Top Things to do in Val di Noto
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What to do and see in Val di Noto, Sicily: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Discover the best top things to do in Val di Noto, Italy including Mulino ad Acqua - Museo Cavallo d'Ispica, A Rutta ri Ron Carmelu, Basilica Catedrale Sant'Agata V.M. Catania, Palazzo Biscari, Chiesa di San Nicolo All'Arena, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Duomo di San Giorgio, Chiesa di San Pietro, Chiesa di San Giorgio, Monastero dei Benedettini.
Restaurants in Val di Noto
1. Mulino ad Acqua - Museo Cavallo d'Ispica
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 437 reviews
The watermill “Cavallo d’Ispica” is an original piece of jewellery of rural art of the 18th century, situated on the northern part of the archaeological valley of Cava d’Ispica, few kilometres from Modica, centre of hyblean baroque as well as hometown of poet Quasimodo and famous for its renowned chocolate.
Reviewed By CeriWilliams123 - London, United Kingdom
We loved our visit to Mulino ad Acqua. Each unique space gives you a great insight into the history of the area and how people lived there. Seeing the mill in action and operated the latest in many generations of millers who have worked there is really fascinating.
2. A Rutta ri Ron Carmelu
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By shionapenrake - London, United Kingdom
My dad's girlfriend is Italian and she booked the visit and translated for the owner. I was amazed that the grotto kept a steady temperature for winter and for summer so the grotto was surprisingly warm and cosy despite the chilly winter wind outside. The owner gave us a thorough tour of the place and showed us all kinds of interesting things, from the photos of the grotto families, to the inventive toys that the children used to play, to his son's beautiful artwork that was up for sale. The owner was especially excited talking to us as I was filming with my DSLR and he was eager to have a video of his grotto aiming for an English audience. I was promised to send him a link when I finish it so wish me luck on it!
3. Basilica Catedrale Sant'Agata V.M. Catania
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,857 reviews
Reviewed By ArmyRangeratMIT - Wayne, United States
The city of Catania is a wonderful afternoon visit, with parking quite easy right outside the piazza… Heading towards the cathedral you see the iconic statue in the middle of the piazza that quite often symbolizes all of Sicily… Plenty of pictures can be had here and you can walk in almost any direction to find shops and stores… And of course the cathedral looks beautiful in the afternoon sun whether or not you go inside or just enjoy the beauty! Pick a spot to have a bite to eat and enjoy your glass of wine and your good luck finding a lovely afternoon in Catania!
4. Palazzo Biscari
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
The most important private palace in Catania and precious testimony of the Sicilian baroque. The frescoed halls, full of charm and elegance, represent a splendid setting for concerts, meetings, receptions, gala evenings, fashion shows.
Reviewed By Carolbike - White Salmon, United States
The owner is an excellent story teller about the original prince and his family, bringing the history of this well-maintained palazzo to life. It was very interesting.
5. Chiesa di San Nicolo All'Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 212 reviews
Reviewed By ludortravel - Iasi, Romania
It is an astonishing piece of architecture in terms of both size, architectural solutions and emotional impact. It includes also a memorial of the fallen soldiers and not only. The entrance is free and a paid guided tour is available.
6. St. Nicholas Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 957 reviews
Reviewed By Ana_L_23 - Navan, Ireland
Beautiful building, and one of the best views to the palace across. The interior is also very beautiful.
7. Duomo di San Giorgio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Reviewed By Elena257 - Timisoara, Romania
This church is one of a kind. It dominates the square. Inside you will see the only church having curtains hanged between the columns. You can also have a small tour if the old church destroyed after earthquake.
8. Chiesa di San Pietro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 552 reviews
Reviewed By 648AnaC - Haz-Zebbug, Malta
A beautiful Church, very well kept! It was a short visit and we could not appreciate all the art it contains! Deserves another visit!
9. Chiesa di San Giorgio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,204 reviews
Reviewed By SallyF906 - Northampton, United Kingdom
Situated halfway between the upper and lower town, the impressive tower can be seen from large parts of the town. The cathedral which is dedicated to St George was built on the site of a 13th century church and the current building was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. The church is reached by an impressive flight of steps from the main road through the town - wear flat shoes for the climb. Inside is very ornate and you go up the tower for an extra charge of 2 euros.There is a silver ark which contains the earthly remains of the saint whose statue is on display in a side chapel - this is paraded through the town in great celebrations on St George's Day.On the floor in front of the altar is an elliptical sundial and also the geographical co-ordinates of the church. Obviously a very popular venue for weddings so it may be closed for a ceremony even though it is within opening times which are 9-1 and 3.30-7 - if you are staying in the town, your hotel may be able to advise.
10. Monastero dei Benedettini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,221 reviews
Il Monastero di San Nicolo l'Arena di Catania (#monasterocatania), gioiello del tardo barocco siciliano e tra i complessi benedettini piu' grandi d'Europa. L'edificio monastico, che nasce nel '500 e si sviluppa fino ai giorni nostri, e' un esempio di integrazione architettonica tra le epoche: contraddistinto da molteplici trasformazioni oggi e' patrimonio mondiale dell'Unesco. Sede del DiSUM (dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche) dell'Universita' degli Studi di Catania, custodisce al suo interno due domus romane, i chiostri e un intero piano costruito da G. B. Vaccarini sopra il banco lavico del 1669. Dal 2010 Officine Culturali, in collaborazione con l'Universita degli Studi di Catania, si occupa della valorizzazione del Monastero dei Benedettini. Il Monastero e' considerato uno dei beni culturali piu' significativi del meridione d'Italia. La missione assunta da Officine Culturali consiste nel rendere accessibile e comprensibile il Monastero nel migliore dei modi e al maggior numero di persone possibile. A tal scopo Officine Culturali ha attivato un'offerta di fruizione variegata e dinamica. Attraverso il servizio di visite guidate giornaliero e' possibile conoscere gli aspetti piu' significativi dell'ex plesso monastico. I percorsi guidati per i piu' piccoli sono arricchiti dai laboratori, dove la narrazione delle "arti e mestieri" benedettini e' svolta in maniera creativa e divertente da professionisti della didattica dell'arte, dell'architettura, delle tradizioni e delle scienze. Oltre al quotidiano svolgimento delle attivita' di promozione, valorizzazione, informazione e accoglienza, Officine Culturali e' promotrice di iniziative ed eventi culturali e di intrattenimento, finalizzati a rendere il Monastero uno spazio di integrazione e aggregazione per la collettivita'.
Reviewed By Baspall - Salamina, Greece
The tour of the monastery takes around 1.5 hours and gives you the opportunity to learn the very interesting history that comes with it. We took the tour in English language presented by Nicola... He was exceptional.
