Archaeological Park of Noto Antica

Beyond Baroque: Discovering Noto Antica

While the splendid Baroque Noto enchants tourists with its magnificence, a few kilometers away, another story awaits discovery. Perched on Mount Alveria, Noto Antica located on Mount Alveria offers a fascinating journey through time between history and nature. An archaeological site rich in the remains of the ancient city of Netum, destroyed by the 1693 earthquake, blends harmoniously with an unspoiled landscape. The landscape reveals its secrets to those who wish to venture beyond the beaten path.

A Dive into the Past: Between Archaeological Remains and Nature

Don’t expect monumental ruins or hordes of tourists. Noto Antica is an evocative place surrounded by unspoiled nature. Walking through deep gorges and Mediterranean vegetation, you will come across remains of walls, fortifications, medieval churches and rock dwellings. Here, where history has left its mark, you will be able to imagine the pulsating life of the ancient city, destroyed by the 1693 earthquake.

An Experience for All Tastes

Noto Antica is perfect route for those who like to explore unusual places and immerse themselves in history. An approximately two-hour trail will take you through the ruins, offering breathtaking views of southeastern Sicily. The trail is accessible to all, with some variations for the more experienced.

Advice for the Visit

• On your own or with a guide? For a more complete experience, we recommend that you book a guided tour. Experienced guides will reveal the secrets of Noto Antica and help you reconstruct its fascinating history.
• Getting there: Noto Antica is located about 8 km from Noto. Follow the signs for “Noto Antica” or “Alveria Park.”
• Where to park: Free parking is available at the entrance to the archaeological site.
• What to bring: Water, comfortable shoes and a hat for the sun.
• Useful Info: Admission to the site is free. For information on guided tours and opening hours, see the City of Noto website.

A Treasure to be Valued

In recent years, the municipal administration has begun to enhance this invaluable archaeological area. Work has been carried out to improve the usability of the site, and future projects promise further development.

An Invitation to Discovery

Noto Antica is a magical place where history and nature intertwine in a unique atmosphere. Come and discover this hidden treasure of Sicily and be won over by the charm of a forgotten past.

Site Map:

At the entrance to the archaeological area you will find a detailed map to help you find your way around the ruins.

What to See:

• Mountain Gate: The main entrance to Noto Antica, with its imposing fortifications.
• Medieval Quarter: Stroll through the remains of houses, churches and stores of the ancient city.
• Greek theater: A rock theater dating from the 4th century B.C., with a splendid view of the valley below.
• Church of St. Nicholas: The remains of this medieval church offer a fascinating glimpse into the religiosity of the time.

Ancient Noto

Located on Mount Alveria a few kilometers from present-day Noto, it offers a fascinating journey through time between history and nature. An archaeological site rich in the remains of the ancient city of Netum, destroyed by the 1693 earthquake, which blends harmoniously with an unspoiled landscape.

What to See:

• Mountain Gate:The entrance to the archaeological site, where the remains of medieval fortifications can be seen.
• Royal Castle:One of the best-preserved structures, dating from the 11th century and expanded over the centuries. Inside are the remains of a church and graffiti left by prisoners.
• Hospital and Church of St. Mary of Loreto:Remains from the 16th century, once used to care for the sick.
• Landolina Palace of Belludia:A 17th-century aristocratic palace, ruins of which remain as evidence of its sumptuousness.
• Jesuit Church and College:Vestiges of the 17th-century Jesuit complex, located in what was once the city’s main square.
• Greek Gymnasium and Fortifications:Remains from the Greek era, including a gymnasium with an inscription in Greek letters and fortifications with a panoramic view.
• Carmine Church:Ruins of a 16th-century church, with remains of columns and a burial area.
• Greek Heroa:Ancient areas dedicated to ancestor worship, dating back to Hellenistic times.
• Other Points of Interest:Carousel Quarry with Arab-era tanneries, Artichoke Cave (Jewish burial hypogeum) and Hundred Mouths Cave (early Christian catacomb).

After exploring the fascinating fortifications of Noto Antica, the dirt path will lead you inside the Alveria Park, an oasis of unspoiled nature. Please leave your car outside the park, as vehicle access is prohibited to preserve the environment and the integrity of the archaeological site.

The Royal Castle: A Fortress Witness to Centuries

Continuing along the main path, you will come across Noto Antica’s best-preserved monument: the Royal Castle. The remains of the main tower and a portion of the walls soar imposingly over the valley below, telling stories of battles, sieges and domination.

A Dive into the Past: In Search of Everyday Life

Built in the 11th century by the Normans and extensively remodeled over the centuries, the Royal Castle has taken on various functions, including that of royal residence, military fortress and even prison. Recent archaeological excavations, funded thanks to the Lotto game, have unearthed valuable artifacts and traces of the past.

Graffiti and Engravings: A Journey into Personal History

As you explore the castle walls, you will be confronted with a veritable stone book. Graffiti and inscriptions left by prisoners tell stories of daily life, hope and despair. Names, dates, crosses and galleon drawings will take you on a touching and unexpected journey through time.

On the Trails of the Sick and the Faith: Hospital and Church of St. Mary of Loreto

Continuing your walk, you will encounter on the left the remains of the Hospital and Church of Santa Maria di Loreto. The hospital, dating from the 16th century and run by the Fatebenefratelli Fathers, was a place of care and comfort for the sick of Noto. The attached church was dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto, to whom the townspeople were devoutly attached.

Thanks to numerous engravings and descriptions by ancient authors, it is possible to reconstruct with good approximation the plan of the ancient city of Noto and the location of the buildings that once animated it. An ideal journey to imagine the pulsating life that once took place within these walls.

Continuing along the main path of Noto Antica, you will immerse yourself in an evocative atmosphere, amid lush vegetation and layers of limestone hiding secrets of the past. The road winds sinuously, as typical of medieval towns, revealing unexpected glimpses and inviting you to explore every corner.

Landolina Palace of Belludia: A Symbol of Lost Magnificence

On the right, you will come across the ruins of Palazzo Landolina di Belludia, once one of the city’s most sumptuous aristocratic residences. Although the remains are fragmentary, they hint at the grandeur of yesteryear. Majestic staircases, elegant arches and mysterious corridors tell stories of opulence and refinement that disappeared with the 1693 earthquake.

Archaeological Excavations: Unveiling Hidden Treasures

Archaeological excavations, albeit partial, have unearthed finds of great interest, testifying to the architectural richness of Palazzo Landolina di Belludia. Fragments of frescoes, elaborate decorations and structural elements reveal the soul of a building that was once the beating heart of Noto Antica’s social life.

An Invitation to Imagination

As you explore the ruins of Belludia’s Landolina Palace, let your imagination run wild and imagine the life that animated this place. Footsteps echo on the ancient stones, voices echo within the skeletal walls, and the echo of feasts and banquets echo in the air. A journey through time that brings you closer to the history of Noto Antica and its timeless charm.

Ancient Noto: A Treasure to Discover

Noto Antica is a magical place where history and nature intertwine in a unique atmosphere. A real treasure to discover, full of charm and mystery. Let yourself be conquered by this journey through time and immerse yourself in the beauty of a past that still lives on in the ruins of this ancient city.

Useful Information:

• Getting There: Noto Antica can only be reached by car. From Noto, follow the SS287 in the direction of San Corrado di Fuori and Noto Antica.
• Parking: Free of charge at the entrance to the archaeological park.
• Ticket: Admission to the site is free.
• Hours: The site is always accessible.
• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The site is not equipped for the disabled.

Visiting Advice:

• Take your time: Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the atmospheric atmosphere of the archaeological site.
• Watch carefully: The details reveal the history and beauty of Noto Antica.
• Use your imagination: Imagine what the city was like in the past and the life that took place there.
• Respect the archaeological site: Do not touch the artifacts or leave traces of your passage.

What to see nearby:

The Arab Tanneries of Carousel Valley

An itinerary that combines a visit to Noto Antica with the discovery of the Arab tanneries of Valle Carosello. A route that allows you to immerse yourself in the history of the city, from its Greek origin to Arab domination, and to admire the naturalistic beauty of the valley.

What are you waiting for? Come and Discover Ancient Noto!

In addition to the text above, you can find as useful information to orient yourself the map of the archaeological site:

• Site Map: An interactive map of Noto Antica is available online to help visitors find their way around.
• Guided tours: Guided tours are available for a fee, offering a more in-depth understanding of the site.
• Regulations: It is important to respect the rules of the archaeological site, not to damage artifacts and not to leave trash.
• Website: For more information about Noto Antica, you can visit the official website of the Municipality of Noto.

Useful Information:

• Getting There: Noto Antica can only be reached by car. From Noto, follow the SS287 in the direction of San Corrado di Fuori and Noto Antica.
• Parking: Free of charge at the entrance to the archaeological park.
• Ticket: Admission to the site is free.
• Hours: The site is always accessible.
• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The site is not equipped for the disabled.

Visiting Advice:

• Take your time: Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the atmospheric atmosphere of the archaeological site.
• Watch carefully: The details reveal the history and beauty of Noto Antica.
• Use your imagination: Imagine what the city was like in the past and the life that took place there.
• Respect the archaeological site: Do not touch the artifacts or leave traces of your passage.

For any information on the regulations to be respected and advice on how to find suitable tour guides willing to accompany you to discover the archaeological site, we suggest you consult the website of the Municipality of Noto.