Sicilian baroque architecture is at its best in the town of Noto in Sicily’s South East corner.
Years after the devastating earthquake of 1693 destroyed the region, the town was rebuilt sixteen kilometres from its original position. Â At this time baroque architecture was in fashion and the Sicilians interpreted it their way.
This baroque architecture led to Noto, along with seven other towns in the area, being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
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If you walk along the main street of Noto, Corso Vittorio Emanuel, you will see many fine examples. The pink stone that was used in the rebuilding gives them a special glow and a commanding presence.
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But it is in the side streets on the smaller buildings that the architects have gone to town adding gargoyles, grinning masks, putti, scrolls, jutting cornices , curved balconies and wrought iron trims to everything they could.
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Have you visited any of the other baroque towns in Sicily?
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Other posts you may enjoy reading:
Going for Baroque in Sicily
Salina’s Caper Festival
The Black Pigs of the Nebrodi
A Morning Making Cheese and Ricotta
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I love when places I’ve never heard of before have a majestic feel to them. Especially that they do that even in smaller streets. I miss buildings with ornamentation in Germany.
It’s a gorgeous little town and great that most of the main buildings are in the one area. Te Sicilians certainly took Baroque architecture over the top, didn’t they!
I have a friend who lives in Italy and gives tours of Sicily. She keeps telling me I should visit and from your photos, I think I agree.
You should visit Karen. It’s a fabulous island with so much to see and do.And the food is fabulous!!
Lovely post, and a delightful town
Thank you. It’s a great town to remember if you’re flying out of Malpensa the next day.
Italy has always been a place to visit on my bucket list. The unique intricate architecture can really bring out a city’s history and culture.
This corner of Sicily is famous for their baroque architecture. YOu’ll love Italy..I hope it’s not long until you can visit this amazing country.
I’ve never made it down to Sicily but this town looks fascinating. I’ll be sure to add it in next time in the area.
Sicily is definitely worth a visit Amy. It’s a fascinating island…so much history, so much to see and fabulous food. What’s not to love!
I’ve wanted to go to Sicily for years – but hadn’t heard of this town. Thanks.
This little corner of Sicily is one of the gems Anabel. There’s quite a few baroque towns in the area…all stunning!
Beautiful! I love Sicily.
Thanks Corinne. It’s fabulous isn’t it!
I’ve never been to Sicily but one of my friends lives there and I can’t wait to explore it one day. 🙂
Ooh..lucky you having a friend there Krista. You definitely should go and visit.
Beautiful city…
Thanks Lili. It certainly is.
Sicily is a part of Italy that I would really love to experience. The small town of Noto that you have highlighted here appears to be an excellent choice for first time visitors to the region with so much beautiful architecture and the gorgeous cathedral. Of course, the majority of Italy in general is similar to this so it’s a win, win situation if you visit this particular spot! Great choice for letter N, thanks for sharing these awesome images with us.
“A taste of Travel” has been included in Friday’s Sites To See for this week. Be assured that I hope this helps to point many new visitors in your direction.
http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2014/04/fridays-sites-to-see_18.html