Legacy of a Town Destroyed by the 1693 Earthquake

Noto Antica, or "Old Noto," is the original settlement of the town of Noto, located in southeastern Sicily, Italy. This ancient town has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with origins in the early medieval period, though the area was inhabited by various civilizations even earlier, including the Sicels and Greeks. The most significant event in Noto Antica's history was the devastating earthquake of 1693. This earthquake, which was one of the most powerful ever recorded in Italy, destroyed much of southeastern Sicily, including Noto Antica. Following the earthquake, the decision was made to abandon the old town and rebuild Noto in a new location, a few kilometers to the south, which is now known as Noto. The remains of Noto Antica include ruins of the medieval town, such as the castle, city walls, churches, and various other structures. These ruins are now part of an archaeological park, where visitors can explore the remnants of the old town and learn about its history. The new Noto, often referred to simply as Noto, is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, which was largely built in the 18th century as part of the reconstruction efforts after the earthquake. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with other Baroque towns in the Val di Noto region.