Cultural
Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto (South-Eastern Sicily)
Noto
Inscribed 2002
Photo : Francesco Bandarin (CC BY-SA 3.0 igo)
Located in south-eastern Sicily, this ensemble of eight towns was reconstructed in the early 18th century following the devastating earthquake of 1693. The sites showcase a unified approach to urban planning and architectural design, reflecting the principles of late Baroque style that dominated European culture during this period. The towns were laid out according to rational geometric principles, featuring wide streets, monumental public spaces, and churches positioned as focal points within carefully designed urban hierarchies. The architectural character is defined by elegant stone facades, ornamental details, and the harmonious integration of buildings with their urban settings. This coordinated reconstruction effort represents a significant example of town planning and Baroque architecture, demonstrating how a region responded comprehensively to natural disaster through cultural and aesthetic innovation. The site was inscribed in recognition of its outstanding universal value as a testimony to late Baroque urban and architectural ideals in the Mediterranean.
Location
Noto
Inscription
2002
