the world heritage new baroque

marvel after destruction

Just like the rest of Italy, also Sicily experienced the baroque movement that started in Rome after the so called Counter-Reformation, when the Catholic church reacted to the Reformation in Germany and built some of the most beautiful architectures in the world to highlight the power of the church. This arrived in Sicily in the 17 century and had a special expression in Eastern Sicily in the 18 century after the earthquake of 1693 that destroyed the Eastern half of the Island. The result of the rebuilt was incredible, thanks also to the power and resources of the many noble families in the island. Entire cities have been rebuilt following a late baroque style, with an architecture full of round shapes and decorations and towns designed to offer a scenic view to the visitors, like Noto or Ragusa.