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From June 18 to 22, the Baroque & Neobaroque Festival returns to Ragusa Ibla—a cultural event that brings together art, design, and architecture in a contemporary reinterpretation of a style emblematic of Sicilian and Italian heritage. The event, conceived and directed by architect Roberto Semprini and organized by the Stupor Mundi Association, offers a full program of conferences and exhibitions that will remain open until June 29, hosted in various historic and UNESCO World Heritage sites across the city.
Carlo Coniglio, "Infiorata di Noto"
Inside some of the most charming Baroque buildings in Ragusa Ibla—such as Palazzo Nicastro, Palazzo Cosentini, Palazzo La Rocca, and the former Church of San Vincenzo Ferreri—works created specifically for the event by students from the Design Department of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts will be displayed. These works reinterpret Baroque style through the lenses of design, painting, photography, and fashion.
The festival also includes temporary outdoor installations in the heart of Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore, which highlight iconic locations in the city. Noteworthy exhibits include Emotional Vanities by photographer Barbara Vicari, displayed along Corso XXV Aprile, and a graphic piece by artist Carlo Coniglio, inaugurated on the steps of the Duomo of San Giorgio in Ibla. These installations are accompanied by urban regeneration projects, thesis works, workshops, and proposals from public bodies and architects, addressing the challenges and opportunities of transforming historic centers into vibrant and attractive spaces.
The festival’s subtitle, Rebirth: Architecture and Urban Planning in Historic Centers, refers to the reconstruction of Val di Noto after the devastating earthquake of 1693, which led to the creation of new cities and a rich Late Baroque heritage.
Today, historic centers face the challenges of depopulation and loss of commercial activity. The festival devotes a special section to exploring the role of architecture and urban planning in revitalizing historic centers. The architecture section, curated by architect Gaetano Manganello of Architrend Architecture, aims to promote sustainable and heritage-respecting renewal strategies.
From June 18 to 22, conferences will be held in the former Church of San Vincenzo Ferreri from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, featuring outstanding experts from the artistic and cultural scenes who will provide insights into urban renewal, the role of design, and the artistic legacy of the Baroque.
The exhibitions also take place inside prestigious Baroque palaces. On the ground floor of Palazzo Nicastro, recently restored and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sculptures of artist Sandro Bracchitta will be on display. Inside Palazzo Cosentini, visitors will be able to admire the creations of students from the Brera Academy and works by artists such as Byoung Soo Cho, Pietro Russo, and Sergio Fiorentino, while architectural photographs by Cosmo Laera will be exhibited at Palazzo La Rocca. Finally, in the former church of San Vincenzo Ferreri, wallpaper and the Bernini armchair by architect Roberto Semprini will be on show.
>>> Discover the 2024 edition of the Baroque & Neobaroque Festival
