I’m travelling with my friends, you might remember my article on Marzamemi (read here), a beautiful seaside village not far from the province of Ragusa.
This trip is a dive into the Sicilian architectural art and in my opinion the most representative city is Noto, appointed by UNESCO as the Capital of Baroque.
What to see in Noto?
Noto will impress you with its monuments and historical buildings, with its harmonious shapes, with a rounded urban architecture that almost borders on the fictional!
There are many attractions that this town offers, I have identified 5 that you absolutely cannot miss!
Royal Gate
The historic centre of Noto can be reached from several streets, but entering through the Porta Reale (Royal Gate) is the most iconic way to start your visit to the Baroque capital! The Porta Reale is a triumphal arch dating back to the 19th century, designed and built for the visit of the King of the Two Sicilies, Ferdinand II. Passing through it, in front of you is the main axis that runs through the entire old town: Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a real frame for a perfect picture.
Church of Santa Chiara and Benedictine Convent
Walking down Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the first beautiful attraction is the Church of Santa Chiara, a Baroque building of the highest quality, a must for all art and architecture lovers. Designed by Syracuse architect Rosario Gagliardi in 1730, it was completed in 1758 and annexed to the former convent of the Benedictine Sisters, now the Noto Civic Museum.
The interior of the church, with numerous decorations, putti and stuccoes, is considered one of the most important in the whole of Sicily for its Baroque architectural style. Don’t miss the view from the terrace of this building! With a very small contribution, you can visit the former convent of the Clarisse with its wonderful panoramic terrace! Wonderful at sunset… Indescribable on a starry night!
Noto Cathedral
The Cathedral of San Nicolò is the main centre of worship and historically the most important in the city of Noto. Another Baroque jewel of the 18th century, it has been subjected to numerous reconstructions and renovations over the centuries. You will be amazed by the beauty and grandeur of this cathedral, which seems to dominate the entire historic centre of Noto!
Nicolaci Palace
The Palazzo dei principi di Nicolaci, recently restored to its former glory, is a structure that fully represents the artistic richness and opulence of the historic centre, and it is no coincidence that the Ferragnez couple chose it for their wedding.
A façade characterised by an imposing portal and two large iconic columns, surmounted by an opulent balcony supported by carved stone corbels depicting grotesque figures.
The Noto Flower Festival
An outlier worth mentioning is the infiorata of Noto; an event that only takes place once a year on the third Sunday in May. It is therefore not always “visitable”… It is one of the most heartfelt of the Noto events and one of the most important in the whole of Sicily. It is not a religious event, but a ‘Salute to Spring’. A succession of ‘canvases painted with flowers’ in the town’s most fascinating street! Each year a different theme, the only constant is the colourful riot of flowers.
A sweet tip
Corrado Assenza’s Caffè Sicilia is a must when in Noto. The pastry shop was made famous by Chef’s Table on Netflix and is now a reference point for Sicilian pastry excellence.
Everyone in the summer wants to eat cannoli, cassate and granite: all of Milan; all of Rome; all of Instagram.
What are the dishes not to be missed?
CANNOLO SICILIANO: the essence of Assenza.
CASSATINA: although wonderful orthodox Sicilian cassatas abound, there is no condensation of perfection comparable to Caffè Sicilia’s cassatina.
GRANITA: the triple-flavour version in porcelain bowls captures everyone’s attention: almond from Noto, espresso coffee and Sicilian blood orange are the flavours that no one else can beat today.
A day in Noto is like Alice in Wonderland, except you won’t want to wake up!
Did you like this article? Make a quote for your next car rental here or discover the other destinations that have fascinated our travelers here.
- Car used: FIAT 500 X
- Consumption: 30€ for the trip
- Km traveled: 160 (go and return from Comiso)
- Distance from nearby airports: 80 kilometers from Comiso Airport
