Grammichele, the hexagonal city
The hexagonal plan of the city of Grammichele, considered the most beautiful geometric city in Italy, is a rare example of rational architecture in Italy.
The urban planning choice of the hexagonal plan is the work of Prince Carlo Maria Carafa Branciforte who founded the new city of Grammichele following the earthquake in the Val di Noto in 1693 which destroyed the ancient town.
The perimeter of the city is made up of a hexagon at the center of which is a hexagonal square. There are also five ring arteries around the central square. From the square radiate six arteries perpendicular to the previous ones which lead into as many rectangular squares located in the center of the sides of the hexagon which constitutes the perimeter of the city. Each square is the center of peripheral rectangular neighborhoods with an orthogonal road network arranged all around the central hexagonal area.
A similar urban planning choice was adopted in Avola, which was also destroyed by the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt according to a hexagonal plan.
