Baroque Towns: Noto, Modica, Ragusa

There are eight late Baroque towns in Sicily’s southeast, but the main ones to visit are Noto, Ragusa and Modica. After an earthquake practically leveled these towns in 1693, they were rebuilt in a style that mimics the late Baroque of mainland Italy and yet mostly features a completely unique expression of Sicilian tastes and sensibilities. Most impressive are the cathedrals at the heart of these cities, built like the rest of the towns with tufa stone, which glows like honey in the afternoon light. The towns can be toured in a day (the drives between each is about 30 minutes).

Noto is a lovely little spot for lunch or a late afternoon passeggiata (don’t miss a coffee, gelato or granite at Caffè Sicilia), while Modica and Ragusa are good places for dinner (Ragusa has an acclaimed two-Michelin star restaurant, while Modica’s restaurants are rustic trattorias).

Driving Times

• Noto — Modica: 45 minutes
• Modica — Ragusa: 25 minutes
• Ragusa — Noto: 1 hour