Balcony Art - different perspective
South-eastern Sicily experienced an intense period of reconstruction following a large earthquake in 1693 which led to an architectural style known as the Sicilian Baroque (cities of Ragusa, Noto, Modica, Syracuse, Catania etc.). The style featured balconies supported by spectacular carvings in the form of mythological figures, caricatures and grotesques shaped from the available limestone and volcanic rock. Made by anonymous local stonemasons who drew inspiration from Greek theatre, these unusual sculptures emphasised the power of the local aristocracy which had grown wealthy from the agricultural economy. Traditionally such sculptures were intended to ward off evil spirits and would have impressed the superstitious local population. (Source: Riba journal)
city historical historisch italien italy jaa modica sicily sizilien stadt unescowelterbe unescoworldheritage provinzragusa