Among the palaces and mansions your eye will be drawn to in the Piazza Municipio is the magnificent Noto Cathedral. Be dazzled by the stunning white dome and towers of the exterior and an array of superb frescoes and artworks within.
Stand in front of Noto Cathedral and admire the symmetrical columns, shallow-peaked roof and turrets of the golden limestone façade. Flanking the main entrance are two huge bell towers surrounded by statues of saints carved from bright white plaster. Like most of the buildings in Noto, the cathedral was built during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is regarded as one of the town’s finest examples of Baroque architecture.
Stroll to the back of the square, close to the Palazzo Ducezio. Here you will begin to see the huge dome looming high above the cathedral’s exterior. The original dome collapsed almost six years after an earthquake in 1990, but it was rebuilt in 2007 mainly using materials from the wreckage of the original. Gaze up at the high white peak to appreciate one of the most iconic of Noto’s landmarks.
Three flights of stairs take you up to the cathedral’s main entrance. Once inside, appreciate the light, airy feel created by the high ceilings and abundance of windows. The design is intentionally minimalistic, but you will notice a few pieces of art as you make your way around. Pass beneath the dome to discover frescoes adorning the ceiling at the back of the cathedral. These intricate paintings depict important Biblical scenes.
Find the Cathedral of Noto in the Piazza Municipio, close to the town center. It is open every day and has a small admission fee. Walk to the cathedral from most places in Noto or utilize the public buses.
