The Duomo di Catania stands out in stark contrast to the those of Ragusa, Modica, Noto, and Siracusa. Although the same devastating earthquake forced these cities to rebuild in the similar baroque architecture of the time, Catania was the only city that chose volcanic rock for the project. The grey rock was disjarring after seeing the blindingly white Duomos of the other cities, but the building still has the familiar elaborate Corinthian columns, haloed statues, and curved front. The unique choice of volcanic rock made the Duomo of Catania my favorite of otherwise similar churches.
Afterwards, a couple of us pondered whether an ancient temple made of this rock should be dedicated to Vulcan because of his association with volcanoes, or Pluto because of the aesthetic.