Noto, Sicily
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Visit Noto
Noto is found to the south-east of Sicily, to the east of Ragusa and south of Syracuse.
The town dates from the 18th century - there was a town that stood nearby previously but it was destroyed by the infamous earthquake of 1693 (the ruins of the original town can also be visited).
In common with several other Sicilian towns, the architecture in Noto is relentlessly baroque - and very charming. It is perhaps exactly what you would look for in a 'perfect town in Italy'.
One of the most impressive of these baroque buildings is the newly restored Noto Cathedral - made even more so by the broad, long stone staircase that rises to the front of the building. An unusual design, the cathedral facade incorporates two towers (one a clocktower, the other a belltower) either side of the main entrance.
Elsewhere in Noto there are numerous other churches and palaces (palazzos) with stunning baroque facades. These include the churches of San Domenico and San Salvatore (and many other churches across the town), and the palaces of Villadorata, Astuto, Ducezio (this palace is currently Noto town hall), Nicolaci and Trigona.
Places to visit near Noto
The surrounding region, known as the Val di Noto, contains several towns and villages that were destroyed by the same earthquake and were reconstructed in the 'late-baroque' style and, because of the architecture, is now listed as the Val di Noto heritage site.