Noto: the 5 places not to be missed - PURA VIDA BAROCCA

It will not be the main attraction of the city but we want to indicate it first. The historic center of Noto is reachable from different streets but accessing it from the Porta Reale is the right way to start your visit in the Capital of Baroque! The royal gate is an impressive triumphal arch dating back to the 19th century, designed and built for the visit of the King of the Two Sicilies, Ferdinando II. Crossing it, in front of you here is the main axis that crosses the entire historical center: Corso Vittorio Emanuele.

Along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, about 100 meters away, you find the Church of Santa Chiara, a Baroque architecture of the highest quality. Designed by the Syracusan architect Rosario Gagliardi in 1730, it was completed in 1758 and annexed to the former convent of the Benedictine nuns, today the civic museum of Noto. The original entrance portal of this church was located right in Corso Vittorio Emanuele and was later walled up after a work of excavation of the land carried out during the 800 that made it virtually impractical. The interior of the church, with numerous decorations, putti and stuccos, is considered one of the most important in Sicily for the Baroque architectural style. Do not miss the panorama from the terrace of this building! With a small contribution, you can visit the former convent of the Clarisse with its marvelous panoramic terrace! Wonderful at sunset ... Indescribable at Night!

The Cathedral of San Nicolò is the main center of worship and historically the most important of the city of Noto. A baroque jewel of the 18th century, subject to numerous reconstructions and renovations over the centuries, up to the current structure with the construction of the Dome in the 19th century by Cassone. You will surely be amazed by the beauty and grandeur of this cathedral, which seems to dominate the entire historic center of Noto!

The Palazzo dei Principi di Nicolaci, recently brought back to its former glory, is a structure that represents in its entirety the artistic richness, the opulence of the historic center of Netino! Taking Via Nicolaci (one perpendicular to Corso Vittorio Emanuele) is immediately recognizable: a façade characterized by an imposing portal and two large iconic columns, surmounted by an opulent balcony supported by carved stone corbels depicting grotesque figures ... One of the highest representations of style Baroque in the world! To visit also the interiors of this noble residence, completely restored and returned to the community.

Now the best way to appreciate the center of Noto is to get lost in the small baroque streets and admire the architectural structure of this city that seems out of a movie set. There are many attractions that Noto offers you, we have only indicated a few! Palazzo Ducezio, the Church of S.S. Salvatore, Villa D'Ercole the Vittorio Emanuele Theater ... You will be spoiled for choice! Follow our advice ... Lose yourself and find them by chance ... It's the best way to DISCOVER and LIVE the beauty of Noto!