Aurispa

Among the Baroque Splendor Of Noto

Part of a visionary urban redevelopment project, this vacation home rental in Sicily is located on the ground floor of a former convent that has been reimagined as a contemporary and collective living space. During restoration, the owners were careful to retain and refer back to the historic atmosphere of the Baroque capital, while seamlessly integrating a polished update.

Designer Samuele Mazza has deftly reconfigured the ornate structure's interiors to capture the light and the ambiance of the city, creating a complementary model for contemporary living among antiquity. Both the structure and the apartment have been lightly enhanced, keeping the scale and decorative style of the Baroque architecture with interiors that are quietly elegant and furnished with a stylish attention to detail.

Awash in warm neutrals and calming tones, the spaces are animated by iconic Sicilian artist Sergio Fiorentino's canvases and a smart selection of contemporary and one-of-a-kind pieces that tie it all together. The two-room apartment has a private entrance, a sitting room with a dining space, and a well-equipped kitchen, with one double en suite bedroom. Ideal for two guests, there is also a double sofa bed for kids or additional guests.

The ground floor apartment benefits from a strategic position overlooking the swimming pool and courtyard modeled on North African riads, with a lush, sheltered core that centers around the fountains crafted from majolica tiles.


THE VAL DI NOTO

The historic UNESCO World Heritage site of Noto features some of the most spectacular and elegant Baroque sites in the world and is one of the gems in the greater Val di Noto region along with its sister cities of Modica, Ragusa, and Scicli. The port town of Siracusa is a significant archaeological area with an ancient Greek amphitheater, the Orecchio di Dionisio Cave, Apollo’s Temple and the Teatro Romana ruins and lies just thirty minutes north. Be sure not to miss the Ortigia island neighborhood.

Cava D'Ispica is just outside of Modica and is an odd and interesting archeological treasure. A series of neolithic burial sites and a former chapel, they were later middle ages dwellings. With over 50 miles of coastline, nearby Marina di Modica, Marina di Ragusa and the Andrea Doria promenade feature some of the area's most popular beaches on the island including Sampieri, Pozzallo and Donnalucata (avoid in August when you'll battle for space).

LOCATION

Noto, Sicily. Nearest airport: Catania Fontanarossa (88km)


BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through fall. Summer high season can be crowded.