First published: 14/09/11.

John Booth

Val Di Noto

Val di Noto (Inscribed)

Val di Noto by john booth

Over several days I managed to visit all 8 of the Baroque towns included in this WHS. All were accessible by train except Pallazolo Acredie which I reached by bus from Syracuse. The highlights were :

Pallazolo Accredie - the restored Basilica of St Paul, and the unrestored church of St Sebastian

Noto - the now fully restored cathedral of St Nicolo, and the church of St Domenico

Ragusa - with 9 churches and 6 palaces listed, the refined church of Purgatory and the masonry details of the church of St Mary of Itria in Ragusa Ibla, and the stylish Palazzo Schnina in Ragusa Superiore

Scicli - the tiled interior of the church of St Michael, the ornate balcony supports of the Palazzo Spadera (tourist office) and Palazzo Benventano

Modica - the church of St Peter and the spectacular interior of the cathedral of St George, well worth the climb to see this

Caltagirone - famed for its tiles, especially the monumental staircase leading to the church of Santa Maria del Monte, and tiled murals dotted through the town

Militello - the smallest of the towns with the church of St Nicolo (now a museum) and the church of Sta Maria della Stella and its campanile

Catania - the largest town with many Baroque buildings including 4 churches in via della Crociferi alone plus the church of Sta Agata opposite the duomo and the Palazzo Biscari.

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