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ARCHITECTUREART AND CULTUREHISTORY

Baroque Ortigia

Self-Guided Tour

An exploration of the flamboyant and theatrical rebuilding of the city following the catastrophic earthquake of 1693.

DISTANCE 231m
TIME 3 min

SURFACE BREAKDOWN

Paved 100%

ELEVATION PROFILE

4m gain
28m
22m
1
2
3
4

WHY WE LOVE THIS ROUTE

This tour reveals how a city responded to absolute devastation with an explosion of creativity and grandeur. The theatricality of the architecture, with its curved balconies and grotesque masks, turns the entire island into a stunning open air stage.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • • Many of these palaces are private, but you can often peek into the grand courtyards if the main gates are left open.
  • • Take a moment to look up at the underside of the iron balconies to spot the carved stone faces staring back at you.
  • • The golden limestone positively glows in the late afternoon sun, making it the absolute best time for photography.
  • 1
    ARCHITECTURE

    Church of Santa Lucia alla Badia

    CHIESA DI SANTA LUCIA ALLA BADIA

    An elegant church with a soaring, decorated facade that perfectly completes the southern end of the main square, holding priceless artistic treasures within.

    street view view stop details

    FULL PLACE DETAILS

    ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE

    Heritage Status
    Italian National Heritage
    Architectural Styles
    Baroque
    to next stop
  • 2
    HIGHLIGHT

    Cathedral Square

    PIAZZA DUOMO

    An impeccably proportioned public square surrounded by blindingly white, opulent facades. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful and harmonious Baroque spaces in all of Italy.

    street view view stop details
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  • 3
    ARCHITECTURE

    Beneventano del Bosco Palace

    PALAZZO BENEVENTANO DEL BOSCO

    A staggering display of aristocratic wealth featuring a highly decorated facade and a stunning internal courtyard. It once hosted famous historical figures like Admiral Lord Nelson.

    street view view stop details

    FULL PLACE DETAILS

    ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE

    Heritage Status
    Italian National Heritage
    Architectural Styles
    Baroque
    to next stop
  • 4
    ARCHITECTURE

    Vermexio Palace

    PALAZZO DEL VERMEXIO

    The grand seat of the city government, displaying a fascinating transition from strict geometry to elaborate ornamentation, complete with a hidden lizard carved into the corner by the architect.

    street view view stop details

    FULL PLACE DETAILS

    ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE

    Heritage Status
    Italian National Heritage
    Architectural Styles
    Baroque
    Architects
    Giovanni Vermexio

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