It was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Italian history destroying dozens of towns.
Some —like Noto Antica—were abandoned and rebuilt entirely in new locations
Others, like Ragusa, split in two where the upper part (Superiore) was rebuilt on higher ground, while the old city (Ibla) was gradually reconstructed
The reconstruction period produced a unique and flamboyant Baroque style, now called Sicilian Baroque.
The rebuilt towns are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
