Noto - Capital of the Baroque architecture in Sicily
UNESCO heritage site since 2002, Noto is a charming town in the South-East of Sicily full of style, art and light renowned for the amazing Baroque architectural style of city center. The origin of the ancient Noto (Neai) date back to XVIII-XV century b.C. with human settlements of the Neolithic Age and then to V century b.C. with the foundation of the town by the Siculo king Ducezio in the higlands Alveria. The town was conquered first by the Greeks from Siracusa and then by the Romans who gave the name of Netum. After the Roman empire period Noto followed the main historical events of most of the Sicilian cities until nowaday. The terrible heartquake of 1693 destroyed the ancient Noto on the mount Alveria and caused over 1000 death. The town was rebuilt 10 km away on the hill Meti where it is located now. The construction of the new town followed the late Baroque architectural style of XVIII century, which characterizes the current beautiful city centre. Visiting Noto is very relaxing walking tour for the quiteness, the architectural and artistic beauties present everywhere, the streets and the light. The typical local beige limestone used for the buildings, together with the restful colours used for doors, windows and decorations spreads in the streets and the alleys a particular light, an alluring atmosphere which invites the visitors to slow down and enjoy simply by looking around. Every corner is a seductive appeal for photography and portraits to keep as memory of beauty. The nearby area includes aso a number of interesting historical and natural attraction that make Noto interesting for a stay: Avola, Palazzolo Acreide, Cava Grande, Lido di Noto, Natural Reserve Vendicari with sandy beaches and bays, Marzamemi, Isle of Portopalo... Local people natural kindness and friendliness, together with the variety of typical restaurants, taverns, street food, artisan pastry shops, wine bars and nature make Noto another attractive experience to discover in Sicily.
Siracusa - the largest ancient Greek City of "Magna Grecia"
UNESCO heritage site since 2002, Siracusa is a historical town in the South-East coast of Sicily renowned for beauty, art, culture and charme. Its long history date back over the XV century b.C. with Siculi settlements of the Neolithic, but is the arrival of the the Corinthians settlers coming from Greece in 733 b.C. that gives birth to one of the greatest cities of the Greek and Roman ancient world. Siracusa has cross through all the historical epochs over the centuries until nowadays. Particularly the isle Ortigia, the historical city centre, a real open living museum inside narrow streets and alleys, shows this heritage with monuments, ancient remains, churches, houses, buildings of different architectural style and historical periods pre and after 1693, the date of the terrible earthquake that struck many towns in the South-East of Sicily. Duomo Santa Lucia, Badia Santa Lucia (Caravaggio painting), Fonte Aretusa, Fort Maniace are just some of the history and art attractions. Visiting Siracusa and the surrounding areas means a walking tour through history, art and culture: from Ortigia, the charming city centre still pulsing of life, lights, colours, smells of street food, shops, restaurants, taverns, wine bars, traditional pastry shops, and the museums of "Pupi" (Puppets), Papyrus, Palazzo Bellomo... to the archaeological parks of Neapolis and Eurialo Castle, the Catacumbs of San Giovanni...and the natural reserves of Plemmiro and Vendicari, together with many other attractions to seduce and capture the visitors as an alluring invitation to come back again for an unforgettable holidays experience.
Siracusa and Noto - day excursion
Noto
Walking tour - Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the Main Street
- Royal Gate Ferdinandea
- Church San Francesco dell'Immacolata
- Church Santissimo Salvatore
- Palace Ducezio, the City Hall
- Cathedral San Nicolo'
- Palace Nicolaci
- Church San Domenico
- Theatre Vittorio Emanuele
Siracusa
Option A - Walking tour - Isle of Ortigia Heart of Siracusa
- Duomo Santa Lucia
- Church Santa Lucia Badia
- Fonte Aretusa, water spring with papyrus
- Temple of Apollo
- Charming streets and alleys with historical remains and typical restaurants, taverns, wine bars...
Option B - Visit - Archaeological Park Neapolis (local guide available on demand)
- Greek Theatre
- Ear of Dionysius
- Ara (altar) of Ierone II
- Roman Amphitheatre
NOTE: because of the limited time for cruise passengers visit in Siracusa is available only option A or B.
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