This Sicilian town is known for its Baroque architecture, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. Its limestone buildings glow golden in the sunlight.
Noto, a small town in southeastern Sicily, captivates visitors with its Baroque architecture. After an earthquake in 1693, the town was rebuilt with golden-hued limestone buildings, ornate churches, and grand palaces lining the streets of its historic center. Each May, you can witness the Infiorata flower festival, where artists create intricate mosaics along Via Nicolaci. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby canyons of Cavagrande del Cassibile offer hiking trails and natural pools, while the coastal wetlands of Vendicari provide excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Baroque Architecture in Noto's Historic Center
As you walk along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Noto's main street, you'll encounter numerous 18th-century Baroque buildings. The Noto Cathedral dominates the skyline with its imposing dome and grand staircase. At Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata, you can admire elaborate balconies supported by grotesque figures. Inside the Town Hall, housed in Palazzo Ducezio, you'll find neoclassical frescoes by Antonio Mazza.
UNESCO World Heritage Status
In 2002, UNESCO included Noto in the "Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto" World Heritage Site. This designation acknowledges the town's urban planning and architectural harmony. Noto exemplifies the vision of Sicilian architects who rebuilt the region after the 1693 earthquake. The town's layout, with three main east-west roads intersected by north-south streets, allows ample sunlight throughout the day.
Infiorata Flower Festival
Every May, Via Nicolaci transforms into a canvas of intricate mosaics made from flower petals during the Infiorata festival. Since the 1980s, this event has celebrated spring and drawn many visitors. Each year, artists create colorful designs based on a different theme, covering the entire street.
Nature Reserves Near Noto
Two nature reserves lie close to Noto. The Riserva Naturale Orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile, established in 1990, features deep canyons and natural pools where you can swim. At the Riserva Naturale Orientata Oasi Faunistica di Vendicari, created in 1984, you can observe various bird species and relax on pristine beaches.
Local Food and Wine
In Noto's restaurants, you can taste dishes that reflect southeastern Sicily's flavors. Try local specialties like arancini (rice balls) and pasta alla Norma at traditional trattorias. For dessert, visit Caffé Sicilia, known for its granitas and pastries. The surrounding area produces wines, particularly Nero d'Avola and Moscato Bianco varieties.
Travel Information
The nearest airport to Noto is in Catania, about 90 kilometers away. You can reach Noto by car, bus, or train from major Sicilian cities. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures ideal for exploring the town on foot. Summer can be hot, but it's a good time to combine your visit to Noto with trips to nearby beaches.
