Towns of Val Di Noto

Modica

The Country has its cultural, political and economic roots deep in 18th century. The country is called “one-hundred churches town”. It enjoyed the greatest prosperity under Spanish reign during 13th and 14th century. Under the successive Henriquez, Alvarez and Fits-Stuart dynasties, the County declined and lost its old privileges.

The following are the surviving monuments, The gothic portal of the Chiesa del Carmine; ruins of the 16th century Chiesa di S. Maria del Gesù; the 15th century Chapel of the Sacrament within the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Betlemme; the recently discovered 12th century cave-church of San Nicolò Inferiore (St. Nicholas), in a late-Byzantine style, preserving decorations ranging in date from the 8th through the 16th century.

Chiesa del Carmine – a convent of Carmelitani friars that dates back to 16th century. Even though the earthquake injured it, it holds back its doorway and the rose window.

Santa Maria di Betlemme – It originates from 15th century. The right aisle survived the quake and has the Chapel of the Sacrament behind it enriched with Arabian art. The left aisle adds to its pride, the beautiful terracotta Christmas Crib, made by Father Benedetto Papale in 1882.

San Nicolò Inferiore – this is a recently discovered 12th century cave-church, in a late-Byzantine style, preserving decorations ranging in date from the 8th through the 16th century.

Catania

This is a home of great artists and writers. This is the second largest and one among the hottest Italian cities.

Palazzo Biscari - To the South is a rich decoration of figures and volutes, cherubs and racemes that fill the window frames along the long terrace relieving the somberness of the dark façade. The entrance has a rich portal that takes into a courtyard with a fine stairway. On the first floor are the main reception rooms. To the back is a splendid Salon with frescoes by Sebastiano Lo Monaco and enriched with stuccoes, gilded mouldings and mirrors. The center of the ceiling opens out into an oval dome with gallery, behind which musicians once played, conceived as if the music would descend from the heaven. The fresco portrays the Triumph of the Family celebrated by the council of the Gods. A lovely spiral staircase situated in the gallery next to the hall provides access to the little platform. From the gallery the south terrace of the building can be admired.

Militello Val di Catania

The Benedictine Monastery – This building was founded in 1614 and finished in 1641 and it is now used as a Town Hall.It has precious paintings and a carved wooden choirstalls depicting the Mysteries and scenes from the life of St. Benedict (1734).

St. Nicolo’s Museum – Erected in 1721 and displays a collection of 1600’s and 1700’s religious ritual robes worn by members of the clergy.

Maria SS. della Stella – This was erected from 1722 till 1741.It preserves terracotta Nativity altarpiece (1847).

Ragusa

Ragusa Ibla was founded on the site of ancient Sikel town Hybla Herea. The archaeological Museum of Ragusa preserves the burial niches in the Gonfalone valley. After the 1693’s earthquake the residents settled on the site known as Ibla, that, today, with its medieval layout and lovely baroque architecture, is a most attractive historical centre. In April 1695, the old and the new Ragusas were administratively and politically separated because of continuous fights between the elites of the two sides. In 1703, local disputes still persisting, the city was reunified.

Siccli

This is the loveliest city that retains its 18th century look by reconstruction after the earthquake. The elegant palazzi and churches, and its picturesque shape, is famously known as the “Baroque Jewel.