What to see in Noto and its surroundings

Noto: Capital of Sicilian Baroque

Noto, known as the "capital of Sicilian Baroque," is an architectural jewel rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693. Architects Rosario Gagliardi and Vincenzo Sinatra led the city's rebirth, planned with grid-like streets and embellished with churches and palaces in golden limestone. Noto's historic center, listed among the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exudes the atmosphere of a “stone garden” – as historian Cesare Brandi poetically described Noto – due to the rich sculptural and architectural decorations of its buildings. Below, we discover the most beautiful and authentic attractions to visit in Noto and its surroundings.

Main monuments and attractions in the historic center

• Royal Gate (Google Maps) – An imposing triumphal arch marking the entrance to Noto along Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Also known as Porta Ferdinandea, it was erected in 1838 in honor of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon. Decorated with allegorical symbols (a tower, a pelican, and a dog) representing strength, sacrifice, and loyalty, the portal welcomes visitors and introduces them to the main street, The Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which overlooks the main baroque wonders of the city.
• Cathedral of San Nicolò (Google Maps) – It is the undisputed symbol of Noto, dramatically positioned atop a majestic staircase. The baroque façade, flanked by twin bell towers, dominates Piazza del Municipio with its warm honey hue. Construction began in 1703 and was completed in 1776. The Cathedral suffered the collapse of its dome in 1996 (due to structural problems triggered by an earthquake the previous year), but was restored and reopened in 2007, returning to its original splendor. The interior, with three naves, houses precious sacred works and modern frescoes. From the terrace of Palazzo Ducezio from the front (or by climbing to the panoramic terrace of the nearby Church of Santa Chiara) you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the facade and domes of the city at sunset, when the stone takes on golden and pink hues.
• Ducezio Palace (Noto Town Hall) (Google Maps) – An elegant neoclassical palace inspired by 17th-century French palaces, it was designed by architect Vincenzo Sinatra in 1746 but completed only in 1830. The building, home to the Town Hall, features a long porticoed loggia and a slightly recessed upper floor with large windows. Within you can visit (ticket ~2€) the famous Hall of Mirrors, an oval hall richly decorated with gilded stucco and large mirrors that amplify the light. The hall leads to a panoramic terrace, offering a unique view of the Cathedral and the entire Piazza del Municipio.
• Nicolaci Palace of Villadorata (Google Maps) – Located on Via Nicolaci, this 18th-century noble palace embodies the flair of Sicilian Baroque. The side façade is famous for its seven protruding balconies, supported by corbels decorated with grotesque and fantastic figures – lions, sphinxes, cherubs, sirens and winged horses seem to observe passers-by. Once the residence of the Nicolaci family, today it is partially open to visitors: the interiors retain period furnishings, frescoes and elegant halls (noteworthy is the Ballroom with frescoed ceiling). During theNoto Flower Festival (third weekend in May), Via Nicolaci transforms into a carpet of colorful petals and Palazzo Nicolaci offers an exceptional backdrop to this famous floral display.
• Church of San Domenico (Google Maps) Considered one of the masterpieces of Noto's Baroque style and of architect Rosario Gagliardi, it stands in Piazza XVI Maggio, facing the public gardens. The convex façade, unusually curved outward, is divided into two orders: the lower one in Doric style and the upper one in Ionic style. The interior, with a Greek cross plan, features rich stucco decorations and a splendid altarpiece. The church was built between 1703 and 1727 as a Dominican convent church. From the small square in front, there is a beautiful view of Fountain of Hercules (19th-century fountain in the gardens) and on the municipal theatre.
• Tina Di Lorenzo Theater (Google Maps) Noto's municipal theater, named after the actress Tina Di Lorenzo, is a small neoclassical gem inaugurated in 1870. Also located in Piazza XVI Maggio, it features an elegant façade with Corinthian columns. The Italianate interior, with stalls, boxes arranged on four tiers, and a gallery, can accommodate approximately 300 spectators. The ceilings are decorated with frescoes and stucco, creating a refined atmosphere reminiscent of times gone by. Even today, the theater hosts performances and cultural events, keeping Noto's theatrical tradition alive.
• Church of Santa Chiara (Google Maps) – Located next to the Cathedral, this 18th-century church designed by Gagliardi is known for its luminous oval nave decorated with candied stucco. But the real must is to climb on the panoramic terraceof the annexed former Poor Clare Monastery: the balcony overlooks the entire historic center, with close-up views of the Cathedral and Corso Vittorio Emanuele. It's one of the best spots to enjoy the colors of Noto at sunset. There's a nominal fee to enter the terrace, but it's definitely worth it for photography enthusiasts.

(Other notable sites in the historic center include the Church of the Santissimo Salvatore and its bell tower, the Church of San Carlo al Corso with another panoramic tower similar to Santa Chiara, the Church of Montevergine at the top of Via Nicolaci – with its characteristic convex façade and flanked by two bell towers – and Palazzo Castelluccio, an 18th-century noble residence recently restored and opened to the public, famous for its aristocratic interiors and as a film set.)

Local experiences and hidden gems in Noto

• Noto Flower Festival – If you visit Noto in May, don't miss the Infiorata: every year, on the third weekend of May, Via Nicolaci is covered in spectacular petal mosaics created by local artists. It's a unique celebration of colors and scents, accompanied by folkloristic events, costume parades, and markets. During the Infiorata, other stairways and stairways The city's streets are decorated with floral-themed art installations, turning Noto into an open-air museum. The event attracts thousands of visitors, so be prepared for a cheering crowd; to best enjoy the flower carpets, it's advisable to climb the panoramic stairways (like those in Via Fratelli Bandiera or Via Mariannina Coffa) specially decorated.
• Suggestive neighborhoods and views – In addition to the main monuments, spend some time wandering aimlessly through the side streets of Noto. For example, explore the alleys around Via Cavour And Via Giovanni XXIII, where you'll find hidden courtyards, votive shrines, and lesser-known buildings with a decadent charm. You'll encounter artisans in their workshops and flower-filled balconies that tell the story of daily life in Noto. An evocative place is theFormer Convent of San Salvatore, today the site of exhibitions, whose bell tower It offers another unmissable panoramic view of the city. In the evening, the historic center is illuminated with a golden light: sitting at the outdoor tables on Via Nicolaci or Piazza Municipio will let you savor the gentle Baroque atmosphere of the evening, perhaps with a delicious gelato in hand.
• Ancient Noto About 8 km north of the modern city, on Mount Alveria, lie the remains of ancient Noto, destroyed by the 1693 earthquake. These ruins, immersed in lush vegetation, constitute a "ghost" archaeological park rich in historical charm. Among trails and rubble overgrown with carob trees and prickly pears, you can discover the remains of medieval churches, noble palaces, walls, and city gates of the pre-Baroque settlement. Ancient Noto is a place off the beaten track, perfect for a gentle hike in nature and a chance to imagine life in the city before the earthquake. Advise: Bring comfortable shoes, water, and be careful among the unmarked ruins. The site is freely accessible and also offers panoramic views of the Asinaro Valley.
• Hermitage of San Corrado outside the walls – About 4 km from Noto, in the direction of Noto Antica, stands this rural sanctuary dedicated to the patron saint of Noto, San Corrado Confalonieri. It is a place of worship much loved by locals: nestled in a green valley, it houses the cave where the saint lived as a hermit in the 15th century. The hermitage is a destination for pilgrimages, especially during the patron saint's festivals (February 19th and the last Sunday in August). During those days, an ancient procession carries the saint's reliquary from the Cathedral to the hermitage, accompanied by songs and centuries-old traditions. Visiting the hermitage offers an authentic spiritual experience and the opportunity to take a pleasant walk in the surrounding nature (a small stream with waterfalls flows nearby).

The surroundings of Noto: nature and villages to discover

• Vendicari Nature Reserve (Google Maps) – One of Sicily's most beautiful coastal nature reserves, located approximately 10 km south of Noto. The Vendicari reserve protects a coastal wetland of great biodiversity, with pristine beaches (as Calamosche And Saint Lawrence), salt marshes and trails among dunes, junipers and Mediterranean scrub. It is a paradise for birdwatchers: in the salt pans you can spot pink flamingos, herons, cormorants and dozens of migratory species (over 200 species of birds have been recorded). Along the trails there are also important historical remains, such as the remains of a eighteenth-century tuna fishery and the ancient one Swabian Tower of a 15th-century lookout. A visit to Vendicari allows you to combine sea, nature and culture: a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Vendicari or Calamosche beach is unmissable, followed perhaps by a walk to the ruins of the Vendicari Tuna Fish FarmA picturesque setting at sunset. Tip: Bring a hat, water, and sunscreen, and keep in mind that there are no refreshment facilities within the reserve (it's all deliberately wild).
• Marzamemi (Google Maps) – Continuing a few kilometers south beyond Vendicari, you reach the seaside village of Marzamemi, a hamlet of the nearby municipality of Pachino. Marzamemi is a charming fishing village, with its light-colored stone sailors' houses and the evocative Queen Margaret Square overlooking the port. Former site of a tuna fishery (visible is the Tonnara Lodge of the seventeenth century), today Marzamemi lives on tourism, especially in the evening: at sunset its little restaurants and open-air wine bars come alive, and dining here based on fresh fish is an unmissable experience. Worth seeing is the Church of San Francesco di Paola (patron saint of fishermen) and the various shops selling typical products (the tuna bottarga and Pachino cherry tomatoes are renowned). Marzamemi is perfect for a romantic evening stroll, with the lights reflecting on the sea and the lively atmosphere in the narrow streets filled with colorful tables.
• Cava Grande del Cassibile (Google Maps) – About 20 km from Noto, above the town of Avola, lies this nature reserve featuring a spectacular canyon carved out by the Cassibile River. The Cava Grande offers breathtaking views of gorges up to 250 meters deep and, above all, the opportunity to hike to discover the famous “Avola lakes”: emerald green pools formed by the river, where in summer you can cool off with a regenerating dip. The main trail (Scala Cruci) starts from Santa Domenica Lake and descends in about 30-45 minutes to the valley floor, where the main lakes are located, surrounded by smooth rocks and Mediterranean vegetation. The climb is quite strenuous, but the beauty of the place makes it worth the effort. Attention: The official trail may be subject to closures (check in advance) and requires suitable footwear, water, and caution. Even without descending, the lookout point on the edge of the reserve offers superb views of the canyon. Cava Grande is ideal for those seeking a nature and active experience near Noto.
• Avola, Pachino and other surrounding areas – In the vicinity of Noto, some nearby places also deserve a mention. Avola(6 km) is famous for its wine Black d'Avola and for the almond Pizzuta: it has a beautiful hexagonal center and a long golden beach (Lido di Avola). Cherry tomatoes And Port of Cape Passero (30 km south) are the lands of the famous cherry tomato and the extreme south of Sicily: in Portopalo you can see the Isola delle Correnti, the point where the Ionian Sea and the Strait of Sicily meet. Further inland, if you have time, visit Palazzolo Acreide (35 km), another splendid baroque centre (also UNESCO) with a Greek archaeological area, and Modica or Ragusa Ibla A little further away, but exceptional examples of Hyblaean Baroque cities. The entire Val di Noto offers enchanting glimpses of art, history, and nature—exploring it will truly make your trip complete.