Baroque Sicily is like an immense treasure chest filled with priceless architectural and historical-cultural treasures. And the heart of this casket is represented by the Val di Noto and by these eight countries. Each of which is an authentic jewel of Sicilian baroque.
What to do and what to see
- Caltagirone. The country of ceramics and the splendid staircase offers several examples of Baroque architecture, to be discovered walking through the streets of the town.
- Catania. A city with many souls but the baroque one is probably the best known and most evocative. In Catania you can admire authentic masterpieces such as the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the Elephant fountain.
- Militello in Val di Catania. Small village located between Catania, Caltagirone and Syracuse, Militello in Val di Catania is dotted with many churches in Baroque style, and is embellished by the castle Barresi-Branciforte, the fountain of the Ninfa Zizza, the Norman tower and numerous buildings.
- Modica. The famous (and exquisite) Modica chocolate will make your walk through the narrow streets, squares and Baroque palaces of Modica even more special.
- Palazzolo Acreide. The church of San Paolo and the medieval castle, standing on Palazzolo Acreide, also represent the most significant symbols.
- Noto. Of course, the village that gives its name to the entire valley could not be missing: from the cathedral to Palazzo Nicolaci, from the Agliastrello district to the ancient Noto, you will make a sort of little journey back in time.
- Ragusa. To be precise, we are talking about Ragusa Ibla, which will give you monuments such as the cathedral of San Giorgio and the church of Santa Maria dell’Itria.
- Scicli. Finally, the tour of the villages of the Val di Noto is completed by Scicli, dominated by the imposing bulk of the church of San Matteo, located on the homonymous hill.
Beaches
Baroque architecture will certainly play an important role but, for this little holiday in Val di Noto, you do not want to deprive yourself of the pleasure of enjoying a sea and a coastline that do not have comparisons. We can easily accommodate you, as from the Val di Noto you can reach some of the most beautiful beaches of eastern Sicily, such as San Lorenzo and Isola delle Correnti.
How to get
The best starting point to visit all eight villages in the Val di Noto? Surely Catania, and to get there you just have to book a place on one of the ferries to Sicily. Also remember to embark a vehicle (car, motorbike or camper), so you can move in total freedom.
Image source: Di Davide Mauro – Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72804475
