The 1693 earthquake destroyed the ancient city of Noto which was located a few km higher than today’s modern city. In the eighteenth century the new city was rebuilt more downstream. Noto, as a true European capital of Baroque, represents the heart and triumph of Baroque; palaces, churches, monasteries, squares, fountains, all built in this fabulous style, definitely the most beautiful art of all over Europe. The soft white stone, a characteristic of Noto, has been worked to obtain harmonious forms such as playful masks. Another icon of Noto is its Giardino di Pietra (Stone Garden).