Baroque Treasures of Noto’s Valley (Modica, Ragusa and Noto)

A full day’s journey today takes you south-east to witness the splendors of the Sicilian Baroque architecture, part of the Unesco World Heritage Site. In 1693, in the wake of a mighty eruption of Etna, this corner of Sicily was devastated by an earthquake. Towns were rapidly rebuilt out of the glowing local limestone. We’ll visit first Modica, the splendid “one hundred churches town” where to enjoy a tasting of the well-known Cioccolato Modicano.

Then we journey to ancient Ragusa Ibla, a picturesque hill town, famous for its labyrinth of crooked lanes, tiny squares and noble Palazzi. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the main church of San Giorgio, with its imposing facade and flight of steps, an exceptional example of the Baroque style in Sicily.

After lunch, the visiting day will proceed towards Noto, the capital of Sicilian baroque, famous for its fine buildings of the early eighteenth century and declared Unesco World Heritage Site. Inspired by Baroque ideals of “open city”, Noto is a rare masterpiece and the clearest example of theatrical tastes in 18th century architecture. Noto’s Baroque is in fact a game of elegant curves, floral weaves, perspective views palaces and gardens, capitals and ornaments that adorn the facades of churches and monasteries. At the end of the visit, return to the hotel.