San Carlo al Corso, Baroque church in Noto, Italy
San Carlo al Corso is a Baroque church in Noto with a concave facade displaying three tiers of columns in Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders. The interior contains 18th-century altarpieces and a ceiling decorated with frescoes depicting religious scenes.
Following the devastating earthquake of 1693, architect Rosario Gagliardi designed this church to replace the previous building that stood on this site. The reconstruction was part of the city's rebuilding in the Baroque style after the disaster.
The name refers to Saint Charles Borromeo, a Catholic reformer whose devotion was important in this region. The interior shows 18th-century religious artworks that reflect the spiritual values of the local community.
The church sits on Corso Vittorio Emanuele and is easily reached on foot through Noto's center. A tower with steps leads to a viewing point where you can look out over the surrounding town.
The main altar comes from the earlier church that stood before the earthquake, bridging the history before and after the destruction. The ceiling frescoes by Costantino Carasi show the Transfiguration and represent the artistic skills that returned to the city after the disaster.
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