Noto – Baroque pearl of southeastern Sicily
Imagine a city where time stands still in the 18th century, where every street tells the story of an artistic genius and where the sun plays a symphony of light and shadow on the facades of the palaces. Welcome to Noto, a charming city in the heart of Sicily, rightly considered the crowning jewel of the Sicilian Baroque.
The story of Nota dates back to the time of ancient Greece, when it was known as Netum. Over the centuries it has witnessed the rise and fall of various civilisations – Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman. However, the turning point in the city’s history was the devastating earthquake of 1693, which levelled almost the entire original medieval city. From the rubble of the tragedy, however, a new beginning arose – Noto was completely rebuilt a few kilometres away in the spirit of the then modern Baroque style.
A walk through the streets of Noto is like a trip to an open-air museum of architecture. The main avenue, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, is lined with majestic palaces with ornate balconies and windows. The golden hue of the facades, which the stone buildings take on in the afternoon sun, has given the city the nickname “the stone garden”. The dominant feature of the town is undoubtedly the Cathedral of San Nicolò di Mira, whose imposing staircase and undulating facade are a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque.
Noto is not only a city of palaces and churches, but also a lively social centre. The most important event of the year is undoubtedly the Infiorata, which takes place every year on the third weekend in May. During the festival, the main street is transformed into a huge canvas covered with carpets of flowers depicting elaborate patterns. This ‘flower painting’ attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world and is a wonderful celebration of spring and the city’s Baroque heritage.
The surrounding area of Noto also offers many natural beauties. Just a short distance from the town you will find one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily – Lido di Noto. Miles of fine golden sand washed by the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea invite you to relax and swim. Nature lovers will also appreciate the nearby Vendicari Nature Reserve, where lush Mediterranean vegetation and rare bird species can be admired.
Like all of Sicily, Noto is renowned for its gastronomy. The cuisine, based on fresh local ingredients, is a symphony of flavours and aromas. You can try arancini – fried rice balls stuffed with meat and peas, or pasticciotto – a tender pastry filled with ricotta. Noto’s speciality is almond biscuits, whose sweet aroma can be smelled from the local bakeries from afar.
To live in Noto is to live in the embrace of history and art. The locals are proud of their Baroque heritage and are happy to share it with visitors. Having an apartment in one of the magnificent palaces in the city centre is a dream that can become a reality. Imagine stepping out onto the balcony every morning and enjoying the view of the artistic gems of Nicolaci Street. Enjoying a cup of strong Sicilian espresso in one of the picturesque cafes. Noto offers you an unforgettable atmosphere where history meets modern lifestyle.
Whether you choose to live in Noto or just visit, be captivated by its beauty and uniqueness. Fall in love with the city that rose from the ruins like the mythical phoenix and became the jewel of the Sicilian Baroque. Fall in love with Noto, the city where dreams become reality.
