When this part of Sicily was devastated by a powerful earthquake in 1693, no expense was spared when it came to rebuilding. The result; a cluster of eight late-baroque towns in the Val di Noto, which are striking enough to have made it to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
One of these is Ragusa Ibla, and the view as you arrive is almost unbelievably beautiful, with terracotta-roofed buildings draped down the side of a hill. This was once the only Ragusa but, after 1693, a newer one – Ragusa Superiore – was created on the ridge above. But people were reluctant to abandon the familiar streets, so rebuilt their original town in a suitably ornate style as well.
Wander its winding alleyways, which are paved with the same local limestone used for the buildings, and you’ll find everything from richly carved balconies to riotously decorated churches, along with inviting cafes, restaurants and a variety of shops.
Noto is another must-see, with its broad, main street lined by richly ornamented churches, convents and palazzos. Head down the inviting alleyways that lead off it and you’ll find plenty of wonders – balcony supports carved to look like horses, colonnaded entrances and serene courtyards. There’s more wedding cake architecture at charming Scicli, where lavish baroque churches seem to appear wherever you look, as well as cave dwellings that were lived in until the 1950s, and are now used as shops.
Denne historien er fra April 27, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 27, 2021-utgaven av WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest