Cattedrale di San Nicolò

Has to be one of the most monumental cathedrals in the world. Noto has a unique ambiance that makes it a must see when in Sicilia

We visited the Cathedral of Noto and were truly impressed. Getting there was very easy – it’s about an hour’s drive from Catania on a smooth and convenient highway. Parking was no problem at all, we even found a free spot right next to the cathedral, which was a big plus. The cathedral itself is located right in the heart of the city, just as you’d expect. While there were some tourists around, it wasn’t overly crowded like in Taormina, which made the visit much more pleasant. The cathedral is stunning from the outside, but equally impressive inside – and best of all, admission is free. It’s definitely worth a visit, whether as part of a day trip or even just a half-day tour, since Noto is not a very large town. Still, there are several beautiful sights to explore, and the cathedral alone makes the trip more than worthwhile.

Noto Cathedral, also known as Cattedrale di San Nicolò, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Noto, Sicily, Italy. Dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, it’s a prime example of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Construction began in the early 18th century after the 1693 earthquake and was completed in 1776. The cathedral features a stunning limestone façade with two bell towers, a monumental staircase, and a central bronze portal depicting scenes from Saint Conrad Confalonieri’s life. Its dome collapsed in 1996 due to structural issues from a 1990 earthquake but was rebuilt, and the cathedral reopened in 2007. The interior, with a Latin cross layout, houses Saint Conrad’s relics and modern frescoes. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.

Warm Noto stone facade on the outside and inside a space of calm contemplation. By far the most spiritual and reflective church I have visited in Sicily. Don’t miss the Pentecost painting in the cupola.

The Noto Cathedral is the magnificent centerpiece of Noto, dominating the main square and serving as the city's undisputed Baroque showstopper. Its immense staircase and towering façade are incredibly impressive, but the real magic happens at sunset or late afternoon. As the sun begins to dip, the warm, honey-colored limestone of the cathedral is illuminated by a deep golden light, making the entire structure seem to glow. This is the absolute best time to visit and photograph this stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture. We took the advice to sit on the grand staircase for almost 30 minutes, and it was the perfect decision. The steps provide natural seating where you can relax, people-watch, and simply absorb the beauty of the city, all while enjoying the incredible view of the Duomo and the surrounding piazza bathed in that beautiful evening light. It’s a moment of pure, tranquil enjoyment. While the interior is also beautifully restored and worth seeing, the power of this cathedral lies in its exterior presence and its integration into the stunning urban landscape of Noto. It is an unmissable experience.

The cathedral is absolutely beautiful, although the whole of Noto deserves a mention. The architecture is stunning and a lot of work has obviously gone into restoring and maintaining it. Unlike other places in Sicily there is a real effort to keep the city clean and appealing. I can highly recommend a visit, although if beautiful places of worship are your main interest, my (now no longer) secret tip and absolute favourite is Cattedrale Palazzolo Acreide in the mountains between Francofonte and Modica. There is none more beautiful.

The cathedral sits beautifully at the top of the main staircase and is one of the highlights of Noto’s baroque architecture. The facade is grand and elegant, and the interior, while simpler, still feels impressive thanks to the height and the soft light coming through the windows. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re walking through the historic center. The view of the cathedral from the bottom of the steps is especially striking.

The facade and side towers of the Cattedrale di San Nicolò or Duomo in Noto on Sicily, Italy, overlook the city. The cathedral's dome collapsed during a thunderstorm in 1996 but has since been rebuilt. The central nave bears a 20th century painting of the Assumption of the Madonna and the four cardinal virtues. The cathedral contains a wooden cross made by Italian artist Elia Li Gioi from fragments of migrant boats collected on nearby beaches.

Please visit the lovely romantic baroque town of Noto and it's famous landmark the Basilica Di San Nicolo. Dating back to the time after the devastating earthquake in the 1600s this basilica has undergone several rescontstructive facelifts. Most recently in the 1990s when another earthquake struck. The basilica was only recently opened to the public in 2007. Frescos, columns and a beautiful dome and staircase that leads you to the giant doors of the basilica is only the icing on the cake. A beautiful place to worship and pray.