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There are moments in life when new waves refresh the traditional methods and techniques, when artistic life resuscitates and old order is modified or replaced by a new one. There are also times when the old order is dramatically washed off by a cataclysm, which subsequently proves to be the leading force of a new, improved life.

Not regardless of hundreds of victims and full destruction, Val di Noto (Vallum of Noto) has grown to be the ultimate baroque style proof after a major disaster in 1693 that decimated the entire area. An earthquake brought about exodus of the inhabitants and a treacherous economic crisis. What consequently happened was that its damnation led to a more powerful demographic, cultural, economic development of the area. The foremost success was by far the import of architectural style. The eight towns of the South-Eastern Sicily, Caltagirone, Militello Val di Catania, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo, Ragusa and Scicli are the result of mass undertaking that concluded a major success in architecture and arts.

While absorbing the late baroque style of the day, the inhabitants also maintained a certain level of innovation that can easily be observed by strolling on the streets of these towns. UNESCO World Heritage listed these eight old towns of Val di Noto, considering they represent the final signs of European baroque art.

The town of Noto is the foremost example of artistic flourishing, closely followed by the other settlements. It was built in 1703 on the left side of River Asinaro. Its history is quite an apprehensive one and reveals the town’s former multifunctional character: it was the capital of Val di Noto during the Arab domination and also a Greek center and Roman colony in classical times.

The legacy of the15th century and a wide range of archaeological features of the prehistoric era are hosted by the Civic Museum that was built in an area that gathers multiple examples of the 18th century constructions. One example is the Church of St. Francis along with the former Franciscan Convent, as well as Benedettino Monastery of Salvatore.

Neoclassicism can be remembered by its lovers when entering Palazzo Ducezio (in present, the Town Hall). Also, the Town Library is part of the “Palazzo” family, since it is the inhabitant of the Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata from the 17th century, celebrated for the grotesque stone-carved figures.

The cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas of Mira, the 19th century Archbishop’s Palace, the Church of Santa Chiara (host of Antonello Gagini’s Madonna), Church of San Domenico, all the Arabic- type lanes, all the prestigious art works such as Gagini’s Madonna or Madonna della Neve by Francesco Laurana and many other local institutions of art and culture underlie the magic of the South- Eastern Sicily. As a realm of baroque exposure, this part of Sicily prepares the visitor for a performance of amazing artistic, cultural and architectural forces.