Admire the Palazzo Ducezio’s grand façade with its high arches and perfect Baroque-style symmetry. Step inside and marvel at the palatial furnishings and the famous hall of mirrors.
Stroll through the wide Piazza Municipio. Even among the many fine churches and mansions, your eye will be drawn to the superb façade of the Palazzo Ducezio. Eleven high arches topped with statuettes are lined in perfect symmetry, with a curved central staircase leading up to the main door.
Try to spot the difference in architectural styles between the first and second floors. When the building was designed in the 18th century, local architect Vincenzo Sinatra intended it to be a single-story palace. The second floor was not added until the 1950s. The palace has served as the seat of Noto’s town council ever since.
Head inside to visit the palace’s most famous room, the hall of mirrors. Notice the lavish furnishings, such as red velvet chairs and stools, all reflected in several gilt-edged mirrors around the walls. Look to the ceiling and you’ll see superb 19th-century frescoes representing important religious events. The most impressive of these, the trompe l’oeil, is in the very centre of the ceiling. This depicts a golden chariot being pulled by horses and accompanied through the clouds by several cupids.
Step back outside and take a seat on the steps for a great view back across the square toward the cathedral. This is also a popular place to sit in the evenings. Come here with a bottle of wine to watch the evening light glowing on the sand-colored stone façades of the other palaces.
The Palazzo Ducezio is located opposite the Noto Cathedral in the Piazza Municipio. There is a small admission fee, although this is covered with one of Noto’s multi-attraction passes. The palace is featured in city tours. Ask at the tourism office in town to arrange a local guide.
