Travel Guide Noto

It is the baroque capital of Sicily and nobody will tell you otherwise. A theatre city, nicknamed the "stone garden", Noto is all limestone that ages to a beautiful golden hue. The city was built after the destruction of Noto Antica by the earthquake of 1693, and is organized in an extremely regular chessboard pattern, with an axis on which three squares open. By respecting the natural slope of the ground and the yellow colour of the local stone, the architects have created very special spaces, which make Noto a magical, unforgettable city! It deserves to be visited with care, slowly, because here, every stone, every corner, every balcony holds surprises. The 1996 earthquake shook the city to its core and it has since been restored to its former glory. The dome of the cathedral is sublime (it was rebuilt after the earthquake), and many churches and buildings have been restored. The work has given the city back its splendour and magic. The restoration work that was undertaken after the earthquake is complete. The monuments have been given a new lease of life Festivities. The saints are honoured in Noto. The city celebrates San Corrado, its patron saint, twice a year (February 19 and the last Sunday in August). At Easter, a procession of St. Spina is organized in the streets of the city. Beach. After the profusion of Noto's baroque, you can go for a swim. For that, head for Lido di Noto, 6 km further on. The white sandy beaches are welcoming and well equipped. The Caruso shuttle bus service departs from the gardens behind Noto's Royal Gate (count about 2 buses a day in winter and 5 buses in summer)