The capital of Sicilian baroque: golden limestone architecture and a historic centre rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake.
Destroyed by the violent Val di Noto earthquake of 1693, Noto was entirely rebuilt downhill in late baroque style, with a unified urban plan that today makes it one of the most coherent and spectacular examples of baroque architecture in Europe. Since 2002 it has been part, with other Val di Noto towns, of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the backbone of the town: San Nicolò Cathedral, with its imposing staircase, and noble palaces such as Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, famous for balconies decorated with grotesque and mythological figures, overlook it.
The local limestone, which turns golden in the sunset light, is Noto's trademark and the reason the town is often called "the stone garden of baroque". In late February or early March, the blossoming of almond trees in the surrounding countryside adds another reason to visit.
Noto is also a gastronomic stop: almond granita, marzipan sweets and local wines (such as Nero d'Avola) deserve a pause, perhaps combined with a walk to the beaches of the nearby Vendicari Reserve.
Noto is about 1 hour from Comiso airport. The most convenient way is a rental car or a private transfer; the trip combines well with Modica, Marzamemi and Syracuse over a day or a weekend.
The best activities and excursions selected for this destination.