An “irregular” pearl  or a syllogism of inconsistent logic; the origins of the word “Baroque” are uncertain yet could come either from the French “baroque” or from the philosophic terminology used in medieval schooling.  However, it is the outstanding fruit of human genius, something creative which arouses amazement, such as we can pleasantly admire if we go to the Val di Noto, in south-eastern Sicily. 

The most fascinating works of late Sicilian Baroque, dating back to the period from 1620 to 1760, is available for travelers and tourists to see when they visit the splendid churches and wonderful buildings in Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa Ibla, Scicli, Catania, Caltagirone and Militello in the Catania valley.  These are the towns and cities included on the World Heritage Sites list, officially recognized for the artistic and architectonic riches of an area that was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake.

For those who wish to surround themselves by this evocative atmosphere, you can choose from among many different places to stay.  A few kilometers from Noto, La Corte Del Sole Hotel has a pleasant panoramic view over the Vendicari Oasis – one of the most beautiful nature reserves which is full of luxuriant vegetation and rare and characteristic fauna.  In a typical 19th-century Sicilian country house, made from the white stone of Noto, hand-made Sicilian terracotta, sandstone from Syracuse and old terracotta roof tiles, you can stay in a place with historic fascination.

Or in the Modica area, there is the Cambiocavallo Resort – a 4-star hotel, set in a favourable position in the Iblei countryside, just 4km from the crystal-clear sea and the sandy beaches of the western coast, and just a few minutes from the splendid Baroque cities of Ragusa, Modica, Palazzolo Acreide, Noto…
This is a historic “posada”, stopping place for travellers on horseback, and today is a charm hotel surrounded by a luxuriant Arab-Mediterranean garden – ideal to be surrounded by flavours, fragrances, sounds, in the emotions and magic of this picturesque corner of Sicily!

For those who want to visit Modica - the city loved by poets and famous travellers, and one of the most precious pearls in Sicily, it is advisable to stay at the Palazzo Failla Hotel, situated in the higher part of Modica, just a few hundred metres from the San Giorgio Cathedral and the Castello dei Conti (Castle of Counts). Modica, with its 100 churches and sumptuous Baroque buildings, is not the only attraction to visit.
As a matter of fact, a short distance away is Scicli with its beautiful San Matteo church; Ragusa Ibla – full of art masterpieces; the Donnafugata Castle; Noto, and the splendid southern coast with its fine sand and uncontaminated beaches.