Ragusa - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista It has a majestic facade, rich of carvings and sculptures, it is divided into five parts by big pillars on the left side there is the bell tower that rises over 50 meters long.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di San Nicolò The Cathedral dedicated to S. Nicolò di Mira was characterized by a happy fusion of Baroque and classic elements together. Its reconstruction has mixed the eighteenth-century construction techniques with the most modern technologies in the field of anti-seismic engineering. In addition, the works of art that make up its contents can be considered the symbol of a diocesan community, alive and creative.
Catania - Streets and Squares Piazza del Duomo Beautiful square and pedestrian promenade overlooking the cathedral, the palace of the Senate, Etnea Street, the fountain of the Elephant and the Amenano fountain.
Ragusa - Churches and places of worship Duomo di San Giorgio It is one of the highest in the world of sacred Baroque; the Church once stood at the eastern area, where the old portal still is.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di S. Domenico The Church of San Domenico is a religious building from the Baroque era. It was built as a convent church of the Dominican Fathers at the beginning of the 18th century. The façade has two orders, the first Doric and the second Ionian, while the central part is convex. The interior is still in good condition today. The building has five domes beautifully decorated with stucco and altars with paintings from the eighteenth-century period. Today, the former Convent is transformed into a school.
Catania - Churches and places of worship Cattedrale di Sant’Agata Majestic baroque church, rebuilt in the '800. The bell tower was built a century later. Inside are the tombs of the kings of Aragon, the Chapel of St. Agatha and numerous works of art.
Noto - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Nicolaci Also known by the name Prince's Palace, this building was restored to its former glory after a complete renovation. The construction dates back to the beginning of the 18th century, and was designed by Rosario Gagliardi on commission of the Nicolaci family. The style is purely Baroque, decorated with several balconies enclosed by curved railings. Among the decorative elements we can also note mermaids, winged horses, sphinxes and many others.
Catania - Archaeological Sites Parco Archeologico Greco-Romano The Greek-Roman Archaeological Park of Catania, was established by the Sicilian Region, and deals with research, maintenance, enhancement and use of about a hundred archaeological sites and monuments, as well as the protection of several thousand finds.
Ragusa - Historic Centres Ragusa Ibla This district is the heart of the city and it is located in the east over a hill, it. The district contains over fifty churches and numerous palaces in Baroque style, the Garden Ibleo and there are also the ruins of the the ancient city.
Ragusa - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Donnafugata The Castle of Donnafugata is 15 km from Ragusa, and is similar to a luxurious mansion from the 19th century. The building has an area of about 2,500 square meters and consists of two towers and eight balconies. The castle has 122 rooms, of which about twenty are available to visitors. The furniture is original from the time. Each room had a different taste and function from the other. The building is surrounded by a large park. In the rooms of the castle, some filming was carried out by Commissioner Montalbano.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Basilica San Salvatore The Basilica of San Salvatore is a building with lines from the late eighteenth century. Inside there are pure gold decorations that embellish it even more and the frescoes of the well-known painter Mazza, moreover, in the altars there are four canvases dating back to Velasco. The scenography is characterized by the splendid staircase closed on one side by the Monastery of the Holy Savior.
Catania - Archaeological Sites Teatro Romano Also in the city center, in piazza S. Francis, this testimony of Roman culture, could accommodate 5,000 visitors. Nearby is the Odeon, a smaller theater that was, it seems, used for testing.
Ragusa - Beaches Marina di Ragusa A few kilometers to the south, overlooking the sea there is a pleasant and elegant seaside resort, the best equipped and popular in South-Eastern Sicily, by the Mediterranean climate ideal for over 8 months a year.
Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Ursino Imposing Aragonese castle of the '300 that today houses the Museo Civico.
Catania - Archaeological Sites Anfiteatro Romano Could hold 15,000 spectators and was one of the largest theaters after the Colosseum. There were also real naval battles, filling the arena with water.
Catania - Theaters Teatro Massimo Bellini '900 Beautiful theater with a beautiful room for three thousand seats and superb acoustics.
Catania - Fountains Fontana dell’Amenano On Piazza del Duomo, opposite the Palace of the Elephants. In white Carrara marble, represent the river Amenano in the figure of the young boy pouring water. The water of the fountain ends up in the river that runs beneath the city.
Modica - Museums Museo Civico "F. L. Belgiorno" The “F. L. Belgiorno” Civic Museum is divided into several sectors, with chronological order. Among the findings of great importance is a splendid statue depicting Heracles, dating from the end of the 3rd century BC.
Modica - Archaeological Sites Cava Ispica Cava Ispica is a river valley located in the municipality of Modica. In the area, the presence of man was testified until the earthquake of 1693. According to some scholars, Cava Ispica is one of the largest, most magnificent and special archaeological areas that have been discovered to date. The houses have a special structure in the shape of a gorge that was suitable for defending from the river and enemies.
Scicli - Historic Centres Via Mormino Penna Scicli Ragusa Center of Scicli, a UNESCO heritage town rich in Baroque. In via Mormino Penna is present the municipality best known to be the location of the police station of the tele film “the commissioner montalbano” rai 1.
Ragusa - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Zacco The palace was built by Baron Melfi in rococo style. The characteristic strains with grotesque masks of fantastic figures that follow those of other contemporary palaces or from previous decades.
Ragusa - Parks and nature reserves Giardino Ibleo The Iblean Garden is the oldest of the four main gardens of Ragusa. The garden is part of the homonymous villa that was built in 1858 on the initiative of some local nobles and of much of the people who worked free of charge for the realization of the work.
Caltagirone - Parks and nature reserves Giardino Pubblico The Public Garden of Caltagirone was built during the nineteenth century by the engineer Luigi Spagna and subsequently expanded by Michele Fragapane and modified by Giovan Battista Filippo Basile. It is due to the latter the construction of the Music stage and the numerous consolidation works. The complex consists of three main parts among which the parterre and the large panoramic terrace stand out.
Caltagirone - Monuments Scalinata Santa Maria del Monte The Staircase Santa Maria del Monte di Caltagirone was built in 1606 with the intent of connecting the ancient part of the city with the new upper part. The structure is over 130 meters long and since 1954 has been presenting decorations in the elevations of the steps and ceramic tiles by the Caltagironesi Artisanal Majolica. The staircase is illuminated during 24 and 25 July for the feast of St. James, patron saint of the city.
Caltagirone - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello di Caltagirone The Castle of Caltagirone is located in the present ancient part of the homonymous city and was most likely built around the 12th-13th century. In fact, from documents dating back to 1239, the fortress is defined as the state property that is included in the number of castra exempta. Unfortunately, in 1256, the structure was damaged by the Manfredi and only the tower remained of the Castle. We proceeded to the construction of a room and a room annexed to the tower itself, but unfortunately, from documents dating back to the twentieth century, it is evident that only a few remains remain of the Castle.
Catania - Theaters Teatro Stabile di Catania it is one of the most important cultural buildings of the town. It has three rooms: the Teatro Giovanni Verga (the main hall), the Teatro Angelo Musco and the Teatro Ambasciatori, offering the public a wide range of shows, in part self-produced.
Catania - Museums Museo del Giocattolo In the halls of Palazzo Bruca are exposed different toys for composition and origin, dating back to the '800 and the first half of the '900. There are several rooms dedicated to children's workshops, where performances and games are hosted.
Catania - Museums Museo Civico Belliniano In the Palazzo Gravina-Cruylas, the birthplace of Vincenzo Bellini, the five rooms are filled with memorabilia that trace the life of Bellini and his family, paintings, books, music sheets, musical instruments and the composer's death mask.
Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo degli Elefanti A beautiful palace, the city hall on the Piazza del Duomo.
Catania - Fountains Fontana dell’Elefante Represents the symbol of the city 'U Liotru'. The black elephant carries on its back a white obelisk. We find the animal in the arms of cities and universities.
Catania - Fountains Fontana di Proserpina The fountain was built at the beginning of the 20th century, designed by Giulio Moschetti. The monument represents one of the most famous myths in the area, the rat of Proserpina, whose legend is linked to the history of the city.
Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Biscari Palazzo Biscari is one of the most important private buildings in Catania. It represents a unique case, for the structure, the plant and the decorations. It was built at the request of the Paterno Castello family, princes of Biscari from the end of 600`. Inside the building, there is the “party hall”, in the Rococo style, decorated with mirrors and frescoes.
Caltagirone - Museums Museo Civico e Pinacoteca "L. Sturzo" The Civic Museum and the Art Gallery “L. Sturzo” were established in 1914 at the headquarters of the eighteenth-century Bourbon Prison. A first collection was made by the scientist and humanist Emanuele Taranto Rosso through the Cabinet of Archaeology and Natural History, established in 1843. The Art Gallery presents artistic works before the 16th century and among all stands out the canvas “Jesus in the vegetable garden” by Epifanio Rossi.
Caltagirone - Museums Galleria Civica d'Arte Contemporanea The Civic Gallery of Contemporary Art was founded in 1996 with the intent to welcome the donation of the collection of works by the well-known artist Gianni Ballarò at the behest of his wife Carmela Pasqualino. Added to this an anthological exhibition of the contemporary works of the Civic Museums of Caltagirone.
Caltagirone - Museums Mostra dei Pupi Siciliani The Sicilian Pupi Exhibition originates from the animator Don Gaetano Russo who with the Compagnia dei Pupi performed since 1981 in Caltagirone. About fifty pupi belonging to the Catania school are exhibited, distinguished by those from Palermo for their size and for the different handling techniques. The exhibition is also enriched by the exhibition of cart keys and historical texts.
Caltagirone - Museums Museo Regionale della Ceramica The Regional Museum of Ceramics was inaugurated in 1965 and collects about 2500 finds of ceramics made in Sicily since prehistory. The museum site is divided into six sections and provides an educational service with the use of multimedia and audiovisual devices.
Catania - Churches and places of worship Sito Storico Monastero San Benedetto It’ s possible to visit some amazing areas of the Benedictine cloistered Convent, the ruins of a roman domus recently found in its subsoil, the Church of Saint Benedict and its entrance: the stairs of the Angels. All this represents one of the most important baroque monumental complex. The tour includes the Macs – Museum of Contemporary Art of Sicily - located in the Convent ‘s little abbey.
Catania - Monuments Porta Garibaldi Arch raised in 1768 to celebrate the marriage of Ferdinand I and Marie Caroline of Austria.
Catania - Archaeological Sites Acquedotto Romano The Roman aqueduct of Catania was the greatest work of piping water in Roman Sicily.
Catania - Theaters Teatro dell'Accademia It houses, in addition to the cabarets also the laboratory of laugh. A real school to become a real comic-comedian, a workshop for everyone who loves humor and irony, with an eye to clever satire.
Catania - Theaters Camera Teatro Studio The Camera Teatro Studio, active since 2002 in Catania on initiative of the Centro Teatrale Siciliano, focuses its work on the new theater and contemporary drama, as well as on the training of the public.
Catania - Water spa and wellness Terme Achilliane The thermal baths are located under Piazza del Duomo, and date back to the fourth century. It is an underground spa of Roman origin. Inside, it preserves numerous architectural details such as inscriptions and tombstones, which tell the story and the period when it was discovered and put into operation. The structure suffered serious damage during the earthquake of the '600, the remaining parts were discovered over the years.
Catania - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo dell'Università Today's Palazzo dell'Università was built in 1696, by Giovan Battista Vaccarini, Francesco, Antonino Battaglia and many other architects of the time. The majesty of the structure occupies a large area. The building has well-groomed 18th-century architectural decorative elements. On the façade you can see the coat of arms of Aragon, while inside there are numerous frescoes, works by Giovan Battista Piparo. Since 1696, the building has been home to the University of Catania, from which it also took its name.
Caltagirone - Libraries and archives Biblioteca Comunale Emanuele Taranto The origins of the Library of Caltagirone date back to the 16th century when the Jesuit Fathers established the library archive located in the College. But in 1767, when they left the city, the library was transferred to the University of Catania. After so many protests it was decided to establish a library that was based in Caltagirone and only in 1785, the Regio Spiaccio made official the opening of the new library. An important collection of volumes was donated by Prince Niccolò Interlandi who in this way enriched the library's offer.
Militello in Val di Catania - Museums Tesoro di Santa Maria La Stella The Treasure Museum of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella was founded in 1996, and is located in the homonymous sanctuary. The exhibition is divided into the three rooms, where in the first section you can admire the works dating back to the fifteenth century, in the second are exhibited the precious vestments made between the 17th and 18th centuries, while in the last room there are statues and liturgical objects that date from the fifteenth century to the nineteenth century. The collection also includes the Treasure of Santa Maria della Stella which consists of 587 jewels, among which you can admire necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.
Militello in Val di Catania - Museums Museo di San Nicolò The Museum of San Nicolò is set up in the interior rooms of the Church of San Nicolò, located in the historic center of the village. It was born thanks to the contribution of the citizens of Militello. The museum shows to the public sacred furnishings, silver, sculptures and valuable paintings dating back to the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S. Chiara The church of Santa Chiara was erected around 1730 and follows the model of the Roman churches with the central plan of elliptical shape. Outside there is a bell tower adorned with 2 capitals. Of great interest, are the 12 internal columns on which there are the statues of the apostles and the Baroque architectural style that is recognized above all inside the church with the decorations in stucco and putti.
Modica - Museums Museo Ibleo delle Arti e Tradizioni Popolari "S. A. Guastella" The Iblean Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions “S. A. Guastella” collects a considerable collection on local life. There are fifteen different sections in it, all collected in a large house with courtyard and other typical premises. There is also a room that presents popular religiosity and how it developed.
Noto - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Ducezio - Sala degli Specchi The building dates back to the 18th century and is the seat of the Town Hall. The biggest attraction of this building is the Hall of Mirrors, which has an oval shape decorated with gold stucco and beautiful mirrors. The central painting was carried out in 1826 by the master A. Mazza and depicts an allegory of the king of the Sicilian. The room is used to host illustrious delegations and prestigious events.
Noto - Castles, palaces and mansions Castello Reale ruderi The royal castle of Noto, also known as the old castle, is located in Noto Antica, on Mount Alveria, about 10 km from Noto. The castle is the only well-preserved monument in the entire medieval town. A hanging wall, which can be seen even from afar, is what is left of the tower. The fortress walls are covered with graffiti and written left by the prisoners. We can still find crosses, dates, names and even Galeoni's imaginative drawing. On the floor there are several rectangular engravings used for game with checkers.
Noto - Castles, palaces and mansions Palazzo Impellizzeri Since the Impellizzeri were opposed to building the city on the Colle delle Meti, they were at odds with the other noble families of the time so they decided to build the palace in the upper part of Noto. The style used is a blend of the Baroque with the Neoclassical characterized by a large portal surmounted by the coat of arms of the family and several pillars. At the entrance there are two memorial tombstones concerning the family, while in the different rooms you can see decorations with stuccoes and canvases from the 18th century.
Noto - Hermitages Eremo di San Corrado Fuori le Mura The Hermitage of San Corrado Outside the Walls is located in the Valley of Miracles not very far from Noto. It was inhabited by San Corrado Confalonieri in the period between 1322 and 1351. The church of San Corrado Outside the Walls was built during the eighteenth century in the place where this hermitage was located. Inside there is a statue dedicated to the Saint as well as a canvas of the “Madonna and Child” and a shovel depicting San Corrado.
Noto - Museums Museo Civico The Civic Museum of Noto is divided into two sections, the first archaeological that collects all the finds found from the excavations of the ancient archaeological complex of Noto and the second artistic is the Art Gallery contemporary E.E. Pirrone, created by the donation of the works of the sculptor Giuseppe Pirrone, famous at national level.
Ragusa - Museums Museo Archeologico Ibleo The Iblean Archaeological Museum is set up inside the first floor of the Palazzo Mediterraneo where from 1955 to 1960, the first museum nucleus of the Antiquarium was located. The purpose of the Museum is to collect materials that illustrate the ancient and archaeological history of the territory from the Neolithic to the late antiquity.
Ragusa - Museums Museo Regionale di Kamarina The Museum of Kamarina preserves the planimetric characteristics of the nineteenth-century beam built on the ruins of the Temple of Athena in the city of Camarina. It collects inside the archaeological documentation of the territory from the prehistoric to the medieval age coming from the excavations carried out in the necropolis, in the port area and in the inhabited center. Of great interest, is also the Amphorae Pavilion, which houses one of the richest collections in the Mediterranean.
Noto - Walls, towers and gates Porta d. Montagna The door to the Mountain, from which you access Monte Alveria, is located in the “Ancient Noto”, the ancient town of Noto destroyed in 1693 by a powerful earthquake. Noto had powerful walls (fortifications) from which it was accessed through two north and south gates and seven smaller gates, one of these precisely “The Gate of the Mountain”. The fortifications were erected during the Arab domination between the 800 and 900 the door is still well preserved.
Noto - Walls, towers and gates Porta Reale Ferdinandea The Ferdinandea Royal Gate of Noto is the symbol of entry into the city. It was designed in 1838 in honor of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon. The construction was completed in the same year and is still well preserved today.
Ragusa - Walls, towers and gates Porta Walter Walter Porta ( or Vattiri) is the only one of the five entrances (south) to the ancient city that has endured for centuries. Today's door, high 5 meters and wide 3 meters, was built in the first half of '600 during the visit of the Viceroy of Sicily
Ragusa - Theaters Teatro Donnafugata The Donnafugata Theatre dates back to the second half of the 19th century and is inserted inside the homonymous palace. This theatre is among the youngest in Italy and one of the most characteristic. Composed of 95 seats, it also has a large bar room and other adjoining rooms, respectively called Sala Vicky and Sala Costanza, the names of the owners.
Noto - Theaters Teatro Comunale Vittorio Emanuele The Teatro Comunale Vittorio Emanuele is located in front of the Church of San Domenico and dates back to the end of the 19th century. It was inaugurated in 1870, and, since then, the stage of the theater has hosted the most famous artists such as Tina di Lorenzo, Pierantonio Tasca and Eleonore Duse. The theater has a capacity of 320 seats and a gallery with 80 seats. In 1990 the theater was renovated and reopened in 1997.
Noto - Archaeological Sites Villa romana del Tellaro These are the remains of a Roman Villa from the 4th century AD. The excavations have brought to light the remains of an ancient dwelling with an area of 6000 square meters. It is located on the right bank of the Tellaro River, and since 2008, following a long renovation process, it is open to the public. Behind the Villa you can admire the beautiful vineyards, where even today the traditional grapes of the territory are cultivated.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa S. Francesco d Assisi The church of San Francesco D'Assisi is among the most impressive religious buildings in Noto. The church was built at the end of the eighteenth century. Its peculiarity is clearly visible on its facade, in the transition from the Baroque style to the classic one. Of particular interest, is the tabernacle of the high altar in bronze and silver embossed and chiseled.
Noto - Archaeological Sites Castelluccio - Zona Archeologica (Xviii Sec.Ac) Castelluccio di Noto is an archaeological site located in Syracuse. The site was discovered by Paolo Orsi and resembles a necropolis of over 200 artificial grotticella tombs. From this site come ceramic materials, bronze artifacts and 2 tomb hatches that have been exhibited at the “Paolo Orsi” museum in Syracuse.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa di Montevergine (San Girolamo) The Church of Montevergine or San Girolamo was built between 1695 and 1697, for the Cistercian Sisters of Monte Vergine. The church is dedicated to St. Jerome, doctor of the Church. The building has a concave façade, with two bell towers and has an interesting scenographic aspect. At the top of the staircase stands the door, bordered by six pilasters and two quadrangular columns. The Church has a single nave, surrounded by Corinthian columns with a classic look, surmounted by stuccoes and half-reliefs of angels.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa del Collegio - San Carlo al Corso The church of the College of Noto is the church of the Jesuit convent, and is dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo. The façade has three levels, and is characterized by free columns, instead, the interior reserves numerous works of art and various paintings on canvas. The bell tower of the church consists of three bells. From the church you can admire the panorama of the historic center of Noto.
Noto - Churches and places of worship Chiesa Santissimo Crocifisso The church of the Most Holy Crucifix is the second largest church in the municipality of Noto. It was designed in the first decades of the eighteenth century by Rosario Gagliardi. Inside it has 3 naves, decorated with marble altars and covered by domes. On the right headboard is the most important work, the marble statue of the Madonna della Neve by Francesco Laurana, coming from Noto Antica, which dates back to 1471, on the other hand, in the left nave is find the Chapel of Landolina decorated with stuccoes and frescoes.