Discovering the secrets of Noto 

Discovering the capital of Baroque
An extraordinary experience of Baroque beauty and typical Sicilian delicacies, starting from the Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, and arriving in the radiant city of Noto, the jewel in the crown of the island’s south-eastern beauty. As soon as you reach this destination, you will immediately understand why this city enjoys so much fame and has such a prestigious reputation. Strolling through its ornate streets, visitors will encounter majestic staircases crowned by Baroque-style churches and lavish squares built with the local white and pinkish stone. The balconies and facades of the aristocratic residences will draw visitors’ eyes skyward in search of the most striking details.

Breakfast in the magnificent halls of the Marquises of Castelluccio
The visit to Noto will begin with a sumptuous breakfast in the ancient Palazzo Castelluccio, exclusively before it opens to the public: dating back to the 18th century and returned to its former glory following restoration work in 2011, this building belonged to one of the oldest Sicilian families of Noto, the Di Lorenzo, marquises of Castelluccio. It is now considered one of the most beautiful Baroque residences in Sicily with its splendid frescoes, trompe l’oeil, gilded candelabra and urns, and even a rare leopard-print tile floor.
 
A unique view of Via Nicolaci from the balcony of Palazzo Modica
Continuing your walk through the picturesque streets of Noto, you will then reach Palazzo Modica, from where you will enjoy a unique view of Via Nicolaci, famous for the annual “Infiorata” flower festival during which the steps are transformed every year into a celebratory flower garden. This private noble residence, once owned by the powerful Nicolaci family, will welcome guests for a lunch consisting of local specialties and fine wine, while Alessandro Modica, the family’s last heir, will tell the story of his ancestors and will introduce guests to the secrets of Noto inside this ancient city residence.

Exclusive access to the blue world of Sergio Fiorentino
After relishing in typical Sicilian dishes, the doors will open to the fascinating atelier of the painter Sergio Fiorentino from Catania, located inside what used to be a refectory in the 18th century. The artist will offer private access to his world of landscapes and blue faces, now famous worldwide for their beauty and colours: in fact, Sergio Fiorentino’s palette is minimal and therefore exceptional, yet it is the blue of the sea that dominates, reflecting the spirituality of his workshop and evocative works of art.
Dulcis in fundo with maestro Corrado Assenza

Finally, the visit to Noto must naturally end at the legendary Caffè Sicilia run by Corrado Assenza, one of Italy’s most famous pastry chefs. Together with the master of artisan pastry-making, you will taste legendary traditional Sicilian confectionery such as cassatina, granita and his exceptional ice cream made with local seasonal fruit. What is the secret behind his pastry shop? Corrado Assenza would answer “simplicity”, since the focus is on enhancing the purity of Sicilian raw ingredients.

Scheduled days: 4 - 7 November
The Noto Segreta Curiosity Circle, scheduled from 4 to 7 November 2021, is part of Belmond’s new campaign that organizes three exclusive days devoted to personal growth and discovering Sicilian beauty. Guests will enjoy private access to noble residences, savour typical Sicilian dishes and learn the stories concealed within the Baroque capital. The weekend includes a three-night stay at the Grand Hotel Timeo and an exclusive experience in which guests will discover the secret places of Baroque and some of the city of Noto’s iconic characters, followed by a pastry-making class inside the hotel taught by maestro Corrado Assenza and a joint tasting dinner together with starred chef Roberto Toro.
 
For bookings and information:
Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina
rsv.ght@belmond.com
+39 0942 627 0200