Noto Things to Do

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Teatro Vittorio Emanuele di Noto

Booking for the performances is available online or at the Ticket Office at the Theatre at the following times:

0930 - 1200 & 1530 - 1700

It is possible to have a viewing of the Theatre for a fee when there is no performance - I can't remember how much it was, possibly €5.

Lovely little shop selling all the tasty foodstuffs in jars and sealed packages.

Good for fish and vegetable products.

I see they also mail order.

The main outlet for the supplies is in Marzamemi, a little fishing town with a very lively summer season, popular with the Sicilians.

If you need any help with translation, don't hesitate to ask, I always need the practice!

Back in Piazza del Municipio or the main square at Corso, you will not miss the seat of government building, Palazzo Ducezio in Italian.
This one storey building has elegant facade with row of columns and flight of stairs in its centre. Its classical style has been designed by Sinatra (one of the main architects to rebuilt Noto after eathquake in 1693); it appears serious and orderly, with main architectural elements arranged in equal proportions - and if you look at any architecture, demands of elite are always reflected in appropriate styles. Its upper elevation has been added in 1950ies.

In evenings youngsters occupy its balconies, and people sit down on the stairs to face the cathedral on opposite side from good observation point...

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Here at Piazza XVI Maggio in the last section of corso you will notice fine public garden Viletta d'Ercole with statues and fountain named after Heracles dating back to 17th century. Most vegetation here is arranged in geometrical patterns and trimmed neatly in high fence. Few palm trees, pimes and oleander just add more Mediterranean feel in the landscape, an are all atriculated around the fountain. Here an there local bushes will stan out from behin these fences and in evenings, men will sith on the benches in front of garden and talk.

The church 'Chiesa di San Domenico' that stands above on the terrace has been build by Gagliardi and it is another fine baroque achitecture of Noto - with elegant convex facade, tall set of columns by each side of door making it appear more dynamic within square grid.
On the opposite to garden there's theatre building.

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Busiest street in Noto is Corso Vittorio Emanuele and here you'll find some true architectural jewels built in baroque fashion after devastating earthquaqe in 1693.

Main expression of Noto baroque architecture is Cathedral at Piazza Municipio; its main facade contains classical details and has two bell towers. It was completed in 1770'ies probably under architect Gagliardi - construction peroid extend from 1703 - 1776. There is impressive three ramp staircase in front of cathedral which gets busy in evenings when people sit down and relax. It is good place here to watch activity on corso.

Cathedral's original dome collapsed in 1996, 6 years after another earthquaqe shaked Noto and has been restored in similar style and material - it can be perfeclty seen from behind of building so make sure you take narrow streets towards the hilltop to catch some wonderful views.

The neo-classical church and convent of the Holy Savior dates from 1703, the Church of San Francesco from 1745, the latter at the top of a splendid wide stairway whose steps curve all the way up to the entrance.

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The third weekend in May every year the city of Noto is home to the colourful street of flower 'mosaics'; pictures made out of flower petals and seeds.

17 / 18 / 19 May 2013

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An Exhibition of Genius

5 April 2013 - 30 June 2013

Opening hours: Closed Monday

0930 - 1300 & 1700 - 2000

Interesting exhibition