Noto Information

How to get to Noto

Noto is linked with major centres by AST and Interbus services. It is only 40 minutes from the provincial capital Siracusa. There is also a train station in the centre and the historical train Treno Barocco del Val di Noto also runs to Noto.

The main street in Noto is Corso Vittorio Emanuele and is also where most of the city's monuments lie. Noto is divided into two main quarters - one for residential dwellings and the other for political and administrative use. Noto lies in the province of Siracusa in the far southeast of Sicily.

Things to do and see in Noto

Corso Vittorio Emanuele runs through the heart of the lower quarter from the gateway of Porta Reale to the town's central piazza. The piazza is absolutely superb with the incredible town hall, Palazzo Ducezio, and the magnificent Duomo across from it.

Palazzo Ducezio houses La Sala degli Specchi (hall of mirrors) which features 19th century frescoes and is well worth the entry fee to go inside. However most people beeline straight for the Cathedral Church of St Nicholas. It’s very impressive but perhaps more so because it has literally risen from the ashes. Major restoration works on the church were completed in 2007 after parts of it collapsed in 1996. Remarkably reconstruction was performed using the same materials and techniques of the original builders in the 18^th Century. The result today should therefore be both appreciated and admired.

One of the best places to head for a fine view over Noto's honey coloured monuments is the bell tower of Chiesa di San Carlo. Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light for photographs. If you are keen on photographs another great place to get some snaps are the fancy balconies on Palazzo Nicolaci and the Teatro Comunale building.

One of the utter joys of Noto is simply wandering around and admiring the architectural harmony, the amazing facades and elegant balconies. It is a stone garden but a living, breathing and inspiring one.

The journey to the ancient city of Noto Antica is quite spectacular and gives you a good chance to admire the dramatic features of the surrounding rocky country. Pack good walking shoes and a picnic and enjoy the variety of ruins out here including a Hellinistic gymnasium, Cappuchin Convent, a medieval castle and various necropolises.

Accommodation and restaurants in Noto

There are a variety of bed and breakfast options in the centre including Centro Storico, B&B Teatro and Villa Catera Liberty. There’s nothing better than staying in the centre too and getting the full Noto experience. Thanks to the steady tourist crowd there are plenty of great spots to enjoy a meal. Some highlights on Corso Emanuele include Il Giglio opposite the Cathedral – a real meal with a view, Caffe Sicilia's granite (a Sicilian ice drink) also near the Duomo and Bar La Vecchia Fontana.

While you’re in Noto make sure you try its famed pizzuta almonds and local wines made from Nero d’Avola grapes. A tipple at the aperitif hour on Corso Emanuele would not go astray.