The Cathedral of San Nicolò is Noto's iconic monument and a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake in golden limestone, it features a dramatic two-tiered façade with three portals and two bell towers. Partially collapsed in 1996, it has been masterfully restored. Its imposing 22-step staircase leads to a Latin cross interior with side chapels and a crypt. Best visited at sunset when the stone takes on a golden hue.
Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata is the most spectacular Baroque palace in Noto, located on Via Nicolaci. Built in the mid-1700s, it is famous for its six rounded wrought-iron balconies supported by brackets carved with mermaids, winged horses, sphinxes, lions, and grotesque cherubs: a true theater of stone. It houses the Municipal Library and frescoed rooms open to the public. In May, it serves as the backdrop for the Infiorata di Noto, an event that blankets the street with carpets of petals. A cult subject for photographers.
The Church of San Carlo al Corso, also known as the Church of the College, is located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele in Noto. Built in 1730 by the Jesuits, it features a three-tiered Baroque façade with overlapping Tuscan, Ionic, and Corinthian columns. The interior contains 18th-century frescoes and valuable paintings. The real highlight is the climb to the bell tower: a narrow spiral staircase leads to the panoramic terrace with a breathtaking 360° view of Noto's Baroque rooftops and the Hyblaean Mountains.
The Vendicari Nature Reserve extends for 8 km of coastline between Noto and Marzamemi, a protected oasis of international importance. It boasts dunes, salt marshes, Mediterranean scrub, and four enchanting beaches: Calamosche, Vendicari, Eloro, and San Lorenzo, with white sand and crystal-clear water. It's a habitat for greater flamingos, herons, and migrating storks in the spring and fall. Walking tours include the ancient Vendicari tuna fishery, the Swabian Tower, and the Greek ruins of Eloro.
The Infiorata di Noto is one of Sicily's most evocative events, held every third Sunday of May since 1980 on Via Nicolaci, beneath the balconies of Palazzo Villadorata. Master Italian and international flower decorators create 16 122-meter-long themed paintings using only fresh flower petals. The theme changes annually, drawing on art, history, and myth. Opening on Saturday evening, the event culminates on Sunday with a Baroque costume parade and musical performances. A truly unique spectacle.
Noto Antica is the site of the ancient city of Netum, abandoned after the devastating earthquake of 1693, which prompted the Baroque reconstruction of present-day Noto downstream. It is located on Mount Alveria, 10 km from the new city, accessible by car through the Bosco di San Corrado. It preserves the remains of the castle, churches, convents, mills, and the Porta Reale. A captivating atmosphere awaits amidst the ruins and nature. It is worth visiting along with the Eremo di San Corrado, the hermitage of Noto's patron saint.
