Noto

Welcome to Noto, the jewel of Southeastern Sicily and a masterpiece of urban planning. To understand Noto, one must understand disaster. …

Your journey into the heart of Noto begins at the Porta Reale, the monumental triumphal arch that serves as the main entrance to the city center. Built in 1838 to honor the visit of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon, it marks the…

Turning off the main Corso, we find ourselves on Via Nicolaci, perhaps the most famous street in Noto. This street is the canvas for the 'Infiorata di Noto,' held every third Sunday in May. …

Let us step inside the Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata to see how the Sicilian nobility actually lived. While the exterior is all about public display, the interior is a maze of luxury and history. …

As we continue down the Corso, we reach the Church of San Carlo al Corso. This is one of the most elegant examples of Noto's Baroque style, featuring a concave facade that seems to embrace the street. …

Directly across from the Cathedral stands the Palazzo Ducezio, the city hall of Noto. Named after the ancient Sikel king Ducezio, who founded the original Noto, this building is a masterpiece designed by Vincenzo Sinatra in the…

No scholarly exploration of Noto is complete without a study of its culinary traditions, specifically at the legendary Café Sicilia. Located on the main Corso, this café has been run by the Assenza family for generations and was…

As we conclude our walk through the 'Golden City' of Noto, stand once more in the central square and look at the alignment of the buildings. This city is a triumph of the human spirit over disaster. …