From ancient times to Baroque: Palazzolo Acreide and Noto

Today you are greeted at Ragusa hotel and departure to Akrai (Admission fee not included: Euro 4,00 per person).
This city was founded by Greeks in 664 BC and has a small amphitheatre and the remains of a 6th century BC temple dedicated to Aphrodite, as well as a series of stone figures dedicated to the goddess Sibyl. The old city was probably destroyed by the Arabs, in the first half of the 9th century and every trace of the ancient town was lost for centuries. The new city was built around a Norman castle, no longer extant. An earthquake in 1693 destroyed almost all of the city, which was slowly rebuilt in the following centuries under the name “Palazzolo Acreide“. Here, the late original Baroque style of architecture blends with 19th and early 20th century architecture.

Then you will proceed to Noto. The history of Noto prior to the 1693 quake belongs to the old town, now called “Noto Antica” and known in antiquity as “Netium”. The remains of Noto’s early inhabitants are almost entirely hidden beneath the ruins of the mediaeval town. Today Noto is considered among the main masterpieces in the Sicilian baroque style.

Later back to Ragusa. Both towns you have visited today, Palazzolo Acreide and Noto, belong to the UNESCO heritage list since 2002.

This tour is operated with English speaking Driver.
Licensed local guide is not included.

TOUR DETAILS & BOOKING INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: RAGAKRAI