From Palermo to Catania, from Caltagirone to Noto and Palazzolo Acreide, the thousand and one elegant or grotesque, gentle or shrill patterns of the Sicilian Baroque make it a long and wonderful tale with always surprising and unprecedented aspects.
Day 1
The Virtuosity of the Stuccos of Palermo
Arrival in Palermo and check-in at the hotel. Tour of the oratories decorated by skilful marble and stucco workers like
G. Serpotta and I. Marabiti. The stuccoed walls will seem prolific and draping. Visit to the oratory of S. Zita, S. Lorenzo, S. Domenico, the church of San Francesco Saverio, and Porta Nuova.
2
The Villas of Bagheria
Departure for the area between Piana dei Colli and Bagheria, to visit the great villas of the bourgeoisie or aristocracy of Palermo, elegantly opulent and extravagant. Visit to the Trabia Campofiorito, Ramacca, Palagonia, Resuttano, Cattolica,
and Valguarnera villas.
3
Catania and the Mark of the Baroque
Departure for Catania. It is said that after the earthquake of 1693, the Duke of Camastra traced out, by riding amidst the
ruins, the map of the streets of the new Catania. The moral is that in the Baroque city, houses, churches and palaces adapt to the territory - the sloping land of Via Crociferi is an example. Visit to the Cathedral, former Benedictine monastery (now university), Jesuit College, church of San Nicolò, Palazzo Valle, and Palazzo Reburdone. Return to Caltagirone.
4
Militello and Caltagirone
Departure for Militello in Val di Catania. Visit to the Convent of San Benedetto, the church of San Nicola, and the church of Santa Maria Santissima della Stella. Return to Caltagirone and visit to the church of San Giacomo and of the Rotonda.
5
The Grandeur of Ragusa Ibla 
Departure for Ragusa Ibla. Visit to the Cathedral of San Giorgio which, with its triple order of cornices, has an impressive
Baroque style. Visit to the Cathedral of San Giovanni, Purgatorio Church, Madonna dell’Itra, Palazzo Battaglia, Palazzo Zacco, Palazzo Casentini, Palazzo Cancelleria, and Palazzo La Rocca.
6
Modica, Scicli and Noto
Departure for Modica, where the Mother Church of San Giorgio is built in a sumptuous Baroque style with a bold towered façade. Also noteworthy are the churches of San Pietro, San Giovanni, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Continuation on to Scicli to visit the Mother Church, della Consolazione, and Palazzo Beneventano. Lastly, transfer to Noto, the Baroque capital, to see the Church of Montevergine, Santissimo Salvatore Monastery, Convento dei Crociferi, Jesuit College, Palazzo Villadorata, and Palazzo Ducezio. Dinner and overnight stay in Ragusa.
7
Palazzolo Acreide, Buscami and Ferla
Transfer to Palazzolo Acreide to visit the churches of San Sebastiano, San Paolo, dell’Annunziata, and Mother Church. Continuation on to Buscami to visit the Mother Church, Sant’Antonio, and San Sebastiano. Transfer to Ferla for a short visit to San Sebastiano and Sant’Antonio Feritana. Departure from Catania airport.
