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Sicilian Baroque

the heart of Sicilian Baroque

The Sicilian Baroque: Ragusa, Ibla, Modica, Scicli and Noto
Modica
Elegant and simple, brimming with baroque buildings, caressed by the salty Mediterranean breeze, and exuding a lively atmosphere. This is Modica, a charming Sicilian city with a population of 55,000, located in the province of Ragusa, boasting a historic city center listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Even the coastal section is irresistible to package tours. Many visitors come to the city to bask in the sun and relax on the beach or enjoy a refreshing swim in the Mediterranean Sea, until it's time to explore the city center with its lovely squares, historical streets, and lavish buildings. It all began in 1693, when a severe earthquake devastated the city. What we admire today is not the ancient Modica, but primarily comprises structures from the late 17th and 18th centuries. It's the Baroque style that makes Modica particularly unique. Alleys filled with charming houses and elegant buildings, such as the monumental baroque church of San Giorgio, built after the earthquake by the renowned architect Rosario Gagliardi from Syracuse.


Ragusa Ibla
Ragusa is the wealthiest city in Sicily and one of the most prosperous cities in Southern Italy. The year 1693 marked a turning point in its history. A severe earthquake nearly destroyed the entire city. Houses and buildings were devastated, and thousands of lives were lost. Due to the gradual recovery that took place in the 18th century, the city was divided into two separate areas: on one side, Ragusa Superiore on the plateau, and on the other side, Ragusa Ibla, built on the medieval ruins of the old city, where the monuments and picturesque buildings stand.
It's no surprise that this Mediterranean destination has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2002. The old city center is a treasure trove of lush baroque-style buildings. One church deserving special attention is the Santa Maria delle Scale, renovated after the earthquake, showcasing interesting artworks by local artists. Not to be missed is the Cathedral of San Giovanni, built between 1706 and 1760, featuring a beautiful baroque façade and a bell tower that overlooks the roofs of Ragusa. Lastly, the Basilica of San Giorgio, a jewel from 1775 with a 40-meter dome supported by 16 columns.
Apart from churches, other noteworthy buildings include the exquisite Palazzo Cosentini Bertini from the late 18th century, exhibiting perfect baroque style, while enthusiasts of the city's history and culture can admire ancient artworks characteristic of the city's complex past at the Museo Archeologico Ibleo.
More informally but equally delightful are the performances of the Ibla Buskers, which for 14 years have enlivened the first week of October with a variety of street artist performances: singers, jugglers, magicians, musicians, and trapeze artists all come together in Ragusa Ibla, attracting large groups of visitors.
Ragusa has a unique climate that is cooler than the Sicilian coast, due to its high elevation among hills and mountains, where it occasionally snows and experiences significant rainfall, especially between October and March. The average temperature in January, the coldest month, ranges from 8°C to 14°C, while in July and August, it reaches between 23°C and 31°C.


Scicli
Scicli is a harmonious synthesis of different elements (history, urban planning, water) carefully brought together by humans and nature to create, as described by Elio Vittorini, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Scicli is considered a baroque jewel that lies off the main tourist routes in southeastern Sicily. When visiting Scicli, you'll notice that the squares resemble sitting rooms, and even individual stones possess architectural dignity. Completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693, the city lies just 5 km from the coast at an elevation of 100 meters above sea level.
The city is situated in a beautiful setting amid three valleys, and atop the hill where the ancient city stood, now the church of San Matteo stands . Noteworthy are the numerous churches and 18th-century buildings that contribute significantly to the wealth of baroque art listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Particularly fascinating is the recently renovated church of San Giovanni Evangelista, now open to the public.
Scicli offers not only diverse evidence of the many people and cultures that have passed through over the centuries, but also provides the opportunity to visit the amazing, almost tropical, beaches along its beautiful sea.

Noto

In the western part of the province of Syracuse lies Noto, perched on a rise overlooking plains adorned with warm colors. It's just a few kilometers far from the stunning Mediterranean coast, and it's an elegant city waiting to be discovered.
A visit to Noto is almost a cultural obligation: its architectural heritage has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2002, a source of pride for all of Italy. The city is situated on a rock, commanding a view over the valley of the Asinaro River. Noto's beauty arose from an unfortunate event - an earthquake that destroyed the old Noto, but paved the way for the construction of this baroque gem. In the year 1693, the tremors almost razed the entire city to the ground, devastating a significant portion of southeastern Sicily, claiming 60,000 lives. The new city was meticulously built in Baroque style, oriented along the four cardinal directions, ensuring perfect illumination of the facades. The effect is picturesque and becomes even more splendid at sunset when the sun bathes the facades of churches and houses in warm pastel hues.