Il caracol quadrato in Sicilia (XVI secolo)

Square spiral staircases appear in Sicily during the 16th century in different contexts and for different purposes. This contribution focuses on two case studies at the “opposite poles” of a casuistry that shares the common characteristics of suspended ramps revolving within a square masonry box around a central void. By analysing these cases we find a probable link with models from Spain. At the same time, they demonstrate a common descent from a constructive culture rooted in the Spanish and Mediterranean stereotomic experience of the early modern age.