A city born from stone and courage

Noto Cathedral is inseparable from the reconstruction of the city after the 1693 earthquake. Architecture, faith and civic memory come together in a story spanning more than three centuries.

On 11 January 1693, a devastating earthquake destroyed ancient Noto and many towns of the Val di Noto. The old city was abandoned and reconstruction began on a new site, opening the way to an extraordinary urban experiment.

In less than a century, the new Noto rose according to a rational urban plan of straight streets, open squares, churches and palaces. The Cathedral became the spiritual focus of the new city and of its Baroque language.

During the nineteenth century the Cathedral was enlarged and enriched. The great dome completed the monumental profile that became one of the most recognisable images of Noto.

At dawn on 13 March 1996 the dome collapsed, bringing down part of the transept and nave. No one was killed. The event deeply marked the city and immediately began a long and complex reconstruction process.

Eleven years of work brought together architects, engineers and restorers. The challenge was to rebuild the Cathedral while preserving its historical identity and introducing hidden structural solutions able to improve seismic safety.

On 26 June 2007 the Cathedral reopened its doors. The reopening became the visible sign of the rebirth of a monument and of the determination of an entire community.

In 2002 the historic centre of Noto was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with seven other late-Baroque towns of the Val di Noto. The recognition celebrates an exceptional architectural and urban ensemble.