SiracusaOggi.it asks the politician whether he really believes Palazzolo Acreide can host the international song festival He continues: “We have a vision and we will propose it to Rai which will have the final choice but ours is a widespread program on the territory” Aiello is conscious of the limits imposed by the town’s small size “It is clear that Palazzolo alone could not do everything” “And then we pull the others: Syracuse He goes on to explain that the town has previously organised a theatre festival an experience which he thinks should place it in good stead when it comes to Eurovision “With the classical theatre festival for young people why shouldn’t we be able to repeat the experience with Eurovision?” he says that the Catania Fontanarossa Airport meets the airport requirements The topic of a venue appears to be a little up in the air He may be referring to the town’s Palazzetto dello Sport although he might have another venue in mind He adds that “we have an alternative solution We will put everything in black and white in the dossier that we will send to Rai ” The official RAI and EBU bidding guidelines require that an arena should have an audience capacity in the main hall of at least 8,000 – 10,000 during the event and a main hall that can house the set and all other requirements needed to produce a high-level broadcast production It’s also worth mentioning that those 8,000 – 10,000 people should correspond to 70% of the maximum capacity of that venue for regular concerts as the specific stage and production needs of Eurovision should be taken into consideration The venue should also have ample space within easy access of the main hall to support additional production needs such as: a press centre capable of hosting over 1,000 journalists; delegation spaces but Palazzo Acreide has received support from across Italy The Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy has backed the proposal There is also an online petition on change.org Aiello concludes: “Regardless of how it will end we have triggered positive energies for the area But did you know that Palazzolo Acreide was among the 8 most clicked searches on Google yesterday but I answer by asking you: why others who could have applied have not done so We do not participate only for the popularity of one day although for the moment I recognize that it was a media success at the cost of an email” A total of 17 Italian cities have submitted initial declarations of interest to RAI The next stage will see all the candidates complete a more detailed document with the necessary requirements for hosting Eurovision These bid books must be submitted to RAI by Wednesday 4 August The final decision will be made by RAI in conjunction with the EBU by the end of August What do you think of Palazzolo Acreide’s chances Follow all of our Italy Eurovision 2022 news. Towns like this are not unreasonable for applying it’s the EBU who are unreasonable for having such tight restrictions modern time means modern high-level production and more fans and viewers (even there are those from outside Europe and more fans want to attend Eurovision live at least once in their lifetime hosting Eurovision is now similar to hosting the Euros because of how big Eurovision is Why those little towns even bother to apply Damn this would be so amazing I mean we all love traditional places Mill Street did it and did an amazing job back in 1993 fewer countries were participating (and this was the eve of the relegation system that lasted until 2003) so you could get away with hosting in a smaller venue than now There were still 25 countries in the final and four countries that didn’t qualify despite Palazzolo Acreide has a mayor who lives in his dreams world Pay there a visit (and to Syracuse and Noto nearby) and you won’t be disappointed If it was a PR stunt to get people to visit then it worked Overview Meet the team Press Write for us Input your search keywords and press Enter The BirdLife Malta Events & Activities Group recently organised a memorable day trip to Valle del Anapo one of Sicily’s largest nature reserves Located in the province of Syracuse and nestled between the Hyblaean Mountains the area is known for its stunning natural beauty Participants embarked on a medium-to-hard 12-kilometre trek through scenic woodlands and along the Anapo River where running water streams added to the tranquil setting The five-hour hike offered breathtaking views and a refreshing immersion in nature The day concluded with a delicious late lunch at a traditional agriturismo in Palazzolo Acreide (SR) giving the group a well-deserved moment to relax and socialise To become a member of BirdLife Malta, visit here.  Gollcher Charity Walk 2025 in aid of Richmond Foundation Europe must wake up and face security and economic challenges please register for free or log in to your account In the park of the Villa Communale in the ancient hill town of Palazzolo Acreide in the Hyblaean Mountains just 20 miles east of Siracusa there is a statue in commemoration of the many local people who emigrated and the effect that migration has had on subsequent generations visitors see the immigrant’s arm and leg dressed in threadbare clothes and rough working boots carrying a beat-up suitcase held together by rope the arm and leg are now dressed in smart city clothes with polished leather shoes and a modern new briefcase The poignancy of the transformation from impoverished traveler to a man of success is immediately felt when viewing this artwork—in fact, as one recent visitor, Ohio University nursing student Liz Meserini recorded in her reflection journal for the Food in Sicily program “I felt connected to this statue because my Great Grandpa moved to America from Sicily with almost nothing Part of Meserini’s amazing life this summer included joining other OHIO students on the May study away program In addition to Palazzolo Acreide’s beautiful town park the students' in-depth experience of Sicilian food and culture took them to Claudio Romano’s Agriteatro Sensoriale: an immersive farm experience in the sounds and tactile elements of this part of Sicily Romano is one of the many Sicilians who left the island he returned to the Iblei Mountains with his partner not to display newly found immigrant wealth but to reclaim the richness of his cultural roots by designing  the Agriteatro Sensoriale at their family farm or Monti Iblei in Italian and Munt'Ibblei in Sicilian run between Siracusa and Ragusa in the southeastern corner of Sicily and are made up of low mountains with steep canyons and valleys giving way to rolling limestone hills with carob and almond groves and vineyards separated by low dry-stone walls who arrived circa 1200 BCE and then four centuries later by the Greeks as an integral part of Magna Graecia the Hyblaean Mountains are dotted with ancient archaeological sites with one tradition claiming the name is derived from the ancient King Iblone who ceded this part of his kingdom to the Greeks or from the Siculian divine mother goddess who  protected fertility and brought abundance to the land and its inhabitants When the Food in Sicily students first arrived at Casa Contadina Iblea Romano serenaded everyone with Sicilian songs accompanied by his tambourine or tamburello passing out tamburellos and instructing the students in how to strike the drum using the palm Everyone quickly found out that Sicilian tambourine drumming is far more complex than it looks the tamburello is not only an instrument used to accompany song and dance but also an essential element in Sicilian storytelling for through the goat skins of the drum head not only does the animal still speak but everyone who is gathered also hears the voice of the Great Mother Following the primordial sounds of the tamburello the students explored the herb garden and plant nurseries where Romano grows medicinal and culinary herbs and plants – crocus for saffron He began collecting wild herbs more than 20 years ago His neighbors nicknamed him arreniaturi or arrichinista referring to him as “the one who forages wild oregano.” “Everyone took me for a fool,” he recalled “Everyone said I was the village idiot.” But Romano knew that the herbs he collected were essential in traditional remedies and folk medicine As he led the group through his extensive garden he encouraged everyone to run their hands across the plants to feel the textures of the leaves and stems and to breathe in deeply the aroma of each plant The smells and textures of the plants are key components of his Agriteatro Sensoriale Every experience on the farm is part of the Agriteatro Sensoriale and Romano and Di Brigida have also created a small theater in the round Romano recites for his audiences Sicilian dialect poetry all part of the island’s storytelling traditions designed to help pass the time while weaving baskets for the farm The Sicilian language has been shaped by many years of conquest and Spanish and differs grammatically from Italian when Sicily became a part of a newly unified country of Italy there has been the feeling that the Sicilian language is not sustainable and will eventually die out due to the influx and influence of Italian his poetry and storytelling are an act of protecting an endangered language and culture: “The nursery rhymes I tell mention all the things that have been lost Sicilian identity and the bounty of the land filled the luncheon table as well Students enjoyed homemade savory tarts and fresh cheeses along with bitter greens and tomatoes dressed with the farm’s own olive oil and vinegar It was a spectacular way of tasting the cultural foodways of the island “That was hands down my favorite lunch,” Gabrielle (Gabi) Dozer a nursing student and sergeant in the Air National Guard Eating and drinking all that food from the farm was just what I needed!” Russ College of Engineering and Technology Cutler Scholar Orlando Gonzalez noted that the attention and skill that Romano and Di Brigida put into making the meal “the way they prepared the food for us was magnificent the flavors were so carefully prepared and generously shared in a way that they appeared to not only be mere food but were bridges that connected the family that prepared them Romano and Di Brigida are also master weavers to fashion containers called “panaru” in Sicilian for carrying food such as lemons The baskets are also used for storing and aging food such as ricotta and even for leavening bread so that the loaf takes on the shape and latticework of the basket Panaru may often still be seen tied to a rope being lowered from balconies to the street below in cities throughout Sicily The day at the farm concluded with a lesson in traditional cold process soapmaking Di Brigida uses the olive oil left over from last year’s harvest and mixes it with caustic soda and water Herbs and essential oils from the farm’s extensive gardens are then added to perfume the final product She sells her soap at nearby markets with rose and rosemary being her most frequently requested scents but as Russ College of Engineering and Technlogy Cutler Scholar Gavin Morgan observed “Learning the chemistry behind the soap making led me to find out that it’s a bit more difficult to perfect than I thought!” the students thanked their hosts who encouraged them to gather fragrant bunches of herbs to refresh and center them for the bus trip back to the city While the day at Agriteatro Sensoriale concluded the three weeks of Food in Sicily’s experiential learning the students carried home with them the flavors of Sicily and the knowledge that as Morgan said “The memories made and relationships strengthened just over a table of food proves the power that food holds.” © 2025 Ohio University This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Almost at the apex of the dense settlement of pale stone houses which climbs to the top of the hill (where the theater of ancient Akrai still stands) one encounters a flight of stairs that leads in one leap to the small square in front of the baroque mass of the church of the Immacolata of Palazzolo Acreide The curved lines of the Borrominian façade and the Guarini echoes of the large windows typical of the baroque language of the Val di Noto well guard the Renaissance secret of the church searching with their gaze in a deep niche of its single nave in an attempt to fill the deep solitudes excavated in the contexts of the works of art by the terrible earthquake of 1693 one of the most strongly characterizing Marian images for 15th-century Italy The tangible sign of the great cultural routes of the European Renaissance making a mockery of the presumed hierarchical criteria of historians and art historians touched this (now marginal) town in the province of Syracuse engraving on it with immeasurable softness and absolute virtuosity the signature of one of the greatest marble artists of the 15th century: Francesco Laurana.Born in Vrana in an unspecified year in the first half of the 15th century Francesco Laurana represents one of the most significant personalities in the sculptural landscape of Renaissance Italy and particularly in the area of Naples and Sicily Laurana spent a certain period of activity in Provence (a region where he would probably end his life between 1510 and 1512) only to find himself back in Sicily in 1468 His activity in the area of Sciacca and Partanna though supported by numerous documentary evidences and many of the works at first attributed to the Dalmatian artist’s chisel have been more correctly traced to a workshop setting have been the reason for Laurana’s call to the area that he (already a sculptor in the service of the King of Naples) was commissioned to paint the funeral portrait of Eleanor of Aragon who died in 1405 and is buried in the monastery of Santa Maria del Bosco in Calamatauro Might not Eleanor herself be the woman eternalized in the marble bust now preserved in the Regional Gallery of Sicily at Palazzo Abatellis in Palermo and often also identified with Isabella or Beatrice of Aragon It remains a fact that the typology of the marble bust-portrait was to be a constant production in Laurana’s career the apex of which is perhaps represented by the famous and qualitatively extraordinary bust of Battista Sforza now in the Bargello Museum in Florence and datable to the years immediately following this first Sicilian sojourn The most important work of his insular sojourn is the design and sculptural realization of the Mastrantonio Chapel in the church of San Francesco in Palermo conducted together with the sculptor Pietro de Bonitate in which Laurana’s style and sculptural language were imbued with the executive methods of Domenico Gagini with whom Laurana had already collaborated in Naples Most active in Sicilian soil though of Lombard origins and with strong and lasting roots in Ligurian soil Gagini built his sculptural experience also from his Florentine experience in the workshop of Filippo Brunelleschi an alumnuship whose many eloquent reflections would manifest themselves in the happy outcomes of his stay in the Superba so rich in chisel refinements still late Gothic but fully aware of the new representative instances of the Renaissance in the treatments of volumes surfaces and in the calm and sweet pathetic expressiveness of the faces of his works is certainly enriched in the dialogue with the achievements of the most important painters active in the panorama of the Italic peninsula and the technical constancy in the working of marble with the operative methods of Gagini and Bonitate is evident it is impossible not to grasp the remarkable familiarity between the sculptural language and the presence in space of the works of theDalmatian artist and the contemporary or slightly earlier works of Antonello da Messina (Messina 1429/1430-1479) who had left and was still leaving (in those last years of his painting career) significant traces on the island territory that had given him birth At a short chronological and geographical distance from the only work signed and dated by Laurana in Sicily (another similar case are the medals made in Provence) the Madonna of the Snow made for the city of Noto in 1471 and today preserved in the church of the Santissimo Crocifisso again because of the “aftermath” of the earthquake at the end of the seventeenth century Certain and documented to 1474 is the painter’s realization of the magnificent Annunciation now in the Palazzo Bellomo in Syracuse found butchered by moisture and repainting in the church of the Annunciata in Palazzolo in 1897; while certainly’else dating from the period between 1472 and 1474 (but lacking a certain date) is the Madonna della Grazia sculpted by Laurana for the lords of Palazzolo for the church of Santa Maria della Grazia (now destroyed) preserved in the above-mentioned niche in the church of the Immacolata If the direct relationship between Antonello da Messina and Francesco Laurana cannot be documented through archival reconnaissance undoubted and highlighted already by the acute observations of Bernard Berenson how the language of synthesis of spatiality the modulated smoothness of the tonal passages in the definition of faces at the level and chromatic and compositional as well as the narrative and expressive effectiveness of the figures clearly show that a relationship there was and (in all probability) was one of mutual exchange able to perceive the grandeur and internationality of Antonello’s language (returning from Venice and from the fruitful dialogue with the central Italian realities of higher humanism high such as the Urbino circle and Piero della Francesca) which precedes (probably) Antonello’s altarpiece a thoughtful and rethought mode of expression in its various outcomes (the examples of Noto enclosable in the three-year period 1468-1471 the refinement of the mantle that descends to open at the neck and the weighted softness of the gestures that stage a delicate certainly indebted to the Antonellian gravitas of works such as the extraordinary Madonna Salting (c where the silent dialogue of Jesus and Mary their eyes half-closed in contemplation of their son is emphasized by the eloquent gestures of the alabaster hands that flaunt Christ probably also looked at and kept in mind Laurana’s recently completed work can be seen in the rhythmic draperies enlivened by ring folds of the Virgin’s cloak in the Palazzo Bellomo panel just as the gestures of the hands and face bent with familiar softness in the dialogue with the Child (for Laurana) and dissolved in a nod and a smile of assent to the Announcing Angel in Antonello’s painting Sensibilities shared and circulated in most artistic contexts (pictorial and sculptural) of the time yet here so tangibly close as to demonstrate a relationship not only of place but also of artistic communion Beyond the debts and credits spent reciprocally between these two exceptional interpreters of the Renaissance temperament in Sicilian lands it will be worth emphasizing the incredible conjuncture that brought two artists (and therefore two works) of such stature to Palazzolo Acreide in neighboring years because it is the result of the amazement generated by thinking of a place like Palazzolo Acreide (albeit an important UNESCO-protected heritage site as one of the places of the late Sicilian Baroque) as a real “center” of cultural aggregation patronage and therefore avant-garde artistic expression in the mid-15th century must be made considering not so much recent history as the weight of the Palazzolo community in the 15th century: a weight that was of quite a different magnitude and that therefore saw the awareness of the centrality of this place celebrated through the figurative language of two of the greatest artists of the international Renaissance the importance today of dwelling on the study of what appear to be the “marginalia,” the stories of the places and works that seem to frame the great strands of history and the history of ’art I take this opportunity to highlight how in the very high quality of Palazzolo’s beautiful Madonna della Grazia disruptive and innovative language is contained (perhaps) in the very bas-relief that adorns its base like the Madonna of Laurana half-hidden and invisible in its church too often closed to the public waits to be rediscovered and cherished as a sign of the greatness of a land that saw the works of the best human ingenuity the Municipality of Palazzolo and the Superintendence of Cultural and Environmental Heritage of Syracuse (in the person of Rosalba Panvini) promoted and realized an exhibition that compared again Antonello’sAnnunciation with the Madonna of the Snow from Noto and Palazzolo’s Madonna of Grace executed by Francesco Laurana An extraordinary dialogue that has unfortunately remained without any echo either in the territory or in the scientific literature and that survives only in the beautiful photos of Salvo Alibrio such an operation cannot be continuously repeated because of the precarious conservation conditions that afflict Antonello’s table and the inappropriate removal of the sculptures from their current church locations it could (on theon the other hand) be well resumed with installations aimed at the in situ narration of the Dalmatian master’s works today lacking any apparatus that would enhance their prestige quality and importance in the panorama of Renaissance art traditional apparatuses are being joined by other digital technologies that could allow Antonello da Messina’s altarpiece to be evoked in its original location on the altar of the Church of the Annunziata from social networks to more elaborate communication strategies A modality that would have the certain effect of contributing greatly to pushing visitors (which in the Val di Noto there is no shortage of) to visit the beautiful Madonna of Palazzolo or (why not?) even that of Noto one would first have to be certain of at least one thing: the possibility The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to protect and preserve World Heritage partnerships for conservation Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in today’s complex world where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development Our Partners Donate Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information The eight towns in south-eastern Sicily: Caltagirone were all rebuilt after 1693 on or beside towns existing at the time of the earthquake which took place in that year They represent a considerable collective undertaking successfully carried out at a high level of architectural and artistic achievement Keeping within the late Baroque style of the day they also depict distinctive innovations in town planning and urban building Les huit villes du sud-est de la Sicile -- Caltagirone Raguse et Scicli -- ont toutes été reconstruites après 1693 sur le site ou à côté des villes qui s'y dressaient avant le tremblement de terre de cette même année Elles représentent une initiative collective considérable menée à terme à un haut niveau architectural et artistique Globalement conforme au style baroque tardif de l'époque elles représentent des innovations marquantes dans le domaine de l'urbanisme et de la construction urbaine أعيد بناء مدن جنوب شرق صقلية الثماني كلها – كالتاجيروني، وميليتيلّو فال دي كاتانيا ، وكاتاني، وموديكا، ونوتو، وبالاتزولو، وراغوزي وشيكلي - بعد العام 1693، على الموقع أو إلى جانب المدن الأصلية التي كانت قائمة قبل الهزة الأرضية التي وقعت في تلك السنة وهي تشكل مبادرة جماعية هائلة، تمّت بمستوى معماري وفنّي عالٍ وتمثل أيضًا باستجابتها بصورة عامة إلى الأسلوب الباروكيّ في تلك الحقبة، عمليات إبداع مذهلة في ميدان التنظيم المُدني والبناء الحضري 维琴查城于公元前2世纪修建在意大利北部，在威尼斯人的统治下，维琴查于15世纪早期到18世纪末达到全盛时期。意大利建筑师安德烈亚·帕拉第奥（1508-1580年）对古罗马建筑进行了详细研究，赋予了这座城市独特的风貌。帕拉第奥的市区建筑，以及散布在威尼托区的别墅，对意大利的建筑发展产生了决定性影响。帕拉第奥的建筑作品形成了一个与众不同的建筑风格，就是人们熟知的帕拉迪恩风格，这种建筑风格也传播到了英国、其他欧洲国家和北美。 Восемь городов на юго-востоке Сицилии – Кальтаджироне Рагуза и Шикли – были восстановлены после землетрясения 1693 г То был масштабный комплекс совместно выполняемых мероприятий успешно реализованный на высоком архитектурно-художественном уровне эти города продемонстрировали новаторские для того времени методы планировки и застройки Este sitio está formado por ocho ciudades del sudeste de Sicilia –Caltagirone Ragusa y Scicli– que fueron reconstruidas in situ después del terremoto que las destruyó en 1693 Fruto de una iniciativa colectiva de gran envergadura su reconstrucción se caracterizó por el alto nivel de las obras arquitectónicas y artísticas realizadas Edificadas en el estilo barroco tardío imperante de la época estas ciudades son un ejemplo sumamente ilustrativo de toda una serie de innovaciones notables en materia de urbanismo y técnicas de construcción The Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto is comprised of components of eight towns located in south-eastern Sicily (Caltagirone These historic centres and urban environments reflect the great post-seismic rebuilding achievement of the decades following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693 which ravaged towns across south-eastern Sicily restoration and reconstruction of these communities resulted in the creation of an exceptional group of towns all reflecting the late Baroque architecture of the 17th century in all its forms and applications The eight components of the property differ in size and represent a range of responses to the rebuilding needs They include the entire old town of Caltagirone Noto and Ragusa; specific urban areas of Catania and Scicli; and isolated monuments in the historic town centres of Modica Palazzolo Acreide and Militello Val di Catania Catania was rebuilt on the site of the original town while others new urban centres were created next to the ancient ones The centres of Scicli and Modica were moved and rebuilt in adjoining areas already partially urbanized The towns exhibit a plethora of late Baroque art and architecture of high quality and of a remarkable homogeneity as a result of the circumstances of time and social context in which they were created they also display distinctive innovations in the town planning and urban rebuilding The property also represents a considerable collective undertaking in response to a catastrophic seismic event Criterion (i): The Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto in south-eastern Sicily provide outstanding testimony to the exuberant genius of late Baroque art and architecture Criterion (ii): The Late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto represent the culmination and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe Criterion (iv): The exceptional quality of the late Baroque art and architecture in the Val di Noto lies in its geographical and chronological homogeneity and is the result of the 1693 earthquake in this region Criterion (v): The eight Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto in south-eastern Sicily are characteristic of the settlement pattern and urban form of this region are permanently at risk from earthquakes and eruptions of Mount Etna The property includes all the attributes required to express its Outstanding Universal Value as it encompasses the most representative centres of the late Baroque period in the Val di Noto The eight components of the property reflect the range of architectural and town-planning developments resulting from the post-seismic reconstruction in the Val di Noto after the 1693 earthquake This earthquake created an opportunity for an enormous artistic The centres retain their residential function along with a lively society of inhabitants The eight components of the property continue to demonstrate with remarkable homogeneity the late Baroque art and architectural style of south-eastern Sicily in individual buildings and town planning the almost completely preserved town plans express a variety of reactions to the destruction caused by the earthquake Although the property meets the requirements for authenticity it has been affected by further seismic activity as well as long-term degradation and a great many buildings and monumental complexes require major restoration The majority of the properties in all eight components are in private ownership the Italian State and local Government authorities as well as the Municipalities of the eight towns have the responsibility for looking after the urban and architectural heritage in their respective territories The eight towns are identified in the respective town plans as Homogeneous Territorial Zones or Historic Centres where the existing urban and architectural heritage can be submitted only to rehabilitation and maintenance works that fully respect the historic and cultural vocation of each town The main legal protection and conservation measures are provided by the national and regional legislation for the protection of the artistic Numerous buildings (109) falling within the core-zones are bound according to the DL 42/2004 (pursuant to Law 1089/39) because of historical monuments The historical towns of Ragusa Iblea and Noto and Modica Palazzolo Acreide are subject to landscape protection (under Law 1497/39) All goods falling within urban areas classified as Zone A (historic centre) from the general zoning and applicable planning legislation are regulated by national and regional laws The old town of Ragusa Ibla also benefits from a detailed plan and a special law (L.R 61/81) that promote recovery for restoration of public and private buildings All work on the property must be approved in advance by local Superintendents and Municipal Administration The norms that protect the site are dictated by state laws (legislative decree 22 January 2004 a Management Plan was developed to coordinate the management of the eight components of the property The Management Structure is regularly revised The country was already in shock from the 600 lives claimed by the virus; the prime minister had imposed a nationwide lockdown that same day Iraq—and through his work has sought out humanity in the most unlikely circumstances but Majoli powerfully captures the front line fighters This pandemic has united the world; it has shown how interconnected we are It has created echoing spaces where once there was bustling life and our beloved New York City clings to the hope that for the next few weeks the kind of determined isolation we see in these images could make all the difference Looking for more? Sign up for our daily Hive newsletter and never miss a story. the conference Borghi e centri storici will be held in Palazzolo Acreide (Syracuse) at the Sala delle Aquile of the Palazzo di Città Strategies for Rehabilitation to reflect on how to qualitatively revive villages and historic centers It had already addressed the topic on March 23 this year at the Fort of Fenestrelle (Turin) where it took stock of some of the most innovative practices and experiences adopted to revive places otherwise in neglect.This second event journalist for Il Giornale dell’Architettura in the Network of Italian Foundations for Architecture is intended to be a workshop of rehabilitation practices In addition to reproposing some of the experiences already presented in Piedmont contemporary architecture and architectural restoration have played a leading role in the success of innovative projects that are decisive for the future of the territories that adopted them organized by the Foundation of theOrder of Architects PPC of Catania Order of Architects of Syracuse and Order of Architects of Catania under the patronage of the Municipality of Palazzolo Acreide Order of Architects of Palermo and Foundation for Architecture/Turin intends to open up to the University and some of the projects developed and implemented by them The initiative is therefore aimed at all Sicilian municipalities interested in implementing models and practices already tried and tested elsewhere capable of upgrading the historical building heritage as well as effectively countering depopulation and the consequent abandonment and degradation of the territories they administer "The aim of the meeting is also to promote the adoption of regional Guidelines for the rehabilitation of villages and historic centers along with the creation of a regional Agency of one-euro houses to standardize and regulate on the wide scale modes and operating practices of the project the subject of an investigation in Il Giornale dell’Architettura in which I reviewed reasons for success and failure in municipalities from north to south that have experimented with it," said curator Silvia Mazza Speakers at the conference will include Paolo Dellapiana Fondazione per l’architettura/Turin Councilor delegate to the Foundations Network (Laboratorio Montagna innovative experiences for re-inhabiting villages: the results); Stefano Mirti and Viviana Bassan Founding Partners Wonder Grottole (Wonder Grottole Project); Maurizio Spina Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture University of Catania (A Territorial Planning of Villages Landscape and Architectural Identity Heritage) and Silvia Mazza herself (Houses for one euro: Tour of Italy with a stop in Gangi) president of the Order of Architects of Palermo president of the Foundation of the Order of Architects PPC of Catania Mayor of Palazzolo AcreideFrancesco Giunta President Order of Architects Syracuse Alessandro Amaro Councilor Fondazione per l’architettura/Torino delegate to the network of Foundations Laboratory Mountain innovative experiences for re-inhabiting villages: the results;Stefano Mirti Houses at one euro: tour of Italy with a stop in Gangi;Maurizio Spina Regional Councillor for Land and EnvironmentFrancesco Giunta President Order of Architects SyracuseAlessandro Amaro President Order of Architects CataniaFrancesco Miceli President of the Order of Architects PalermoSalvatore Gallo Mayor of Palazzolo Acreide Riccardo Messina Municipal Councillor for Urban Regeneration and Sustainable InfrastructureSalvatore Ferrarello Deputy Mayor of GangiPlenary session speakers ShareSaveLifestyleTravel8 Fabulous Cities And Towns in Sicily To See NowByCatherine Sabino which specializes in custom travel planning in Italy throughout Sicily you can find these types of wonderful attractions but the Val di Noto stands out for being so well set up that you can easily take it all in within a realistic time span.” The historic Nymph Zizza fountain in the town of Militello in Val di Catania There are eight beautiful cities and towns designated as a UNESCO Word Heritage Site in 2002 decked out in full Baroque splendor: Caltagirone Best time to visit: “September and October when there are summer-like days and cool evenings,” says Santoro and end the day by the seaside or make sure to choose a hotel with a pool be aware of the closings around the Ferragosto holiday on August 15th.”  Note: The cities and towns near the sea in this article are Catania Scicli (about 15 kilometers from the coast) Modica (about 21 kilometers) and Ragusa (24 kilometers) “No less than five or six days,” says Santoro In this part of Sicily there’s so much history to experience and the local lifestyle to enjoy.” But if you only have a few days: “Many visitors will arrive at the airport in Catania Modica and Scicli—they’re in close proximity allowing you to make the most of your time.” What to eat: “Besides the classic fish dishes try the fresh cavati pasta with pork and tomato sauce," says Santoro "You may also see it on menus as cavati e ravioli alla ragusana con sugo di maiale This is a combination of cavati pasta and ravioli stuffed with ricotta in a pork and tomato sauce Don’t miss the arancini; in Catania these rice balls have a different shape than the ones you find in Palermo A special dessert (when available) is the Minne di Sant’Agata [made with chocolate created to honor the patron saint of Catania If you are adventurous try the 'mpanatigghi (or impanatigli) These are cookie-like desserts filled with chocolate and veal Stop by the famous Antica Dolceria Bonajuto in Modica for freshly made samples And drink: “A cocktail to try when visiting the area is the Etna Spritz a special aperitif that’s a twist on the classic Aperol drink it includes Sicily’s Amara Amaro d'Arancia Rossa.” a beautiful "hotel du charme" in a private wing of the Palazzo Nicolaci in Noto.]  What to see: Count on these cities and towns to offer a dazzling display of Baroque palazzi and churches A long-time center for elaborately designed pottery where risers are adorned with ceramic patterns associated with the city’s long history Francis Bridge is decorated with ceramics too skip back more centuries to ancient Rome by visiting the Teatro Romano On hot afternoons go to nearby beaches like La Playa or the Riviera dei Ciclopi Militello in Val di Catania with Mount Etna in the background this town has been called an open-air museum for its abundance of palazzi and more than 20 churches The ruins of the 14th-century Barresi-Branciforte Castle along with the Oratory of the Madonna della Catena are among the few reminders of the pre-earthquake town is regarded as one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture The city is also known for its unique chocolate produced with methods dating to Aztec times that have been in use from when the city was under Spanish rule where artists create intricate designs using flowers and petals that draws visitors from all over the world Because of its ancient and Baroque treasures and the town’s Museo dei Viaggiataori in Sicilia recalls that period with historic travel memorabilia was once a Greek colony dating from 664 BC There are two parts to the city—Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla although it is home to the imposing cathedral of San Giovanni Battista whose construction began in the 17th-century As you stroll Ragusa Ibla’s evocative streets you’ll find Baroque masterpieces like the Duomo di San Giorgio and Palazzo Cosentini The well-known Italian novelist Elio Vittorini called Scicli “perhaps the most beautiful city of the world” and you can see why as you amble along the Via Francesco Mormino Penna with its splendid Baroque facades noted for its lavish ornamentation and vivid mascarons where you’ll find sand beaches and translucent waters Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker of Noto itself with their richly decorated churches and palaces are unique jewels that the skill of artists and craftsmen knew how to build on the rubble of a tremendous earthquake that Here are 10 must-see stops on your trip to the Val di Noto.1 The church of San Domenico in NotoImposing The church of San Domenico is one of the best-known symbols of Noto and one of the greatest examples of Baroque in these lands The work of architect Rosario Gagliardi from the early 18th century the church of San Domenico stands out from the surrounding buildings with its marvelous two-order façade and convex central part that juts out toward the street with three naves and a dome at the height of the second arch is rich in stucco and polychrome marble altars There are also numerous valuable paintings preserved inside the church including a beautiful St Dominic receiving the Holy Spirit dating from the 18th century The marvelous 18th-century church dedicated to Santa Chiara is most famous for the richness of its interior which expresses like few others all the splendor of Sicilian Baroque like so many other buildings of that period according to a design by architect Rosario Gagliardi it preserves some cycles of frescoes considered among the most beautiful in the entire region it is the entire ensemble that strikes the visitor’s eye with its stuccoes that provide particularly scenic views There are also numerous works of art in the single nave of the church of Santa Chiara and among these are the altarpiece depicting St and the statue of the Madonna and Child by Antonello Gagini the facade with a strong neoclassical appeal the warm color of the limestone: just a few elements are enough to identify the cathedral of San Niccolò and with it immediately think of Sicily and its architectural masterpieces the cathedral of Noto is undoubtedly one of the best known buildings in the entire region and a symbol of the strength and perseverance of its inhabitants Following the earthquake that struck the Noto Valley on December 13 the church suffered some structural damage that led to the collapse of the dome and the entire right aisle Nicholas Cathedral in rubble soon went around the world and restoration and reconstruction work also soon began which was completed in 2007 following ancient techniques due to the richness of its stucco work and its imposing facade with its large portico on three sides one of the most valuable civil buildings in all of Noto Work on its construction began around the middle of the eighteenth century but the entire Ducezio palace then underwent modifications and extensions until the twentieth century when The jewel of the Ducezio palace is undoubtedly the great hall of Mirrors to whom an officer shows the site of Neas on Mount Alveria it is the former residence of the Jesuits and is a must-see on your trip to explore the city Especially not to be missed is the climb to the top of the bell tower from which you can admire a breathtaking view of the entire city with three levels and characterized by the use of free standing columns is made of the characteristic limestone of these lands Charles Church has three naves covered by a beautifully frescoed barrel vault are two marble statues symbolizing Faith and Hope the small town of Palazzolo Acreide preserves many magnificent buildings have earned it a place among UNESCO World Heritage Sites Prominent among them is undoubtedly the basilica of San Paolo an authentic concentration of all the Baroque stylistic features Divided from the street by a grand staircase externally the basilica has a façade with three orders that ends with the belfry the church has three naves separated by pillars each richly decorated The aisles also contain statues and paintings dating back to the 16th century as well It has now become a tradition for a large group of Maltese nationals (hailing mainly from Valletta and Rabat) to visit Palazzolo Acreide in Sicily to celebrate the feast of St Paul there and for a group of Palazzolesi to come over to Malta for the feast of St Paul Shipwrecked. Palazzolo Acreide is a city in the Noto area that was declared World Heritage by Unesco 11 years ago. My first visit to the city was when I made the evaluation for Unesco 12 years ago. Since then, I have felt a very strong tie with these Sicilians who had immediately honoured me with an honorary citizenship in recognition of what I had done for them. They are recognised for their baroque heritage as part of the Val di Noto site. It is one of those Sicilian cities that had to be rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake that devastated south-eastern Sicily and cause big damage even in Malta, especially in Mdina. The cities were all rebuilt according to the new baroque style of architecture. The churches of St Paul and St Sebastian, the two main ones, were recognised by Unesco in representation of the baroque architecture of the city. Palazzolo Acreide is located high on the so-called altopiano ragusano though, in fact, it is closest to Noto. It boasts of five main religious feasts – in a town of just over 8,000 people – but the two main ones, celebrated with enormous rivalry, are those of St Paul and St Sebastian. The church of St Sebastian is in the centre of town, next to a very large palace which is the Palace of the Municipality. The one dedicated to St Paul lies at the foot of the slope which is located on a very high valley. The landscape is spectacular. The architecture of the city is superb. There are many rich baroque palaces and churches. The Corso is, of course, the centre of town. The place acts very much like the capital of a large number of mountain towns and villages across the Iblei mountains. The feast of St Paul is held on June 29 and follows very much a pattern that is common in this part of Sicily. In the first place, the statue of St Paul, of medieval origin, is kept in a niche above the main altar but is covered all the year round. It is only exposed for one week during the winter feast (January 25) and again at the end of June but only a day before the feast and remains exposed for a week. The church is packed with people the day before the feast and emotions run high as the people raise their hands and ask the saint to show himself. There is a crescendo of emotion and drum playing as the sound gets higher and higher. After what seems like an eternity the statue appears and the crowd shouts in joy. On the day of the feast, there are two processions. The first procession is held at 1pm when there is the famous uscita. The reliquary is first carried out of the church, followed by the statue itself carried by many men with spalla nuda (bare shoulders). Tradition has it that St Paul stopped at Palazzolo Acreide on his way from Syracuse to Calabria As the statue emerges, fireworks are let off and the noisy display lasts for about 20 minutes. This often causes small fires which, thankfully, are quickly extinguished. In fact, no serious accident was ever reported. As the statue is carried through the town, babies are presented to the saint and monetary contributions are made with paper money covering the statue. Yes, there are elements that may offend some of us but this is all part of tradition. The second procession is held in the evening and is a more religious and sober affair. The statue is not carried shoulder-high but sits on a carriage. At the end of the procession, at about midnight, a fireworks display is held as well as a son et lumiere outside the church. Tradition has it that St Paul stopped at Palazzolo Acreide, then known as Akrai, on his way from Syracuse to Calabria. At least three other towns also have also traditions connecting them to St Paul but it is Palazzolo which has the strongest tradition. Akrai was at the time a very important town. There is a little known but extremely important archaeological site in the two including a Greek theatre and catacombs. It was often on the list of places to be visited during the Grand Tour in the 18th and 19th centuries. If one intends to walk across Sicily to reach Calabria and avoid the coast it could well have been on St Paul’s route, also because of the importance of the town. The people certainly believe this! To view comments, please register for free or log in to your account. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers When you purchase through links on our site sumptuous spa treatments and unmatched views of the Sicilian landscapes these are the best luxury stays on the Italian island “Italy without Sicily leaves no image in the soul: here is the key of everything,” said Goethe, and for discerning travellers today, the key of everything lies in the abundance of luxury and boutique stays around the island where you can do everything the Italian sentiment conveying the sweetness of doing nothing Read more: Best hotels in Sicily Although the hotel is right by the ancient Greek theatre and close to the city’s other attractions there is a sense of isolation when staying at San Domenico Palace The hotel is in a restored 14th-century convent situated on its own clifftop outcrop with an attractive infinity pool Michelin-starred restaurant and the most soothing of spa treatments This all comes with the arresting views of the Ionian sea and Mount Etna this Four Seasons property has managed to preserve the charming historical features while the gardens provide guests with a luxurious setting to relish a moment of peace Read more: The best ski resorts in Italy Read more: This popular European capital is surprisingly good for kids – and can be done on a budget the low-lying eco-conscious architecture of ADLER Spa Resort of Sicily is very stylish If having time to focus on your own wellbeing be pampered with spa treatments in between yoga classes a swim in the infinity pool or a nature hike are your ideas of luxury then ADLER Spa Resort Sicilia is the secluded hideaway for you The true luxury of the resort is its focus on the wellbeing of each guest From encouraging participation in free active outings among the surrounding nature to offering guests individual health plans that can be followed during their time at the resort (service available from summer 2025) ADLER Spa Resort Sicilia wants to make it all about you Read more: I’m the concierge at the real White Lotus hotel – this is how our guests spend their time What was once the grand residence of English Colonel Shaw-Hellier is now an uber-elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Taormina Named after its architect Charles Robert Ashbee a leading figure in the Arts & Craft movement at the time the bold colours and patterns of the antique furnishing and style of The Ashbee’s interior are tributes to his artistic character for the hotel’s St George Restaurant currently holds two Michelin stars and is arguably the most extravagant dining location in town Read more: Escape Amalfi’s tourist trail with this hidden gem just two hours down the coast There is something majestic about staying in a boutique luxury villa by the foot of Sicily’s powerful Mount Etna A small oasis among the dramatic volcanic landscape of forests and deserts Villa Neri is built in the style of a traditional Sicilian noble house with materials sourced from nearby Taormina incorporating contemporary features to each of the suites and rooms This is the exclusive country retreat for those looking for a corner of Sicily’s interior to themselves that comes with a tranquil wellness spa an innovative restaurant that reimagines a cuisine from the land of the volcano and a degustation of wines from Sicily’s most notable DOC Read more: Italy’s one euro houses - How you can buy one Il Faro di Brucoli is possibly one of the most unique boutique villa stays in Sicily This restored lighthouse is built onto a rocky outcrop in the village of Brucoli seemingly fortified by Castello di Brucoli is the perfect villa for those travelling in groups who are looking for luxury in seclusion and style The spacious three-bedroom interior is decorated with ceramics of Sicilian legends and traditions The villa not only boasts a direct view of the surrounding Ionian Sea wallpapered by the silhouette of Mount Etna it will feel like your own slice of the Sicilian realm You can book a private chef service during your stay to truly feel like royalty Price: From £634 (€728) per night for the whole villa, sleeps up to 6 people, minimum stay apply; managed by luxury villa agency VillaTravellers. Read more: The mountain town that’s an escape from the summer crowds in Venice The style of Baroque as an art form is known to be dramatic and emotional with exaggerated curves and lines that make up much of the buildings in historical Noto Suitably matching the opulence of its surroundings Q92 Noto Hotel incorporates the style of traditional Baroque with modern twists in the form of both classic and contemporary artworks mixed with handcrafted Italian furniture Breakfast is a lavish affair of local produce served with the perfect view towards Noto Cathedral each individually themed and comes with exclusive bath and body products by ETRO joined onto cosy common areas with ample space to lounge and relax there is a perception of staying in your own private house at Q92 Noto Hotel Read more: Italy’s vintage trains are offering an alternative to the country’s mass tourism hotspots What is extraordinarily unique about the Tonnara di Scopello is that this boutique accommodation was an old fishermen’s house located adjacent to the museum dedicated to the fishing heritage along this side of the Sicilian coast enclosed in a cove protected by towering rocks with its own private beach every room in the house has a brilliant sea view and is decorated with period furniture and objects which represent the history of the fishing industry the reservations team can be on hand to help you with the best dining options Read more: Why you should visit this low-key, luxurious stretch of Sardinia – where locals go to escape superyachts From fine designer furnishings in its 27 rooms intimate lounge areas with Sicilian artefacts the inviting outdoor pool area surrounded by citrus trees and a spa built around an ancient Greek cistern much could be said about how Villa Athena Resort retains the sophistication of the 18th-century private residence it once was is being the only five star property within the Unesco World Heritage Valley of the Temples compound in Agrigento offering the luxury of unobstructed view towards the ancient ruins as well as an exclusive entrance to the World Heritage Site for guests waking up to the view of the ancient Temple of Concordia is definitely something to be smug about Read more: Where to visit in Sicily Zash Country Boutique Hotel & Spa’s ochre red country house is a former summer retreat of a noble family Then Maugeri family bought it in the 1930s and restored it with a contemporary architecture that pays homage to its volcanic backdrop and the sense of isolation and calm throughout is a breath of the island’s docile lifestyle The house is surrounded by citrus and olive trees groves commonly found on Sicilian estates Lava stones feature heavily in the architecture integrated into walls of the restaurant and the Spa as well as forms the basis of the landscaping of the gardens Rooms have aesthetically pleasing interior with clean lines throughout and the pool villas and spa suites are worth splurging on Read more: Italy travel guide – everything you need to know before you go La Dimora di Catullo is definitely on the smaller side of the scale that have been tastefully decorated in a style and colour palate matching that of the old stone house and were lovingly restored by owners Sabrina and Mario to the original era Most come to the village of Palazzolo Acreide for the surrounding hiking trails so having a small plunge pool is perfect for cooling off after a day under the hot Sicilian sun; privacy is guaranteed by the surrounding limestone walls and shade is provided by the surrounding fruit trees From antique furnishings and embroidery to colourful Sicilian tiles the interiors will delight those who have a keen eye for artistic beauty The La Dimora di Catullo is a small boutique hotel that leaves big impressions Read more: The best holiday destinations in Italy A striking boutique hotel built into the ancient city wall of Taormina right in the web of the city’s narrow streets of stone houses and olive trees Its exterior may be of faux medieval façade that comes with a watch tower and the interior can only be described as 1920s chic in an eclectic fashion recreating the belle epoque of society The botanical-themed Monsu bar is particularly striking with the bold tropical wallpaper and vintage furniture The rooftop bar benefits from the appeal of crenelated walls and views of Taormina below – it is perfect for cocktails on a warm summer evening under the stars Read more: This ivy-clad Rome neighbourhood is where the locals come to eat Marsala has a vibrant atmosphere wrapped around its Sicilian salt production heritage ancient ruins of Carthaginian origins and a nature reserve teeming with migratory avian life in a elegantly restored 17th-century Carmelite friary Hotel Carmine is a sanctuary that is conveniently located within short distances from Marsala’s many attractions With modern furnishings designed in such a way to retain and highlight original features of the friary staying at Hotel Carmine feels as charming as it looks Read more: The best city breaks in Italy, from art-filled Florence to coastal Cagliari Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"Villa Athena (2).JPG","description":"Villa Athena, Sicily, Italy","caption":"Villa Athena serves impeccible views of the Temple of Concordia Villa Athena serves impeccible views of the Temple of Concordia Michelin cuisine and impeccable views","description":"From five-star boutique rooms You only have to glance at an Italian calendar to know that patron saints are venerated across the Belpaese throughout the entire year certain communities go above and beyond to honour their patron saint in a spectacular display of .. from 46th in 2024 to 49th place in 2025 in the Press Freedom Index drawn up every year by Reporters Sans Frontières (Reporters Without Borders - RSF) Researcher and lecturer Flavia Marcello explores the fascist influence on the architecture of Rome the race for the fourth Champions League qualifying spot from Italy’s Serie A has become even tighter Napoli didn’t allow flares and delays to affect their performance as Antonio Conte’s side ground out a 1-0 win at Lecce to take firm control of Serie A in Italy Fiorentina have lost the first leg of their UEFA Conference League semifinal tie 2-1 away to Real Betis Inter Milan’s Serie A title defence is on the line with the busy champions chasing a fresher Napoli side who have the finishing line in sight Carlo Ancelotti has turned down the Brazil job and is mulling a mega offer to coach Saudi Arabia Spanish sports daily ‘Marca’ said Wednesday British director Ken Loach has blasted plans to tear down much of Milan’s iconic San Siro stadium to make room for a new home for Inter and AC Milan Barcelona and Inter Milan have delivered a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final One of the pillars of Italian culture is the union between music and wine Nicholas ‘Nick’ Renfree-Marks is somewhat of an expert on both As many Maltese are taking to Sicily for the holidays this summer Ray Bondin describes the sites and joys provided by a lesser-known destination on the island Perhaps after a difficult year brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic one would be thinking of a different type of holiday one that is closer to nature and simplicity And there cannot be a more authentic part of Sicily than Buscemi a small village in the mountain hinterland Buscemi is on the other side of a very deep valley called La Valle del Anapo a town that I love very much and about which I have written many times I had worked hard to get the UNESCO approval of Palazzolo Acreide as a World Heritage Site especially for their very colourful summer feasts Buscemi has lost a lot of its population in recent years and Its name derives from Arabic and refers to a castle which is not surprising considering the village occupies a very strategic position the same mountains that connect Malta to Sicily Buscemi is around 50 kilometres from Siracusa The narrow lanes of the old village of Buscemi Its historic origin goes back to the bronze age; the area was occupied ever since.  From the Norman period its history is similar to that of many other cities of the Val di Noto Most of the area was completely destroyed in the massive 1693 earthquake that devastated so many of the towns in southeast Sicily (and did great damage in Malta as well) When French painter Jean-Pierre Houël visited in 1777 before coming to Malta he wrote about the extreme poverty he found in Buscemi It took 100 years for the city to revive after the earthquake The baroque churches are all very interesting and important even if not as big as other churches in nearby towns The civil architecture pertains to that of a small village except for some important ruins Just outside the village is the church of the Madonna del Bosco from which the main feast winds itself into the central village with a very beautiful statue The feast is held on the last Sunday of August It is a very powerful moment for the village especially as many emigrants return for the occasion The best restaurant is found at an agritourism complex just outside the village that has few rooms and a very large pool authenticity is the most important description of what is on offer The village’s authenticity is further emphasised by an incredibly simple but important museum that relates the life of farmers which is spread across different buildings in the village This is an extraordinary record of the simple way the farmers lived and worked Buscemi is only interesting for those seeking a quiet holiday surrounded by breathtaking landscape an incredible place and the people are so helpful and interested in giving visitors a pleasant stay Ray Bondin is a renowned world heritage expert Note: Most feasts are not being held this year Author (right) and mayor Rossella La Pira inaugurating an extension to the museum I Luoghi del Lavoro Contadino All of them must have had a great arrogance of themselves as individuals and of themselves as a community if immediately after the earthquake they wanted to and were able to miraculously rebuild those cities with those baroque architectures: scenographic It is 1693 and the earth begins to shake so strongly that it razes entire towns in south-eastern Sicily to the ground and makes centuries of history disappear in a short space of time It is incredible how one of the most tragic events in Italy can be the source of an artistic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 there arose cities conceived and built as a hymn to art places that still enchant visitors with their charm Or that special gift Italians have of bringing Beauty to life a perfect balance between the colours of Sicily and the refined architectural decorations has made many people This is where the famous Italian couple of influencer Chiara Ferragni and rapper Fedez celebrated their wedding and where several episodes of the series "Inspector Montalbano" a character created by the great writer Andrea Camilleri The Val di Noto extends from the hills to the sea where everyone can find a view that will remain in their hearts forever It is this flowering of Baroque taste that was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 based on these four criteria, as we can read on the official UNESCO website: The UNESCO site covers these cities in different ways including in some cases the entire historic centre (Noto and Ragusa) and in others more specific urban areas or individual monuments All together these places represent one of the greatest expressions of late European Baroque in the world so that their style is called 'Val di Noto Baroque' Each town here is different from the next because the choice of different materials gives the buildings a different colour but they all share sumptuous palaces and churches with inlaid facades and embroidered interiors Just a short walk from the sea on a plateau overlooking the Asinaro valley Noto has all the beauty of Sicilian landscapes blended with the elegance of the Baroque so beautiful that it has been given the nickname 'The Garden of Stone' thanks to the bright limestone architecture of its wide straight streets interrupted from time to time by squares with staircases as when the Infiorata festival - one of the most significant and famous on the island - fills the central Via Nicolati with carpets of flowers and petals in May Noto's most famous monument is undoubtedly the Cathedral of San Nicolò which stands at the top of a flight of steps and is the highest point of the city's architecture Directly opposite are the Palazzo Vescovile (Bishop's Palace) and Palazzo Ducezio home to the Town Hall and the location chosen by Chiara Ferragni and Fedez for their wedding Also beautiful are the Church of the Crucifix the Church of the Carmine and Santa Chiara San Domenico with its extraordinary stucco and polychrome marble as well as the Church of San Francesco dell'Immacolata with the nearby Monastery of the SS The numerous palaces include Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata with its façade decorated with putti considered the second most beautiful Baroque palace in Noto after Palazzo Nicolaci this town has an urban plan that still preserves the typical sixteenth-century characteristics and is full of Baroque treasures These include the Monastery of San Benedetto where the sinuosity of the Baroque combines with the beauty of Caltagirone majolica and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella Historian and architect Paolo Portoghesi says of Scicli: "What makes it a unique city is its dialogue with nature The relationship with nature is more successful in Scicli than in any other town in the entire south-eastern area" The post-reconstruction Scicli is a village nestled between three valleys a sort of stone garden adorned with enchanting churches and palaces The reason for its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List reads: "...The Via Francesco Mormina Penna stretches to the nearby Beneventano palace perhaps the only one in Sicily to display fantastic decoration in an urban setting where churches rise alongside patrician buildings of late Baroque age and Saint Teresa) are from the 18th century" Divided between Modica Alta and Modica Bassa it is a treasure trove of Baroque beauty perched on the Iblei plateau and is famous for its chocolate production Its centre is full of narrow streets adorned with staircases and buildings mainly in the late Baroque style; churches such as the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista while among the most beautiful buildings is Palazzo Napolino -Tommasi Rosso Ragusa is a large city that stands out for the beauty of its historic centre an unspoilt reserve between the Iblei Mountains and the Irminio River The Ragusa Ibla area boasts a wealth of Baroque buildings including the 18th-century Palazzo Bertini with its masks on the windows depicting a beggar Baroque is the city's main place of worship: the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista with its façade embellished with sculptures and columns Other buildings representative of this style are the Church of San Giorgio Palazzo della Cancelleria and Palazzo Cosentini We greet you with another curiosity about the places in the Val di Noto Have you ever wondered if the famous Vigata of Inspector Montalbano exists and not only in the mind of the writer Andrea Camilleri the movie director and scriptwriter found it in the palaces of Scicli I love to write since I can remember and I do not like the clichés that propose a life enclosed within “boxes” For years I have decided to dedicate myself to the promotion of “Beauty” which I consider a universal value I write because I like to bring the world close to me 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and shows History and Traditions About us Advertise with us Contact us Work with us Today Malta celebrates the shipwreck of St Paul This passage in a lifetime of voyages of this important messenger of the then new Christian faith is only one in a long series of events that saw Paul of Tarsus leaving a long-lasting imprint on the countries he visited His voyages throughout the Middle East – that covered many countries including Syria Turkey and Greece and also his last voyage to Rome through Malta St Paul’s voyage linked the east with the west the centre of the most important religion at the time with the most important empire of the time A foundation is being set up to give value to this cultural route The idea to set up a foundation that would see contributions from all the countries touched by the voyage of St Paul has been around for some time It has been some years since I discussed this with one of the most important Israeli archaeologists and World Heritage expert Michael Turner such a ‘cultural route’ would start from where his last voyage started But in this troubled region of the world nothing is ever easy Linking Israel with some of these countries immediately creates logistical problems Anything to do with culture should be beyond political realities but unfortunately this is only an ideal The practical truth is much more complex and difficult the voyages of St Paul were done to spread the gospel but there is another side of the voyages that we should discuss and that is the cultural link that these voyages created St Paul managed to spread the word in all his neighbouring countries but also enlarged very much the presence of Christians in southern Europe and up to the very centre of the largest empire of the time There is no doubt that these voyages left a very strong impact on all these countries The central link is thefigure of St Paul himself a very good and convincing preacher and a very forceful and courageous man You can discuss without end whether these countries (or rather particular cities within those countries except for Malta where certainly we have to speak about the whole country) remained loyal to what he preached But there is no doubt that this was one of the most powerful cultural routes within the Mediterranean He brought with him not only the faith but the cultures the languages and the traditions of these countries with him St Paul could do this because he knew the major languages and even though he was of Turkish origin he knew the whole region well and was also a Roman citizen There are many books that discuss and describe the impact that St Paul had on the spread of Christianity on his voyages and how these created one of the most incredible cultural routes and links in central and eastern Mediterranean In recent years the idea of the foundation has been revived I have had discussions at many levels about this both on a national and international level There is great interest in this initiative and in the past four years I have seen progress on one part but also an increase of difficulties A realistic scenario would see the foundation start in a modest way in Sicily and Malta and then slowly spread outwards towards the east and towards Rome The fervent enthusiasm for St Paul in Malta and Sicily certainly helps Nationally I have seen a great interest in this project in the figure of the Speaker of the House who even summoned a small meeting two years ago with Sicilian colleagues from Palazzolo Acreide and Solarino two cities that have a historical strong link to St Paul Dr Farrugia’s backing is essential to this project as it needs an official backing to get off the ground The aim now is to move ahead with the set-up of the f oundation as well as to plan and execute some small projects which will be linked to the foundation an exhibition of processional statues of St Paul from Sicily in Malta A Sicilian curator with vast experience in exhibitions is already preparing this exhibition which will also be linked to an international symposium We wish to start building on the Sicily Malta link and slowly spread elsewhere delegations from Sicily with links to St Paul have started to participate in our feasts and likewise delegations from Malta are annually participating at the major Sicilian feasts There is a growing bond of personal friendship as a result of all this The fact that Palazzolo Acreide was recognised as a Unesco World Heritage site thanks to my commitment as a World Heritage expert further reaffirms this Sicily-Malta link New studies have further confirmed that these cultural links have been there since antiquity The Foundation for the Voyage of St Paul will further enhance these links and open up to other countries A number of Sicilian towns have claimed that they were paid a visit by St Paul after he left Malta but it is difficult to verify this which says that after Malta St Paul and St Luke landed in Sicily and stayed there for three days The author with three Maltese nuns: there has always been a convent of Maltese nuns in Solarino The saint’s stay in Malta has always fascinated me but very little information is given from there onwards Maybe Luke and Paul went their own ways from Syracuse onwards tradition tells us that St Paul visited Palazzolo Acreide (the old Akrai) These traditions are very strong and remembered with great pomp each year The visit to Solarino is mainly linked with the presence of an old well the official name of the city was San Paolo Solarino (Some today want to reinstate the name.) It is only about 17 kilometres from Syracuse so it is possible that St Paul visited during his three-day stay there Most of the historic core of the city has been destroyed over the years but there are still some important historic buildings is only from the middle of the 18th century Some of the locals carry a Maltese surname The city always had a convent of Maltese nuns The city is a pleasure to visit and the food is excellent One of the strongest traditions is that those born on January 25 have the power to cure against serpent venom The only structure that traditionally links the sweet city of Solarino to St Paul is the existing archaeological site (much of which has yet to be excavated) of the wells of St Paul This consists of the ruins of a Byzantine chapel which is unfortunately full of stone debris and an area made up of rocks next to it where serpents like to leave their old skin and emerge as new there were two long serpent skins.] Of course it is only folklore and traditions that link this area to St Paul yet visitors do feel they are in a very special place when they’re there It is a pity there aren’t more archaeological studies carried out in the area here are the villages in which to spend unforgettable time between culinary specialties scenic wonders and cultural excellences on the island For some years now, thanks to the space they are finding on social media and to their suggestive atmosphere, villages have risen to the forefront of national attention and tourism linked to these places is constantly expanding we suggest you ten that could be you a dream holiday/trip destination out of town Located between the north-western Peloritani mountains the village houses works of art like the ones of Antonello Gagini and comes alive especially in August with events such as the Castroreale Jazz including the one dedicated to the Castriciano biscuit It ranked second in the “Il borgo dei borghi” competition in 2018 CA­STI­GLIO­NE DI SI­CI­LIA (Catania) right in the middle of the valley formed by the river Alcantara it offers to those who love excursions the opportunity to make some inside the famous Alcantara Gorges and on the volcano itself The Villadicanense Library and the typical Christmas markets also contribute to its charm It ranked fifth in the “Il borgo dei borghi” competition in 2017 It was built on top of the homonymous mountain full of woods and its toponymy refers to the mythological giant who had the courage to challenge Heracles Famous for its sweets “di riposto” whose recipe was handed down by the nuns of the cloistered convent of San Carlo Erice abducts by the sinuosity of its streets GAN­GI (Palermo). Pearl of the Madonie mountains with Mount Etna in the background it is characterized by an abundance of artistic and architectural heritage Do not miss the festivities during the Carnival and the re-enactment of the life of St The beauty of this place has been certified by the victory in the “Il borgo dei borghi” competition in 2014 MON­TAL­BA­NO ELI­CO­NA (Messina). A paradise for those who love naturalistic excursions it stands out because here is the medieval castle that hosted Frederick II of Aragon The link with the medieval period can also be rediscovered through the historical parade organized in August The reason why it has been proclaimed “borgo dei borghi” in 2015 can be understood by having a look at an image of Malabotta Wood which can be accessed right through the village SAM­BU­CA DI SI­CI­LIA (Agrigento). Even today it has a strong Arabian imprint which takes its name from the Emir who built it The artificial basin of the Arancio lake allows everyone to follow the numerous itineraries that wind around it The Arab quarter is also the setting for cultural and musical activities that take place on the night of San Lorenzo Sambuca di Sicilia won the “borgo dei borghi” competition in 2016 CA­STEL­MO­LA (Messina): Overlooked by the Norman castle this village near Taormina offers visitors the opportunity to visit a museum of medieval art and contemporary art which is expanded every year through the donations of various artists spending time there Castelmola keeps alive the tradition of the Opera dei Pupi while for those who would like to try new experiences we recommend the falconry shows FER­LA (Syracuse). Situated at a few kilometers from Pantalica with which it shares the particularity of the discovery of a prehistoric necropolis this small village is undoubtedly the homeland of the black truffle which can be tasted in the festival dedicated to it in July the village is one of the greatest expressions of Sicilian Baroque SPER­LIN­GA (Ena). Less than 1000 inhabitants live in this fascinating village characterized by caves carved into the rock which are a sign of a very distant civilization that still survives today through these testimonies combined with the presence of verdant woods makes this place ideal for those who want to take a break from the daily routine PA­LAZ­ZO­LO ACREI­DE (Syracuse) you cannot pass through this village without visiting the Museum of Travelers through Sicily which retraces the old fashion of the Grand Tour with old reports and ancient maps many young people from every part of Europe compete in the International Festival of Classical Theater which is paired with the wonderful Greek Theater If you are looking for some more particular places the house of the anthropologist Antonino Uccello can be a valid alternative Article by Jo­shua Ni­co­lo­si translated into English by Eva Luna Mascolino The report on political satire during carnival (February 21) makes interesting reading It is incredible that the law on restricting political satire in Malta during carnival never existed and that this censorship was the result of self-imposed restrictions created purely by accident while in Palazzolo Acreide in the province of Siracusa in nearby Sicily I came across a number of political floats intended to poke jibes at various characters and situations referring to the Italian political scene The float Gli incubi del Cavaliere (the nightmares of the Knight) threw jibes at the Cavaliere himself and another float poked fun at other well-known Italian political figures such as Antonio Di Pietro (leader of one of the oppostion parties) Gianfranco Fini (then deputy Prime Minister and Stefania Prestigiacomo (then Minister for the Environment) we do not really need that much time here in Malta to as Malta Carnival Association president Jason Busuttil put it adjust so that satire is introduced slowly as a category in the carnival competitions St Joseph Band of Għajnsielem took part in the festivities marking the feast of St Paul in Palazzolo Acreide The band played marches along the streets of the village and gave a musical concert The Libertà newspaper carried a full page article praising the band's performance please register for free or log in to your account.