ABSTRACTMaastrichtian strata from the Pachino area (SE Sicily) provide a model of association between rudist‐coral frameworks and submarine volcanic activity.Two successive carbonate units are distinguished: (a) Coral‐rudist bioherms and biostromes developed in a high‐energy environment, (b) Hippuritid build‐ups and banks overlain by rudist‐coral clusters which grew under harsher ecological conditions, in a weaker current regime.At the top of the Maastrichtian sequence, the growth of rudist‐coral frameworks ceased as ecological conditions shifted toward restricted environments. The inferred succession reflects a gradual decrease in current strengths and water depths, related to the Maastrichtian regressive phase.The frameworks display consistent evolutionary sequences reflecting progressive changes in their biota, structure, size and shape.Occurrences of rudist‐coral frameworks are clearly linked with submarine volcanoes which provided opportunities for their development; they sometimes grew in the vicinity of active‐vent centres, a feature reported for the first time in the U