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Nature’s tremendous force is no stranger to Sicily’s past. Innumerable settlements have been decimated by serial earthquakes, more specific by volcanic eruptions. Despite the damage that the island has suffered, things turned out to be rather positive. Subsequent restorations and reconstructions highlighted even more complex architecture and arts than the previous ones.

It is the case of Sicily’s Baroque City, Noto. The old settlement along with Catania and Syracuse were severely damaged during the 1693 earthquake. Restored from scratch, Noto was rebuilt according to the dominant style of those ages, the Baroque style. Noto Antica, the name that the town bore prior to the cataclysm, is the main character of a hectic history. Of Sicel origin, ancient Netum was won over by the Romans in 263 BCE. The Arabs conquered it in 866 and subsequently the Normans gained full prerogatives over the city, and during this period was turned into a strong economic player.

Noto is often alluded to several important characters, especially when referring to the 16th and 17th centuries. Amongst them, Giovanni Aurispa and architect Matteo Carnelivari built a certain notoriety to the city that later gained the attribute “ingenious city”. The earthquake destroyed the entire settlement but the future reserved a much more exciting evolution for Noto.

The architectural brightness can be outlooked while streaming on the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The Cathedral of Noto is a masterpiece but due to another earthquake the dome collapsed and hasn’t yet been restored. The Bishop’s Palace and the Town Hall are not far away from the Cathedral. The latter is hosted by Palazzo Ducezio, a token of the 1746 Neo-Classical style designed by Vincenzo Sinatra. The Piazza XVI Maggio is a wonderful choice for those who wish to study the beautiful façade of the Church of San Domenico from 1727 or the Villetta di Ercole with its statue of Hercules. The piece of art is thought to be a remnant of Noto Antico but it is not a unanimous opinion. The 1842 Vittorio Emmanuele Theater also makes an interesting sight.

Innumerable churches adorn the streets of Noto, revealing the masterpieces built subsequent to 1693. Of the ancient Noto, few traces can be observed. Starveling discoveries have been made and they concern three chambers cut into rock, four cemeteries of the Sicel period and one of Greek origins dating from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC.

What is wonderful about Noto is that it offers both splendid architecture and an exciting view on the local lifestyle. The locals are the proud creators of the Nero d’Avola wine which is thought to be the prince of Sicilian wines. The cuisine joins the complex wine culture in a realm of irresistible tastes.

Tourists are guaranteed an interesting journey through both historic and contemporary life, a wonderful gathering of features dating from times long gone and the pulse of the present life in this small, creative, eclectic city.