The marvels of Sicilian Baroque—the dramatic power of its architecture and the emotional power of its decorative art - are well known. Numerous studies have been made, ranging from a focus on the major Sicilian towns or on architectural themes like churches and villas to an examination of its chronology, but none of these gives a comprehensive view.This book looks at the subject from a difference perspective, defining what makes the Baroque of Sicily distinctive. How does it differ from the Baroque in other countries and in other Italian regions, such as Rome and Piedmont? How was it possible to impose that particular character upon churches and palaces, sculpture and painting? What was the role of cities such as Palermo and Catania, and smaller towns like Noto? To what extent did it absorb styles from abroad? How decisive a factor in change and renewal was the Sicilian earthquake? All these questions go to the heart of an architecture that was open to the world of European Baroque and yet stubbornly protective of its own unique identity. 272 color illustrations.