The capital of Sicilian baroque, a stage set of golden stone
After the terrible earthquake of January 1693 destroyed the old town, Noto was rebuilt a few kilometres away on a new site, following a regular plan designed by architects such as Rosario Gagliardi and Vincenzo Sinatra. The result is a "garden of stone", the capital of Sicilian late baroque and a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the other towns of the Val di Noto.
The main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is a scenic sequence of churches, palaces and squares in soft golden limestone that glows at sunset. The cathedral of San Nicolò, at the top of a grand staircase, was rebuilt after its dome collapsed in 1996 and reopened in 2007. Palazzo Nicolaci is famous for its balconies supported by grotesque figures of horses, lions and sirens. In May, the Infiorata covers Via Nicolaci with a carpet of flower petals.
Tip: climb the bell tower of the church of San Carlo for the view over the rooftops; taste the almond granita and the cannoli of the historic pastry shops on the Corso.
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