As we continued our trip through southeastern Sicily, after a stop in Syracuse, we headed to the Baroque jewel of the island – the magnificent town of Noto.
Let’s explore the top things to see and do in Noto in a day:
6. Lunch at Modica di San Giovanni
8. Municipal Theater Tina di Lorenzo
Quick Facts
Noto’s rich history dates back to ancient times. Originally founded as a Greek settlement around the 8th century BC, it later became part of the Roman Empire and subsequently came under Byzantine and Arab rule around 900 AD. The town thrived during the Norman and Aragonese periods.
In 1693, a devastating earthquake virtually razed the medieval town, leading to its reconstruction in a new location nearby. Noto was rebuilt in stunning Baroque style, which today defines its architectural charm. This transformation earned Noto recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While Catania is known as the “black stone city” for its use of black lava stone, Noto is a “yellow-stone town.” Many of Noto’s newer structures are built from soft tufa stone, which takes on a warm, honey-like hue in the sunlight.
Itinerary
Noto is located about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Catania or 40 minutes from Syracuse. In general, the best way to explore Sicily is by car, which you can conveniently rent at Catania airport.
Noto is quite small and easily walkable. You can explore the town in a day if you start in the morning, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can spread your visit over two days. We chose to stay overnight in Noto to be well-rested for the next leg of our trip through Sicily. For parking, you can leave your car at your hotel or Airbnb and explore the town on foot. Otherwise, there is plenty of free street parking space just outside of the historic center.
1. Town’s Gate: Porta Reale
2. Breakfast at Caffe Sicilia
Buon appetito!
Opening Hours: every day from 8 AM to 10 PM
Average spend per person: 3-10 €
3. View from San Carlo Church
Italian: Chiesa di San Carlo
Isn’t a panoramic view of the whole town the best way to start exploring new places? I think so, which is why our next stop in Noto is the San Carlo Church, located right next to Caffè Sicilia. This church, dedicated to San Carlo Borromeo, replaced an earlier one and was likely designed by Rosario Gagliardi as part of the town’s reconstruction following the 1693 Sicily earthquake.
While our main goal is to enjoy the magnificent view from the rooftop, the church’s interior is also worth exploring. Inside, you’ll find 18th-century altarpieces and marble statues sculpted by Giuseppe Giuliano, symbolizing faith and devotion.
Let’s climb the spiral staircase to the spacious terrace with its three bells. From there, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the entire historic center of Noto, offering a bird’s-eye view of the town’s stunning Baroque architecture.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (there might be seasonal changes in the working hours)
Ticket Price: while the entrance to the church is free, the ticket to the rooftop is 2.50 €.
4. Noto’s Town Hall
Italian: Palazzo Ducezio. Municipio di Noto
Palazzo Ducezio serves as Noto’s Town Hall and is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture. Built in the mid-18th century by architect Vincenzo Sinatra and named after the ancient Sicilian king Ducezio, the building’s neoclassical facade—with its symmetrical columns and grand arches—blends beautifully into Noto’s architectural landscape.
Inside, the Hall of Mirrors is the main highlight, featuring stunning frescoes and large mirrors, used for official ceremonies and receptions. A small rooftop terrace offers a charming view over Piazza del Municipio and Noto Cathedral.
Since San Carlo Church and the Town Hall are very close, their rooftops offer nearly the same panoramic views. I would personally choose San Carlo’s terrace for the view. Palazzo Ducezio is lovely to admire from the outside, making it worth a stop even without entering, though entry is inexpensive.
Opening hours: from 10 AM to 1:30 PM and from 2:30 PM to 7 PM.
Ticket Price: 3 € per person comprising the hall of mirrors and the terrace. Note that they accept payment only in cash.
5. Noto Cathedral
Italian: Cattedrale di San Nicolò
Noto Cathedral is a masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque architecture and one of Noto’s most iconic landmarks. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas, this grand cathedral stands prominently in Piazza del Municipio, facing Palazzo Ducezio. Originally built in the early 18th century as part of the city’s reconstruction after the devastating 1693 earthquake, the cathedral features a majestic staircase and a striking facade with Corinthian columns and decorative details typical of the Baroque style.
Inside, the cathedral is spacious, with a serene and minimalist decor that was restored following a partial collapse in 1996. The restored interior includes beautiful frescoes, altars, and artwork dedicated to the lives of saints.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM
Ticket Price: 2 €
6. Lunch at Modica di San Giovanni
Enjoy!
Opening Hours: 7 AM to 12 AM
Average spend per person: 30 €
7. Nicolaci Palace
Italian: Palazzo Nicolaci dei Principi di Villadorata
Palazzo Nicolaci is one of Noto’s treasures and a symbol of its rich artistic heritage. Once the noble residence of the Nicolaci family, this Baroque masterpiece, designed by Rosario Gagliardi, features 90 rooms and was built between 1720 and 1765.
The palace is renowned for its unique stone corbels depicting fantastical figures and animals. It has four floors: the ground floor for stables and storage; the first floor housing Baron Giacomo Nicolaci’s apartments; the upper floor for family members; and the attic for servants. Inside, you’ll find a neoclassical staircase leading to the main rooms, including the Tea Room with Oriental motifs and the grand Salon of Festivals, adorned with frescoes.
The palace also houses the Municipal Library, founded in 1817, containing thousands of books, Latin and Spanish manuscripts, and portraits of notable citizens.
Opening Hours: from 10 AM to 1:30 PM and from 3 PM to 5:30 PM.
Ticket Price: Palazzo Nicolaci is generally open to the public for 4 €, though seasonal closures may occur due to reconstruction work.
8. Municipal Theater Tina di Lorenzo
Italian: Teatro Comunale Tina di Lorenzo
Teatro Comunale Tina di Lorenzo is a beautiful example of Italian neoclassical theater architecture. Originally opened in 1870, this theater was named in honor of actress Tina di Lorenzo, a native of Noto renowned for her contributions to Italian theater in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The theater’s interior features intricate stucco work, a grand chandelier, and elegant balconies, creating an intimate and richly decorated space. It hosts a range of cultural events, including plays, concerts, and opera performances, drawing both locals and visitors into its historic ambiance. You can see the interior of the theater for 2 €
Opening Hours: from 9.30 AM to 12.00 PM and from 3.30 PM to 5 PM. The timing might have seasonal changes.
Ticket Price: 2 €
9. San Domenico Church
Italian: Chiesa di San Domenico
San Domenico Church in Noto stands as one of the town’s premier examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture, designed by the renowned architect Rosario Gagliardi and built between 1703 and 1727. Part of the Dominican monastery complex, its facade features ornate Baroque details, twisted columns, and curvilinear forms—hallmarks of Gagliardi’s style and considered among his masterpieces.
Inside, the church is designed in a Greek cross layout with five domed chapels that add to its grand spatial atmosphere. The interior blends marble, stucco, and precious religious artworks, including Madonna del Rosario by Vito d’Anna and San Domenico Receives the Holy Spirit, both from the 18th century. San Domenico Church is a must-see for visitors eager to immerse themselves in the Baroque elegance of Noto.
Opening Hours: 9 AM to 10 PM
Ticket Price: free
10. Aperitivo at Enoteca Val di Noto
In keeping with the great Italian tradition, it’s time for Aperitivo! Take a moment to relax and soak in the charming atmosphere of this wonderful town as you prepare for dinner.
We discovered a cozy wine bar near San Domenico Church. Grab a table in the spacious courtyard, order a glass of local wine, and perhaps a board of cured meats and cheeses. Share your impressions of the day and enjoy your well-deserved pause!
Opening Hours: 5 PM to 1 AM
Average price per person: 15-20 €
11. Dinner at Anche gli Angeli
This atmospheric restaurant, set in an old cellar within a Baroque building, is beautifully decorated and exudes charm. While it has a slightly upscale vibe, we definitely deserve to treat ourselves. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, as well as meat and vegetarian options. A sommelier is on hand to help you pair your meal with excellent local wines.
For starters, try the roasted octopus with braised red onion cream and saffron potatoes. For the main course, go for the tortelli stuffed with sheep’s ricotta on almond cream, parsley chlorophyll, and toasted almonds, with sage butter.
Be sure to reserve a table, as this popular spot can fill up quickly. Enjoy your meal!
Opening Hours: from 12 to 2:30 PM and from 6:30 PM to 1 AM
Average spend per person: 40-60 €
Transport and Moving Around
Noto is best reached by car. The town is quite small and easily walkable. For parking, you can leave your car at your hotel or Airbnb and explore the town on foot. Otherwise, there is plenty of free street parking space just outside of the historic center.
Noto is reachable by car:
- From Catania: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- From Syracuse: Around 45 minutes.
Summary
We’re confident that Noto will captivate you, and we hope this 1-day guide to Noto proves useful. While it’s possible to explore the entire town in a day, we recommend spending a night to enjoy a more relaxed pace and fully appreciate its beauty.
Although we’ve highlighted most of Noto’s landmarks, there are still other attractions to explore, such as the Roman Catholic Diocese of Noto and Chiesa di Santa Chiara. You can simply stroll through the charming streets of the historic center and enjoy the town’s peaceful atmosphere. Thank you for reading, and see you soon. Happy travels!
Syracuse is a must-stop on your journey from Catania to Noto. Be sure to check out our one-day guide to Syracuse!
While visiting Catania in Sicily, it’s only natural to make your next stop in Syracuse. This ancient town offers countless reasons to visit, including its important historical sites, stunning architecture, delicious food, and breathtaking scenery. So let’s explore the