Sicily's Town of Noto is Full of Baroque Charm

A UNESCO World Heritage city

It is no surprise to those with any knowledge of such fine architecture to find that Noto holds UNESCO World Heritage Status. As such, finding a charming villa to stay in nearby gives you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the trappings of a relaxing holiday while still appreciating everything Noto has to offer. A typical example would be the three bedroom Villa Olivastro, occupying a beautiful hillside position close to Noto itself. Significant views come as standard from the pool area, enticing you to discover the land beyond.

Wander along Corso Vittorio Emanuele

This is the main street that cuts through the centre of Noto. Many other streets and squares lead off it, tempting you to explore more areas as you go. You will be spoilt by local pizzerias and cafes tempting you to try a Sicilian coffee or perhaps tuck into a more substantial lunch. The beauty of Noto is that it provides everything you could need to enjoy a full day out from your villa base.

If you stay in the nearby Villa La Mannera you can then travel back to enjoy a relaxed dinner out on the covered terrace, watching as the sun goes down on another day in Sicily. The opportunity to dine on local produce brought back from your travels along Corso Vittorio Emanuele and beyond is too good to say no to.



Noto Cathedral

Old Noto may no longer be around thanks to the uncompromising earthquake of more than 300 years ago, but the present day city has much to share. One of the finest examples of Baroque architecture can be seen by visiting the splendid Noto Cathedral. It was rebuilt in the late Nineties and reopened to the public in 2007. To find the cathedral you simply need to head for Piazza Municipio, one of the many piazzas in the city.

Nearby the town hall may well be unlike anything else you have ever seen. Known as Ducezio Palace, the interior boasts a selection of frescoes that are quite impressive to witness. Such is the constant surprise factor that Noto has to offer.

If you require a villa somewhere nearby so you can explore Noto for more than one day, Villa Orizzonte Blu would be the ideal choice. It offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and with just a 15 minute journey to complete before arriving in the centre of Noto, you can easily go back for more the next day. Noto is undoubtedly a highlight of the region – it would be a shame not to do it proper justice while you are in Sicily. This villa offers a generous pool and a wonderfully shaded outdoor dining table. Oh, and you may want to miss that lunchtime pizza in Noto, since Villa Orizzonte Blu has its own wood fired pizza oven to use.



The sights of Noto

Some would argue – and rightfully so – that the main sight to see is Noto itself. This is not without foundation since virtually every building is in the Baroque style. Someone once referred to Noto as the Stone Gardens and when you see it for yourself you will understand why.

It has been pointed out that the entire colour and appearance of Noto's buildings changes throughout the day as the sun wends its way through the streets at different angles. This is one of the city's many charms and photographers will certainly find much to change lenses for, both close up and afar. The reason for the change in color is down to the local limestone used in the rebuilding process.

Many people love to contrast the Baroque charms of Noto with a thoroughly modern villa to use during their stay, enabling them to enjoy all the mod cons when they return to their base. Villa Terra Nobile is just such a villa, and also benefits from being just a short distance from the Baroque city. With room enough for eight this is the ideal way to appreciate everything a Sicilian holiday near Noto has to offer.



Wandering the streets of Noto

Many would argue that this, along with sipping coffee and sampling some of the local wares, is the best thing you can do in the city. With streets such as Via Nicolaci to enjoy – cosy, gradually sloping and seemingly filled with wonder – what more could you ask for?

It is also a good idea to look above you for some of the finest sights are above eye level. There are many churches in Noto, including the Church of Santissimo Salvatore and the Church of Santa Maria della Rotonda. It almost seems as if every corner you go around has a church to be seen, each unique in its own design and detailing.

Those wanting to be amazed by the finest architecture Sicily has to offer cannot fail to be impressed by what they find in Noto. If you wish to learn more about the people who lived here in ancient times there are signs to be seen as you wander around. Catacombs are among the finds here, and it is thought many other finds could still be buried under the streets of the modern city. Perhaps it should remain that way.

Whatever your reasons are for heading to Noto, you will be impressed with what you find there.

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