Gorgeous Gelati in Baroque Sicily - Noto Italy

Built on a hill a few miles from the sea, Noto is the apogee of Sicilian Baroque. Much of its charm lies in its limestone buildings, their colors changing from gold to apricot depending on the light. Sicily has been defined as a place where “doing nothing is not seen as a waste of time, where people still eat jasmine ice cream” – and Noto, on a summer evening, is a fine place to do both.

Astonishing Baroque stonework supports the balconies of the Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata in Noto

In the wake of the terrible earthquake of 1693 that devastated Sicily, the ruined hill town of Noto was completely reconstructed, building by building, on a flatter location closer to the sea. Through the 18th century this became an enormous construction site run by the prominent architects of the day. Today, the town’s Baroque architecture is unique in Sicily and, after substantial restoration, its long-decaying buildings are being revealed in all their glory. The steps that lead up to the cathedral from Largo Landolina are a good place to start a tour of the town’s voluptuous palazzi and grandiose churches, replete with ornamental detail.
Designed specifically to include vistas of the surrounding countryside, Noto’s urban plan was people-friendly and still works well today. Steps lead to the upper part of town and breathtaking views. One of the most popular tourist activities in Noto is just to wander the picturesque streets, taking in golden stone buildings with their handsome facades and elegant balconies, and enjoying spectacular vistas. The other favorite pastime for visitors – and locals – is to savor the delicious gelato (ice cream) and almond sweetmeats for which the town has become famous.