Noto is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary architecture absolutely homogeneous and unitary, due to the unit of space and time in which the new city was built after the earthquake in 1693. The urban structure of the city is set on a regular orthogonal plan of axial parallels, the main street being Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
 S. francis church |
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The Church of S. Francis designed by Vincenzo Sinatra, the Benedictine Monastery, and the annexed church of Saint Chiara; an elliptical plan designed by Rosario Gagliardi introduces the central square of the city, an authentic baroque jewel that widens to the flight of steps leading to the spectacular facade of the Cathedral.
 Ducezio Palace |
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The Ducezio Palace (currently the town hall) is located opposite the cathedral. To be admired are the rich decorative particulars of the noble palaces with their impressive facades, the most beautiful are those close to the Cathedral that they almost create a framework, the Palace of S. Alfano, and the Palace of Nicolaci di Villadorata. For it’s beauty and uniqueness Noto has been declared “Heritage of Mankind” by UNESCO.
