NOTO
On the Southern margins of
Sicily and on the slopes of the Monti Iblei (Iblei Hills),
is where Noto is situated, one of the Baroque capitals of
the islands and a definite stopping point to learn more about
this architectonic style.
Today’s Noto, was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake,
which almost completely destroyed the ancient habitation,
which was situated on the Alveria Hills. Here, the Castelluccio
culture flourished (17th-15th Century) and also that of the
Finocchitto (8th-7th BC), now testified by numerous Necropolis.
The City then knew a period of development under the Syracusan
tyrant Lerone II, who, after having stipulated an agreement
with the Romans, guaranteed a period of peace and development
in Western Sicily.
During the Roman era, Noto became a federate City and was
then conquered by the Arabs (866).
After experiencing domination by the Normans, the Swabians
and the Aragonese, Noto began and continued to develop, finally
becoming one of the richest centres of the island. The earthquake
of 1693 completely destroyed it.
Its reconstruction gave employment to many, including architects,
mathematicians and engineers of the time, but the pomp and
splendour of ancient times could not be relived, also due
to the loss of importance given it by comparison with neighbouring
Syracuse.
The 1990 earthquake further shook up the City’s economy.
One can still admire the remains of the Castle, the Chiesa
Madre and the Hellenistic City from ancient Noto.
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