Sicily’s architecture is rich in baroque buildings, especially in the eastern part of this magical island.

The Baroque architectural and artistic style was largely present throughout Europe from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The reason for its predominant presence in eastern Sicily is due to a massive earthquake that took place in 1693 in the Val di Noto area, which destroyed many of the local towns completely (Ragusa, Modica, Scicli).

Most of the rich and noble families of the time decided to rebuild their mansions and all institutional buildings in the decorative style that was in fashion, which created a competition to show off their prestige with increasingly decadent details and decorations. Most of these palaces have remained intact to this day and, even though they are often surrounded by newer and less attractive buildings, they stand out as monuments to the bold and beautiful splendor of those times.

If you are visiting Taormina and Syracuse, ask the Italian Concierge to arrange a tour of these unforgettable places and make sure you take in their awesome grandeur, especially at sunset when the reddish glow of the sunlight meets the golden color of the facades, releasing a magical ambience of long-lost times.

This is the perfect time to sit down for a decadent dinner in one of the many piazzas that knowing architects created for these gem-like towns. Take it all in, allow the positive vibes to take hold of you, sit back and enjoy a glass of wine with antipasto.