Top Things to do in Val di Noto
What to do and see in Val di Noto, Sicily: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Val di Noto, Italy including Basilica Catedrale Sant'Agata V.M. Catania, Piazza Duomo, A' Piscaria Mercato del Pesce, St. Nicholas Cathedral, Giardini Iblei, Duomo di San Giorgio, Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte, Chiesa di San Pietro, Chiesa di San Giorgio, Orto Botanico dell'Universita di Catania.
Restaurants in Val di Noto
1. 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!
2. Piazza Duomo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,939 reviews
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
Catania's Piazza del Duomo is definitely the center of the city and probably also its most beautiful square. Besides the Duomo it is surrounded by various attractive buildings like the Palazzo dei Elefanti, which on its backside touches the Piazza Università. Opposite of it, to the south, is the Seminario dei Chierici with - attached to it - the Porta Uzeda. In the center of the square is the city's symbol, a fountain with an elephant surmounted by an obelisk. There are usually plenty of people in the piazza, many obviously using it as a meeting point.
3. A' Piscaria Mercato del Pesce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 769 reviews
Reviewed By NormanLewis - Great Torrington, United Kingdom
The daily fish-market in Catania is right behind the fountain on the edge of the Piazza Duomo and is a combination of food market and street theatre. At its centre are the many stalls selling an enormous range of fish, shell fish and cephalopods (squid, octopus, cuttlefish) many of which are not easily identified. The vendors try to out do each other with a vocal performance designed to attract customers and many people line the raised terrace above the outdoor part of the market just to watch this display. The quality of the fish is excellent - although prices can be high. but you get what you pay for. In the surrounding streets are many other stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables; and others where butchers wield huge hatchets dismembering all sorts of meats or extremely sharp knives to slice the meats incredibly thin which seems to be the preferred cut in Sicilian cuisine. Some of the sights can be a bit off-putting to English sensibilities – especially the vast amounts of offal – but that’s the joy of experiencing other cultures. Highly recommend a visit - in fact, we detoured through the fish market even on days when we didn’t need to buy anything, just for the sights and sounds of an excellent market.
4. 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.
5. Giardini Iblei
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 746 reviews
Reviewed By AlanS656 - Glen Iris, Australia
Half expecting a light toned suited Sicilian to walk out of one of the adjoining buildings [like in the Godfather films] this little garden is an oasis in the far end of this town. No, it's not the best garden in the world, but boy is it memorable with the dry desolate surrounding hills and valleys, and this green Italianette garden with stone paths and shading trees in this gorgeous town.
6. 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.
7. Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,086 reviews
Reviewed By traveltheglobe0919 - Singapore, Singapore
What a sight to behold! 142 beautiful ceramic encrusted steps, each a masterpiece of its own. Lovely motifs of knights, flowers, dancers, geometric patterns, etc. Turn left somewhere about 30 steps midway and you’ll find a beautiful ceramic wall tucked away from public view. Caltagirone is such a charming little town and I think it deserves at least half a day to explore the streets and galleries with artisans working on their craft. We were enroute to Piazza America and it was a pity that we could only make a brief stop.
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. Orto Botanico dell'Universita di Catania
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By AlecG92 - London, United Kingdom
These are lovely botanical gardens, great selection of plants, succulents and palms as well as many native Sicilian plants. A good option to fill 30-45mins of pleasant strolling, and nice that it is free of charge so you don’t feel like you need to stay a long time
