, buildings and churches dating back to the XVII century. In fact, after the terrible earthquake of 1693, these places were completely rebuilt both in their architecture and in urban planning. This made them some important art cities visited by tourists from all over the world, as they are an excellent example of Sicilian Baroque art.
Would you like to discover the hidden beauties in the Val di Noto? Find out the best things to see and the unmissable monuments to visit at all costs during your tour in South-Eastern Sicily!
1- Catania
The big city of Catania is a masterpiece in baroque style with a magnificent historic center. Piazza del Duomo, the palaces of Via dei Crociferi, the Collegiata, Palazzo Biscari, Badia di Sant'Agata and the Benedictine monastery are just some of the monuments that adorn the streets of this lovely coastal city. A tour in the heart of Catania is a must-do during your trip, as a walk between the architectural jewels, the silhouette of Etna mount and the crystal clear sea is somehing magical!
2- Militello in Val di Catania
This charming town is located in the province of Catania and it presents many artistic beauties, despite its small dimensions. First of all, the urban plan of the city is very peculiar, since it still preserves the typical sixteenth-century features. Among its monuments, we recommend you visit the Benedictine Monastery, the museum of S. Nicolò, the Church of S. Maria alla Catena and the Church of Santa Maria della Stella!
3- Caltagirone
Caltagirone is located in the hinterland and is famous for being a production center of pottery, clay and, above all, glazed ceramics, which are also used to decorate the domes, the facades and the narrow streets. However, it is the charm of the Baroque architecture that makes Caltagirone a beautiful tourist destination! In fact, this place in the Noto Valley is full of seventeenth-century monuments and each one preserves its uniqueness. The splendid Villa Comunale, Chiesa del Gesù and many other buildings located in the neighborhoods of San Giorgio and San Giacomo were built after the earthquake and are perfect examples of this particular artistic style.
4- Palazzolo Acreide
Palazzolo Acreide was born in the heart of the Iblei Mountains and its historic center was literally split in two following the earthquake. The old part, of medieval origins, overlooks a magnificent Greek Roman theater in stone, while the "new town", rebuilt at the end of the seventeenth century, contains numerous baroque buildings. Among these, you will find some important churches such as those of San Sebastiano and of Saints Peter and Paul, which have richly decorated facades and a truly majestic appearance.
5- Noto
Noto is also called "the Capital of the Baroque" and it's not difficult to understand the reason after you taking a tour of its center! The city rises on top of a hill immersed in the typical Sicilian countryside and it dominates the valley with its magnificent monuments. In fact, the center includes a set of beautiful seventeenth-century buildings that present a uniform artistic style. All the historic and religious buildings own harmonious shapes and beautiful golden shades, especially during the day when the sunlight shines on their facades. The monuments you can't miss are the noble residence of Palazzo Ducezio and the stupendous Cathedral of San Nicolò, which presents one of the most beautiful facades in the world.
Looking for a villa for rent near Noto? Choose Villa Kika!
6- Scicli
Scicli is a town in the province of Ragusa, in southern Sicily. This marvellous town hidden in the hills boasts ancient origins, but it is in the late Baroque period that it reached the point of maximum splendor. The most beautiful street is Via Francesco Mormina Penna, a charming alley built according to the seventeenth-century urban principles where there are some splendid churches and luxurious palaces. Some of the monuments you cannot miss in the so-called "city of the hundred bell towers" are the Church of the Madonna delle Milizie, the Church of San Bartolomeo, Palazzo Beneventano and the monastic complex of the Carmelites. Their splendid visual impact will surely leave you breathless!
Looking for a villa for rent near Scicli? Choose Isla Verde!
7- Modica
The palaces, churches, alleys and monuments that adorn the center of Modica make it one of the most picturesque cities in Sicily. Divided between Modica Alta and Modica Bassa, this town is famous for the refined production of chocolate and the beauty of the central buildings. In fact, this charming example of Baroque art perched on a Iblei Mountain presents some magnificent 17th century churches, such as the Church of San Giorgio, the Church of Carmine, the Church of St. Mary of Bethlehem, the Church of San Pietro or the Cathedral of San Giovanni.
Looking for a villa for rent near Modica? Choose Villa Terranova!
8- Ragusa
The last stop of a Val di Noto tour is Ragusa, a large city in Southern Sicily. The earthquake of 1693 completely transformed its center, causing its division in the districts of Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla. The typical characteristics of the Baroque style are perfectly summarized in some of its religious buildings, such as the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Church of San Giorgio and the Church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli, as well as in the noble palaces of Palazzo della Cancelleria, Palazzo Bertini and Palazzo Cosentini. What makes Ragusa so splendid is the union between the breathtaking charm of the historic center and the countless beautiful landscapes, enclosed within an unspoilt reserve between the Iblei Mountains and the Irminio river. It's a must-see!
Are you looking for a villa for rent near Ragusa? Choose Donna Tommasa!
© Alice Pilastri
