Southeastern Sicily’s Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto impress with the sophistication that we Americans imagine when conceptualizing a trip to Europe. When strolling through the “stone garden” city of Noto, for example, you may feel as if you’ve been transported to an enlightened era when you stand in the grandeur of its elegant 18th century cathedral and evocative, vast public spaces created for outstanding people-watching. Pictured here is the stately Palazzo Ducezio, Noto’s municipal hall, inspired by French palaces of the 17th century and completed in 1830. 
52 Reasons to Love Sicily | #41. European Grandeur and Stateliness
Southeastern Sicily’s Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto impress with the sophistication that we Americans imagine when conceptualizing a trip to Europe. When strolling through the “stone garden” city of Noto, for example, you may feel as if you’ve been transported to an enlightened era when you stand in the grandeur of its elegant 18th century cathedral and evocative, vast public spaces created for outstanding people-watching. Pictured here is the stately Palazzo Ducezio, Noto’s municipal hall, inspired by French palaces of the 17th century and completed in 1830. 
About the author
Allison Scola is founder, owner, and curator of Experience Sicily and the Cannoli Crawl. Named one of the experts for the 2019 New York Times Travel Show, Scola writes and lectures on Sicily and leads immersive tours and designs custom itineraries that delight discerning travelers. She has been featured on Rudy Maxa’s World with the Carey’s, America’s #1 Travel Radio Show and as the cannoli expert in the documentary Cannoli, Traditions Around the Table. Scola has lectured about Sicily at University of Pennsylvania, The New School, LIU Post University, Queens College, Westchester Italian Cultural Center, at high schools in the New York City metropolitan area, and at events in New York City.