Avola, Italy

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was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693 to such an extent that it was decided to rebuild the town in its present location close to the sea. Because of its level position it was possible to give it - in common with Grammichele, Noto and Pachino - a regularly patterned layout with a geometric ground plan. A hexagonal shape was chosen. In the middle of the town lies the quadrate-shaped main square, from which leads the right-angled street system. The ground plan was carried out during the course of the 18th century and the rather rustic Baroque features of this period are what gives the town its characteristic appearance, most particularly in the center.