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Historic city · Siracusa, Sicília
Noto
Baroque town about 35 km from Siracusa, rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake in golden limestone. It has the Cattedrale di San Nicolò and the Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Noto
Noto was destroyed by the 1693 earthquake, which struck the entire southeast of Sicily. Instead of rebuilding it in the same place, the inhabitants built a new town about 8 km away, planned with straight streets and squares, entirely in the Baroque style. The ruins of the old town, Noto Antica, lie in the hills.
The buildings were made from a light limestone that takes on a golden hue in the sun. The main axis is the Corso Vittorio Emanuele, with churches, convents and palaces in sequence. In the middle of it, a wide staircase rises to the Cattedrale di San Nicolò, the city's cathedral.
On Via Nicolaci, the Palazzo Nicolaci has balconies supported by horses, lions, mermaids and grotesque figures carved in the stone. In May the street usually hosts the Infiorata, when the ground is covered with designs made from flower petals.
Noto is part of the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, together with Catânia, Modica, Ragusa and others. The town is also known for almond sweets and for granita.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the Corso, the cathedral and the Palazzo Nicolaci.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when the sun gives the stone a golden glow, or early in the morning before the heat. In May, check the date of the Infiorata.
How to get there
From Siracusa, a regional train in about 30 minutes or a bus in about 50 minutes; Noto station is roughly a 15-minute walk from the center. By car, about 35 km via the road to Gela.
Tip
Climb the tower or the terrace of one of the churches on the Corso to see the city's roofs, when they are open. Confirm the return times for the train and bus to Siracusa.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Noto
Can you get to Noto by public transport?
Yes. There are regional trains and buses from Siracusa. Check return schedules.
Why is Noto entirely Baroque?
The old town was destroyed by the 1693 earthquake and the new town was built all at once in the 18th century in the Baroque style.
What is the Infiorata?
A festival in May when Via Nicolaci is covered with designs made from flower petals. Check the date each year.
How long to stay in Noto?
Half a day is enough for the Corso, the cathedral and the Palazzo Nicolaci. With a full day you can include the Vendicari reserve on the nearby coast.