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Visit Noto
Noto in Sicily is an international tourist destination, known for both its historical and architectural heritage, and for the presence of many beaches, such as “Noto Marina”. The town is well served in terms of tourist facilities.
The main axis of the city of Noto is the “Corso Vittorio Emanuele”, marked by three squares.
Royal Gate, Noto: The “Corso” starts from the so-called “Royal Gate” [“Porta Reale”], a monumental entrance in the shape of a triumphal arch, erected in the 19th century. On both sides there is a tower and a tree-lined street. The work is by Horace Angelici, and is Neoclassical style; two pilasters with Corinthian capitals, and topped by three symbolic sculptures; on the left there is a crenellated tower (symbol of the “strength” of the city across the centuries); a greyhound on the right (representing loyalty), and a pelican (selflessness, generosity, fertility).
In the “Piazza Immacolata” is the church of “San Francesco all’ Immaculata”, by Vincenzo Sinatra (1720-1785), preceded by a dramatic staircase that opens up into a terrace. Inside the church are a number of works from the Franciscan church of ancient Noto, including a "Virgin and Child" painted wood attributed to Antonio Monachello (16th century).
To the left of the church stands the monastery of SS. Salvatore with a curved façade of the tower, and wrought iron grilles on the windows that characterize the Convent of St. Clare, a work by Filippo Gagliardi (died 1659). The Town Hall Square is characterized by Noto Cathedral, with a façade marked by two towers that surround it. This facade is a mixture of baroque and classical elements and the bottom has eight columns with Corinthian capitals and niches; in the middle is a valuable door in bronze by G. F. Pirrone (1898-1978), depicting the life of St. Conrad. At the top we can see two towers; the bell tower and clock tower.
On either side of Noto cathedral are the Bishop's Palace, dating back to the 19th century and the Landolina Sant'Alfano Palace, characterized by a less flamboyant Baroque style. The opposite side of the square is occupied by the Ducetius’ Palace, surrounded by a classical portico, designed by Sinatra, while the eastern side of the square is crowned with the façade of the “Basilica of SS.Salvatore.”
In the “Via Nicolaci” is the Church of Montevergini, with a concave façade framed between two towers, again designed by Sinatra. The two sides of the street are lined with some remarkable Baroque palaces. The “Palazzo Nicolaci” stands out with its balconies and fancy brackets in the form of cherubs, horses, lions and grotesque figures.
Returning to the “Corso Vittorio Emanuele”, we find the imposing Church of the the Jesuit and the College attributed to Gagliardi, with the central portal surrounded by four columns surmounted by mascarons. The “Piazza XVI maggio” stands for the façade of the Church of San Domenico, a work by Gagliardi, defined by strong lines and a convex structure. The interior is covered with stuccos, and with polychrome marble altars.
In front of the church there is the small Villa of Hercules [ Villetta d’Ercole] with an 18th century fountain. In front stands the “Teatro Vittorio Emanuele III” (19th century).
Following the “Via Ruggero VII” we reach the "Chiesa del Carmine”, characterized by a concave façade and a portal of Baroque style. The road parallel to the “Corso Vittorio Emanuele” , the “Via Cavour”, is also lined with interesting buildings including the “Palazzo Astuto”, with balconies with curved railings and “Palazzo Trigona Cannicarao.” Finally, in Sallicano Street there is the Church of SS. Crucifix, designed by Gagliardi. Inside, there is the "Madonna of the Snow", by Francesco Laurana (1430-1502).
Note: Noto is now a listed UNESCO world heritage site
Route to Noto Antica (ancient Noto)
To visit Noto Antica, a few kilometres from modern Noto town, we can start from the Mountain Gate [Porta della Montagna]. The ancient city was built on a spur of a rock. The mighty fortifications surrounding the city are still visible here. In the walls are still visible some remains of the ancient vents and windows. Next to the fortifications of the door there are the remains of some areas probably used as warehouses and guards. The fortress was largely rebuilt over the centuries, especially in the Aragonese period. On the left we can see the ruins of the hospital and the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto.
The hospital was built in the 16th century. It was entrusted to the care of the Fathers Fatebenefratelli and it had annexed a small church. After the hospital we find Palazzo Landolina of Belludi, once one of the most magnificent stately homes of the city. The palace was built in the early 17th century, but the earthquake of 1693 completely razed it to the ground. The remains of staircases, arches and corridors, uncovered during excavation works in ancient Noto, make it clear how lavish the building was.
See also Noto history and etymology.
See the the Sicily travel guide for more places to visit in the same region as Noto.