Five lions
Sicilian Baroque at its utmost.
Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata in Via Nicolaci, 1737-1765, was once the residence of Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a patron of the arts.
The palazzo's portal is flanked by two large ionic columns and surmounted by a balcony. There are also six smaller balconies (three on each side) with richly carved brackets ornamented with fantastic cherubs, horses, mermaids, lions, and grotesque figures.
The earthquake of 1693 totally destroyed the old town of Noto (it is now called Noto Antica). The current town was rebuilt 8 km (5 mi) north of it on Mount Alveria.
The new Noto became a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque and is currently listed among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
Noto, Sicily. 2018
Five lions
Sicilian Baroque at its utmost.
Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata in Via Nicolaci, 1737-1765, was once the residence of Don Giacomo Nicolaci, a patron of the arts.
The palazzo's portal is flanked by two large ionic columns and surmounted by a balcony. There are also six smaller balconies (three on each side) with richly carved brackets ornamented with fantastic cherubs, horses, mermaids, lions, and grotesque figures.
The earthquake of 1693 totally destroyed the old town of Noto (it is now called Noto Antica). The current town was rebuilt 8 km (5 mi) north of it on Mount Alveria.
The new Noto became a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque and is currently listed among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
Noto, Sicily. 2018