Noto

Perhaps the most picturesque of all the towns we've visited in Italy so far, Noto sits quietly and unassumingly 10km inland on the south eastern coast of Sicily. It is crammed with churches, and some of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture on the island. The original town was totally destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, and subsequently rebuilt by the noble families of the town in the favoured style of the day, Baroque. A similar story then to Napier, NZ, which was itself totally rebuilt following an earthquake in the style of the day (1930s), Art Deco. Funny how things of such beauty can be created out of such destruction.

Eric on the steps of the San Nicolo Cathedral

Detail of the bronze cathedral doors

Baroque facade of Chiesa del Collegio

The fabulous balconies of Palazzo Nicolaci di Villadorata

...in detail

...in more detail!

View of the cathedral from the rooftop of Chiesa del Colegio

We passed a leisurely afternoon wandering the streets, eating ice cream and soaking up the (manageable) heat. That evening we, together with the population of Noto and surrounding villages were treated to a most unexpected treat - a free performance of Italian comedic theatre on the steps of the cathedral. And time yet still for just one more treat before bedtime, taking part in the quintessential Italian ritual of passeggiata - the evening stroll...

Play on!

An enthralled audience on the steps of the cathedral

Checking out everyone's style during the passegiata

SJ