This paper deals with the critical observation of the generalized phenomenon of decoration of the baroque mansions of Sicily and especially of the balconies with apotropaic masks. It aims to explain their widespread use, as well as the subjects of the figures presented in connection with the catastrophic earthquake of 1693, which triggered their appearance in southeastern Sicily, known as the Valley of the South (Val di Noto). The focus lies on the cities that have received the strongest blows, so that they need partial or total reconstruction, as they present a more obvious architectural homogeneity. The decorative momentum spread its roots in multiple parameters, socio-political rearrangements, psychological responses and historical memories, through the occasion of the natural disaster that invoked the urgency of architectural reconstruction.

The survey starts with a brief reference to the history of Sicily from the beginnings of its habitation to the earthquake, acknowledging that the masks are deeply influenced by the historical past of Sicily. After examining the general characteristics of the Baroque, it proceeds to report the evolution of the style in the rest of Italy, but also in Spain, as a colonial ruler of Sicily. Then the information related to the earthquake event and the reconstruction procedures are recorded. The next step was to form a critical analysis of the characteristics of the new style, extending to its practical application, through the analysis of the most prominent villas of each city. Finally, a list of palaces by city and a rudimentary collective cataloging are created, when distinct categories of forms are possible. Topics under investigation are the emergence of apotropaic symbols and shapes as a subconscious reference to antiseismic notion, the capture of earthquake tragedy within them, as well as the healing of traumatic experience through the very experience of art and architecture.