Old Noto and Cava Carosello

Dettaglio

Did you know that there is another Noto, older than the late Baroque city, and completely surrounded by wilderness? We’re talking of ancient Neetum, a town perched on Mount Alveria. It has been an impregnable fortress throughout its history. The 1693 earthquake destroyed most of the Val di Noto and forced the city authorities to leave the old site and rebuild the town eight kilometres downstream, towards the sea. But the old Baroque town is still there: As if time has stood still.

The imposing city walls are waiting for you, once inside, you will see the remains of the Royal Castle with the Arms Hall and the stables. Also the ruins of the towers and the old prison (where you can see lots of graffiti and the sculptures carved by convicts) which are definitely worth a visit.

After a tour of the castle, you follow the path and can enjoy some free time in the nature. Along the way, you will feel like you’re on a journey through time and history, you can walk among remains from Greek times (Heroon and the Gymnasium), Byzantine catacombs and Jewish tombs.

Up to this point the route is quite easy. If you’re looking for adventure, nature and walks of medium difficulty, then you can head into the Carosello Quarry. Once here you can hear blackbirds whistling, the sound of rushing water and the smell of lesser calaminth. It is a true oasis for body and mind. If you go there during summer, you can swim and relax in one of the small lakes of the Asinaro River.

Along the river you can also admire the leather processing vats of the old medieval tanneries, which are still very well preserved.

Share this content!

LOCATION

DURATION

Distance

Difficulty

Places

Siracusa

AROUND

  • Unmissable flavors

    VEGETARIAN FOOD TOUR IN SICILY

    We know that life is about choices. One choice that has been very successful in recent times is the one [...]

  • Art and CultureArt in SicilyOutdoors

    STREET ART IN CATANIA, SIRACUSA AND RAGUSA

    Should graffiti be considered at the same level as modern art? Of course not: they are much more important. Banksy Street art [...]

  • TerritoryUnmissable flavors

    Southern Sicily wines

    You can't say that you have fully experienced Sicily if you haven't tasted its wines. A journey through the "sweet [...]