Baroque hill towns of Sicily
Sicily is famous for its Baroque architecture, and some hill towns are almost outdoor museums of this architecture. 3 were close to Siracusa and highly recommended, (each a Unesco world heritage site) so I took a day to drive to each. This style of architecture was very popular in Italy in the early 1700’s and Sicily has so much of it due to a hugely devastating earthquake in 1693. It seems like essentially everything was fully destroyed, so entire towns had to be rebuilt, and thus the preponderance of this “hot new style.”
First was Noto, with its famous main street, lined with elegant Chiesa’s, palazzo’s and piazzas. As it all Italian towns, about every 4th building is a church. Why, I have never understood, but I guess back then they were all needed to serve the people.
Then, it was on to Modica, a bit different than most as it lined a valley rather than being perched on a hill. The Duomo here was 250 steps up the hill from the main street, but what a view that gave it!
Lastly, Ragusa Ibla. This was the original Ragusa, but it was fully destroyed in 1693, so they build a modern Ragusa Superiore further up the hill. But, then they did decide to rebuild Ragusa Ibla, and it was magical. This is where I stayed overnight, in a very nice hotel conversion of a convent for nuns. The 40 nun “caves” became about 23 hotel rooms. I had most of 2 “caves” but it was still small, trust me. But a great view overlooking the valley below and an easy walk throughout the old town.
Noto
Essentially the courthouse/public administration building of Noto.
Baroque balcony supports in Noto. Horses I think.
The Duomo cathedral of Noto.
Yes, it is a street, in Modica, and yes, the car is going the wrong way.
The town of Modica below from the steps of the main cathedral.
The interior of the main cathedral of Modica, 250 steps up from the town below.
The city park of Ragusa Ibla, right outside the door of my hotel.
A small church within the park of Ragusa
The back of the church above.
The convent turned hotel. I had a room on the upper floor overlooking the valley below.
Ragusa has ornate Baroque balconies as well.
The Duomo of Ragusa. The cars add some perspective of size in this small hill town.
A view of the cupola of the Duomo from a street above it.
A view of Ragusa Superiore above the lower town. I had to drive straight through this on the way to my next stop.
Marble floor of a small church in Ragusa. This pattern covered the entire sanctuary.
Bellisimo! Nun caves??? Those poor sisters.