What to See in NOTO, the Baroque Town of Sicily

What a treat to see Noto, Sicily’s Baroque Town, on a day trip! This architectural gem dazzles with honey-colored limestone buildings that glow at sunset, making every corner feel like a masterpiece. Stroll up and down picturesque streets lined with stunning palaces and churches. Make time to enjoy delicious caffè, artisan gelato, and Sicilian charm. With beauty at every turn, Noto promises an unforgettable day of history and magnificence.

Noto – Rise From the Ashes

Noto is one of the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002. The city is located 35 kilometers southwest of Syracuse on the southern edge of the Monti Iblei and is ideal for a day trip as it can be easily reached by public bus.

About eight kilometers northwest of today’s city lies ancient Neton, which was founded by the Sicels and came under the control of Syracuse early on. In the 4th century BC the city was officially ruled by Hieron II, and later came under Roman rule. Noto gained national importance under the Arabs in the Middle Ages and was the last Muslim bastion in Italy until 1091.

Today’s city, however, only emerged southeast of Noto Antica in 1703. The predecessor was completely destroyed in the earthquake in Sicily in 1693. The new city was built in a structured and uniform manner in the Sicilian Baroque style.

It was laid out in a rectangular street grid, and the preferred building material for churches and palaces was light limestone. This is not insignificant, because, in addition to the breathtaking architecture, everyone raves about the light in Noto. And indeed, the light stone reflects the sun’s rays in a way that the buildings appear to be bathed in gold, especially in the soft light of the waning afternoon sun. So if you like photography and really want to get to know Noto from its most beautiful side, I definitely recommend that you visit the city in the afternoon.

Grand Tour of Noto in a Day

After the old Noto, further inland, was destroyed by said earthquake, the old town was rebuilt in less than 80 years. The nobility and the clergy splurged and indulged in excessive baroque style. While the town has around 20,000 inhabitants, it boasts 19 breathtaking aristocratic palaces, as many monasteries, and over 30 churches! In addition, there are monumental staircases and representative squares.

The way Noto’s streets are laid out makes it easy for visitors not to miss any of the important sights: basically, you have to walk westwards along the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and then back east along the Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour. In between, you peek into the uphill streets to admire unique street art on staircases.
And there you have it: Noto at its best!

The tour starts at the Villa Comunale Park. This is the perfect starting point for both those who come to Noto by public bus and those who want to park their car safely.

The Royal Gate was built in 1838 when the arrival of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon was announced. It was designed by the Neapolitan Angelini, who also built the Ferdinand statue, which later became a monument to the fallen.

A Handful of Churches

From the Porta Reale, Corso Vittorio Emanuele runs through the city between fantastic buildings and picturesque piazzas. And already in the first 400 meters are five – yes: five! – of the city’s most magnificent houses of worship!

It starts with the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata, which was designed by the architect Rosario Gagliardi and completed around the middle of the 18th century alongside a Franciscan monastery.

After the monastery was dissolved, the building served various purposes, including a school building. The building is located at the end of a spectacular staircase with an elaborately decorated façade.

Trivia

In the series The White Lotus, the second season of which takes place mainly in the Sicilian town of Taormina, Harper has a daydream on these stairs in which countless men stare at her admiringly. Meanwhile, her friend Daphne withdraws money in the bank below the church. This bank including an ATM is actually located here. However, luckily no countless men are staring.
Find out more about the series and the mesmerizing town of Taormina in my comprehensive post What Not to Miss in TAORMINA, the Most Beautiful Town in Sicily.

The church Chiesa di Santa Chiara is located next to the former Benedictine monastery of Santissimo Crocifisso, which now houses the Museo Civico. It was also designed by Rosario Gagliardi, completed in 1758, and attached to the monastery. Its striking bell tower is decorated with two capitals in the corners.

Originally the only portal of the church was on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Towards the end of the 18th century, another was added on the side of Via Pier Capponi. That was fortunate because, over time, the street level of the Corso sank so much that the original portal could no longer be used.

The baroque architectural style is even more prominent in the interior. It is lavishly decorated with stucco and putti, and on twelve interior columns, there are statues of the apostles created by the decorator and plasterer Basile.

Fancy Neighbors

Directly opposite and right next to Noto’s cathedral is the Chiesa di San Salvatore. It is yet another baroque church and a Benedictine monastery. While the church is still consecrated, there are no longer cloistered nuns in the adjacent monastery, but rather the seminarians.

Obviously, the current church and monastery replaced an earlier, destroyed building. Supposedly, the former monastery housed the relics of San Destituto.

The façade and counterfaçade feature second-floor balconies with iron grilles, which were intended to allow the cloistered nuns to hear mass separately from the lay audience and to catch a glimpse of the piazza in front of the church.

Next comes the most majestic one of them all, namely Noto’s Cathedral of San Nicolò. Obviously, it had also to be rebuilt in its new location as the main parish church after the earthquake. It was then expanded in the 18th century, and the façade was completed in the Sicilian Baroque style according to plans by Rosario Gagliardi.

The cathedral can be accessed over a wide flight of stairs. The double-towered façade is structured by columns and a portal, which shows the stages in the life of Noto’s patron saint Corrado Confalonieriare. A silver shrine containing the patron saint’s relics is kept in a chapel in the right aisle.

Getting High

The last of the churches on the eastern section of Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the Chiesa di San Carlo al Corso. Because of the adjacent Jesuit seminary and monastery, it is also called Collegiata or collegiate church.

The current church, which was part of the reconstruction of Noto, is dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo and was probably designed by Rosario Gagliardi – who would have expected anything else?

The concave façade has three orders of columns, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, one above the other.

While visiting the church is free, you have to pay 3 €uros to climb a spiral staircase to the roof. Since you have a fantastic view of the old town and the entire region from there, it is a good investment.

There’s More

All of the churches listed above are the real stars of Noto’s sacred baroque architecture. Nevertheless, my favorite structure is the Chiesa di San Domenico.

Perched over the small square Piazza XVI Maggio, this church is not just a place of worship. It is a celebration of artistry, history, and divine inspiration.
The brilliant architect Rosario Gagliardi designed the church that features a stunning convex façade in the early 18th century. Actually, this kind of façade is a hallmark of Baroque dynamism. Also, the elegant combination of curves, columns, and decorative elements creates an almost theatrical effect.

As you enter, you are greeted by a majestic interior decorated with intricate stucco work, gilded details, and impressive frescoes that seem to come to life in the soft light that shines through the windows.

In front of the Chiesa di San Domenico stands the Fontana d’Ercole. It is another gem of Baroque art and a stunning emblem of the city’s rich history. Its captivating blend of mythological symbolism and artistic mastery perfectly complements the town’s grandeur.

The fountain showcases a striking statue of Hercules, the legendary hero, poised with strength and determination. It’s a tribute to resilience and power. Those qualities are deeply tied to the identity of Noto itself as the city rose from the ruins after that devastating earthquake.

In the Second Row

As you slowly approach Corso Vittorio Emanuele’s western end, turn right into Via Galileo Galilei. At the next corner stands Chiesa di Sant’Antonio. This church is known for its understated elegance. While many of Noto’s churches dazzle with intricate baroque details, Sant’Antonio offers a quieter, more contemplative experience. Its façade, though simpler than some of its more flamboyant neighbors, exudes a timeless grace. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection and reverence.

One of the highlights of visiting Sant’Antonio is the sense of stepping into a sacred space that feels both historical and personal. The subtle details in its architecture and decoration reflect the skill of the artisans who contributed to its creation, as well as the devotion of the community that has maintained it over centuries.

A stark contrast to the modesty of Sant’Antionio is the 18th-century Chiesa di Montevergine. Located at the end of Via Corrado Nicolaci, it will leave you speechless!

With its concave design, the church’s façade perfectly blends elegance and grandeur. Two graceful bell towers flank the entrance, creating a harmonious symmetry that makes the building stand out among Noto’s many architectural wonders.

The church is also impressive inside. The interior is light-filled, with soaring arches and intricate moldings that feel both opulent and inviting.

A Handful of Palaces

Noto is not only renowned for its majestic churches. It is famed for its stunning Baroque architecture in general, including several significant palaces that exemplify the grandeur of the period. Many of Noto’s palaces were built as part of a grand reconstruction effort following the earthquake. Exploring these palaces even just from the outside provides a window into the opulence of Sicilian Baroque architecture and the city’s historical significance. However, you can also experience some of them from the inside as they were remodeled into luxurious accommodations.

On Corso Vittorio Emanuele

The most prominent one of Noto’s palaces is certainly Palazzo Ducezio which today serves as the city’s Town Hall. Its neoclassical and Baroque elements, with a grand colonnade on the exterior, make it an architectural gem.

Built in the mid-18th century, Palazzo Ducezio owes its name to Ducetius, the legendary leader of the ancient Siculi tribe. Designed by Vincenzo Sinatra, one of Sicily’s most renowned Baroque architects, its construction began in 1746 and stretched across centuries. However, the second floor was only added in the 20th century. The palace was envisioned as a seat of civic pride, housing the municipal offices and symbolizing the rebirth of Noto.

However, beyond its administrative function, Palazzo Ducezio is a cultural beacon, drawing visitors from around the world. Especially the so-called Sala degli Specchi is a highlight. This Hall of Mirrors is lavishly decorated with ornate gilded mirrors and opulent furnishings, perfect for hosting dignitaries and special events.

The palace also opens its doors for guided tours, offering visitors a chance to experience its rich history and breathtaking interiors. From its terraces, you can soak in panoramic views of Piazza Municipio and the stunning Cathedral of San Nicolò just across the street.

In the Backstreets

Not far from the Palazzo Ducezio just up the Via Corrado Nicolaci stands another grand structure, namely the Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata. The Nicolaci family, a noble lineage holding the title of the Princes of Villadorata, commissioned this residence in the 18th century.

Its most striking feature is its balconies, adorned with intricate wrought-iron railings and supported by fantastical stone brackets carved into vivid shapes. You’ll spot grotesque masks, roaring lions, winged cherubs, and mythical beasts. These whimsical designs embody the playful yet grandiose spirit of Sicilian Baroque. Yet, the palace’s interiors are no less impressive. Opulent frescoes, gilded details, and grand salons speak of the Nicolaci family’s wealth and taste.

Today, the Palazzo Nicolaci is a vibrant cultural hub. It hosts exhibitions, concerts, and events, especially during the renowned Infiorata di Noto, a springtime festival where Noto’s streets become stunning floral carpets.

In the vicinity of the Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata is the Palazzo Landolina. Marquis Francesco Landolina di Sant’Alfano commissioned the esteemed architect Vincenzo Sinatra with the construction in 1730. The Landolina family was of Norman origin and has been integral to Noto’s history since the time of King Roger in the 11th century.

Beyond its architectural splendor, Palazzo Landolina has played host to royalty. Between 1838 and 1844, King Ferdinand II of Bourbon and Queen Maria Teresa of Austria graced its halls. Today, the palace continues to be a beacon of culture and hospitality.

Snoozing in Style

In addition, for travelers seeking an immersive experience, Landolina Palace* has transformed parts of its historic residence into elegant accommodations. Guests can choose from classic matrimonial rooms, spacious quadruples, and luxurious suites, each uniquely furnished to reflect the palace’s noble heritage. Hence, a visit to Palazzo Landolina* is not merely a step back in time but an opportunity to live and breathe the elegance of Sicily’s golden era, all while enjoying modern comforts and the island’s renowned hospitality.

Alongside Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour

However, most of Noto’s main palaces are located on Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, which runs parallel to Corso Vittorio Emanuele. It starts in the west at the corner of Via Galileo Galilei with the Palazzo Castelluccio. This palace is a dazzling jewel dating from 1782. The estimated Marquis di Lorenzo del Castelluccio commissioned this neoclassical masterpiece. In contrast to the predominantly baroque architecture that characterizes Noto, an elegant neoclassical design characterizes Palazzo Castelluccio. It originally had 105 rooms, including a music room, a chapel, and a ballroom. Exquisite frescoes and intricate ceramic floors, reflecting the artistry of 18th-century Sicilian craftsmanship, adorn each of its rooms.

After the death of the last Marquis in 1981, the palazzo fell into oblivion. But in 2011, French filmmaker and art patron Jean-Louis Remilleux discovered this hidden treasure. He carefully restored the castle to its former glory, furnished it with contemporary furniture, and revived its historic charm.

Just recently in 2024, Rocco Forte Hotels announced plans to transform the Palazzo into a luxury hotel that seamlessly combines its historic splendor with modern comforts.

More Posh Cribs

Next in the row is Palazzo Astuto di Fargione, notable for its understated elegance. It features a harmonious façade with traditional Baroque details and an impressive entrance portal.

Eventually, Baron Antonino Astuto and his wife established the renowned Astuziano Museum within the palace’s east wing. This museum boasted an eclectic collection. However, following the demise of the Astuto lineage, these treasures found new homes in prestigious institutions. You’ll find them for instance at the Louvre in Paris, the British Museum in London, the Prado in Madrid, and the Museo Salinas in Palermo.

Architecturally, the palace enchants with its elegant façade adorned with six Tuscan columns supporting a refined pediment. The palace’s balconies are graced with rounded grilles and crowned by semicircular and triangular pediments. Inside, visitors can marvel at rooms embellished with exquisite stucco work. They also have access to the spacious courtyard that once overlooked the palace’s warehouses and stables.

Since 1980, the piano nobile, hence, the main floor, has served as the headquarters of the Circolo Val di Noto, an association dedicated to promoting the cultural heritage of the Val di Noto region.

Home Away From Home

Basically on the backside of the cathedral stands the Palazzo Trigona di Cannicarao. Commissioned by the noble Trigona family, the palace showcases the opulence and artistic flair of the 18th-century aristocracy. Its distinctive U-shape design, with a façade aligned along the main street, exemplifies the architectural trends of the era.

The interior of Palazzo Trigona is equally captivating, featuring rooms adorned with unique vaults that highlight the craftsmanship of the period.

In recent years, Palazzo Trigona has embraced a new role as a cultural hub. After four decades, its Baroque halls reopened to the public, hosting exhibitions that blend contemporary art with historical ambiance.

Moreover, parts of the palace have been transformed into luxurious accommodations, offering guests an immersive experience of the aristocratic lifestyle of yesteryears. Staying at Palazzo Trigona Suites* allows visitors to indulge in the charm of Sicily’s noble heritage while being surrounded by the city’s architectural splendors.

Colorful Stairways

In addition to the noble palaces, there is another reason to visit Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour. Vivid paintings are embellishing the stairs in some side streets leading up north. If you stand in front of them, you see fascinating works of art like a horizontal puzzle.

There is of course also a practical reason for the pictures being placed on the vertical side of the steps. This ensures that no one has to trample on the pieces of art.

Most of these oversized works were created on the occasion of the so-called Infiorata.
If you want to experience the cheerful and exuberant side of the otherwise dreamy city of Noto, visit it on the third weekend in May. Then the whole city celebrates the Infiorata flower festival.

During this festival, artists transform Via Nicolaci into a long mosaic of flower petals. Then a kind of mini carnival with parades and performances takes place in Noto. The hustle and bustle traditionally ends on the following Monday with children running through the streets and shaking up the colorful works of art, symbolizing the beginning of spring.

My Tip

Of course, Noto is beautiful in all its glory at any time. However, I would advise you to arrange to visit the city from the early afternoon on, especially if you want to take beautiful photos.

Due to the location, the light incidence is better in the afternoon. When you see the pale sunlight turning the sandstone façades into glowing gold in the early evening, you’ll understand why photographers call the period just before sunset the golden hour.

Practical Information

How to Get There And Around

The nearest airport is Catania’s Vincenzo Bellini Airport in Fontanarossa. It is the busiest airport in Sicily with a wide choice of domestic and international flights. There are various bus connections to Catania’s city center as well as direct connections to other Sicilian cities such as Taormina and Syracuse. From there you then can continue to Noto.

If you’re already on the island, you can reach Noto either by train or by intercity bus for instance from Catania or Syracuse. The bus service is said to be more reliable and tickets are relatively cheap. You can obtain them online on Interbus’s website as well as from the driver.

Once you’re in Noto, you can explore the quite small town on foot, obviously.

My Tip

Since the bus system in Sicily is quite good, it is heavily used by both locals and visitors. This can be a problem on popular routes, especially in high season. Because if all the seats on a bus are occupied, the driver will no longer take any other passengers. For safety reasons, you are not allowed to stand.

So I strongly advise you to buy your tickets online as soon as possible. At the bus station, those who already have a ticket will be allowed onto the bus first. Any possibly remaining seats will then be sold to the others waiting.

Visiting Organized

Although the regional bus system in Sicily is not bad at all, there are places on the island that are difficult to reach by public transport. If you are a slow traveler and can plan an additional overnight stay, it is definitely possible to explore Sicily exclusively by public bus. But if you can’t plan a whole day for each remote attraction, here are some great options for exploring Sicily on organized day trips*:

Where to Stay

If you plan on going to Noto for longer than just one day, you can choose from a couple of accommodations in the very center as well as on the outskirts*:

Where to Eat

Food is actually always one of the central cultural aspects of an enjoyable trip. In Italy, you can never go wrong. In Noto, for example, culinary and cultural enjoyment can be perfectly combined in the Trattoria Fontana d’Ercole. Although rather on the pricey side,
each dish is prepared with selected ingredients.

Try Sicilian favorites, and if you need ingredients for your own Italian cooking, you’ll be pleased to hear that most of the products they use can be purchased to take away.

I’ve always been a big fan of the regional, authentic cuisine that the locals also enjoy. In Italy, this is mostly found in the so-called Rosticcerie.

A Rosticceria is basically a shop that prepares a small selection of simple but delicious dishes. These typically range from pasta to fried meat and side dishes such as potatoes, vegetables, and salads. You can usually enjoy the food on-site at one of the few tables. But you can also take it to go at any time.

One of the best Rosticcerie in Noto is the restaurant Palermitana Arancina Planet. Here the chefs excel in offering customers incomparable arancini. But you can also order excellent croissants and cannoli. The fantastic homemade lemonade is also popular with regular guests. 
The friendly service and more than fair prices are further features that set this eatery apart.

Another recommended Rosticceria is La Torre Dei Sapori not far from the Royal Gate. Here, too, simple Sicilian classics are served at good prices in a nice atmosphere.

Sweets for My Sweet

Apparently Noto doesn’t just have the most magnificent Baroque. The city is also reputed to have the best ice cream in the world. The Dolceria Corrado Costanzo is particularly popular here, as it not only offers gelato but also fantastic granitas and delicious cannoli made in-house.

Caffè Sicilia has been pampering its guests with gelato and other Sicilian sweets since 1892. Corrado Assenza is the fourth generation to run this institution. Regardless of old traditions, he passionately experiments with new flavors such as basil, saffron, and wild oregano.

What to Shop

Noto offers a variety of high-end souvenir shopping where you can find unique, locally crafted items. The following establishments offer a range of high-quality, locally made products that will provide unforgettable memories of your visit.

The Maioliche Artistiche di Sebastiano Caristia is a pottery shop offering handmade ceramics. Each piece is a carefully crafted unique piece and the pride of authentic Sicilian craftsmanship tradition. 

In the small boutique Amare Noto, you will find dresses, jewelry, and shoes from independent Italian designers.

Colori del Sole is a hotspot for unique home accessories. Colorful hand-painted tapestries and tablecloths with traditional Sicilian designs are on offer.

Campisi Conserve specializes in canned gourmet products such as pesto, canned fish, olive oils, and tapenades.

The Acqua di Noto boutique offers regionally inspired perfumes and candles.

Obviously, Italy is one of the 20 countries that have replaced their former local currency with the €uro. The exchange rate is 1 US$ = 0.92 EUR as of February 2025. However, you can check today’s conversion rate on this page. Mind you, paying by card and contactless is accepted everywhere, including regional and local public transport.

Map

On this map, you see where to find the most amazing buildings that make Noto a Baroque treasure chest. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map including the legend.

Noto was one of many overwhelmingly beautiful places I visited during my trip to Sicily. To read about the others, go to this post and take your pick!

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