Siracusa - Day Trip to Noto

Noto is labeled the preeminent "Baroque Town" as it was completely rebuilt in the Baroque Style by its wealthy residents after a devastating earthquake in 1693, although fifteen kilometers away from the destroyed town now just piles of rubble. And to us, it lived up to its reputation.

We had a choice to take train or bus to/from Noto, We chose bus as the times were earlier and more frequent, and the bus station in Noto is in Historic Centro while the train station is a few kms away.

The bus stop in Noto is just meters away from the Western Gate or Porta Reale. This would prove crucial for our return as we rushed in the rain to catch the bus, and made it, even though it pulled out 3 minutes early. Whew!


Many of the Baroque buildings are along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, including the Duomo.


Noto was rebuilt on a grid plan on the side of a hill so many of the up-down "streets" are stairs.


Some of buildings have very Baroque balconies.


But just off the Corso was this Art Nouveau doorway.


And another up by the prison.


The interior of the Church of Santissimo Salvatore, which used to have an adjacent nunnery.


And some views of Noto from its roof.