During the 14th century, the Chiaramonte family was the most powerful family in Sicily. Early in their ascent to power, they ruled Modica and Ragusa, and over subsequent generations, they had a mix of properties throughout Sicily under their authority. This palace pictured, known as Palazzo Chiaramonte or Palazzo Steri, is probably their most famous property. The architectural style is, in fact, known as Chiaramontan Style. Built starting in 1307, the window design purposefully recalls Arab-Norman style with its inlaid black lava stone (known as intarsias), yet what distinguishes it is the double arched, mullioned windows.
