Written by Sofia Di Stefano
photography by Yeelen Tavilla
modified 27 March 2025
7 min. read
Noto is a jewel carved in limestone, a town infused with history. Known as the Baroque capital of Sicily, it is a place where architecture and light conspire to create something almost cinematic: boulevards that glow at dusk, wrought-iron balconies that curl like lace, facades that seem to ripple under the Sicilian sun. Noto rose from the ruins of an earthquake, rebuilt in the 18th century with extraordinary craftsmanship. Over the years, it has drawn artists, and filmmakers, becoming a beloved escape for locals, travelers, and those in search of something beyond the ordinary.
And once a year, in May, this charm deepens. The Infiorata di Noto transforms Via Corrado Nicolaci into a breathtaking mosaic of color and fragrance, as intricate designs of flowers spill down the street like a vibrant river. During these days, stones surrender to petals, art spills into the streets, and everything is softened by the delicate beauty all around.
But the Infiorata di Noto isn’t merely about art and flowers. It’s a heartbeat of tradition, a celebration woven into the Baroque Spring, a series of events that bring the city’s heritage to life. Beyond the floral carpets, the artisans' market showcases local craftsmanship offering a chance to take home a piece of Sicily’s artistry. The Baroque Parade follows, with auctioneers in period costumes, flag-wavers, and musicians flooding the streets with history.
Read on to discover everything you need to know about Infiorata: how to experience it like a local, where to eat, where to stay, and how to make the most of these flower-filled days in Noto.
A Brief History of Infiorata
The tradition of infiorate first bloomed in 17th-century Rome, where floral mosaics were crafted to celebrate religious feasts. It wasn’t until 1980, however, that Noto adopted this ancient art form after a fateful meeting between its master florists and those from Genzano, a town near Rome known for its floral carpets. Since then, the Infiorata di Noto has grown beyond a festival, becoming an emblem of identity.
Months before the festival, artists sketch their designs that will eventually cover the cobblestones, inspired by a theme that is cherry-picked annually. On the Friday of Infiorata weekend, they trace these outlines directly on the street, using chalk and marking each line with soil or coffee grounds. Then, petal by petal, they assemble the designs, making the streets come to life.
Carnations, marigolds, daisies, and wildflowers sourced from the Sicilian countryside are meticulously arranged to form living mosaics, spanning over 700 square meters along Via Nicolaci. Each flower is a brushstroke, each petal a pop of color. Every detail is crafted with precision, creating intricate scenes rich with religious, mythological, and folkloristic motifs.
For three days, Via Nicolaci becomes a kaleidoscope of color and form, bordered by Noto’s most exquisite baroque buildings, including the Palace of Prince Nicolaci Villadorata and the Church of Montevergini. From the top of the street visitors can gaze down at the floral carpets, while the sight is beautifully framed by the ornate wrought-iron balconies regarded as some of the most beautiful in the world.
Then, as Tuesday dawns, the petals scatter, the streets return to stone, and the city dreams of next year’s blooming.
2025 Theme: Art Makes Peace
This year, the theme is “Art Makes Peace: The Infiorata That Unites, Hope Beyond Borders.” It is a celebration of connection, an ode to the power of art to transcend languages, cultures, and divisions. This year’s designs promise to be poignant, each one a visual poem of hope and unity. Expect to see floral interpretations of peace symbols, scenes of harmony, and images that remind us of art’s enduring ability to bring people together.
Coffee Breaks and Sweet Escapes in Noto
Start your morning at Caffè Sicilia, a beloved institution founded in 1892. Their almond granita is one-of-a-kind: delicate yet bold, icy but velvety, melting languidly on your tongue as the May sun wraps you in warmth. Sit beneath the faded awnings and watch Noto awake to the day.
For a more intimate experience, head to Pasticceria Kennedy in the quieter, older upper town. Here, tradition is baked into every pastry. Their cannoli are a masterpiece: crisp, flaky shells shattering beneath each bite to reveal a heart of sweet ricotta. Inside the pasticceria, the walls are adorned with paintings by local artists, a perfect backdrop for savoring each bite.
Best Lunches and Dinners in Noto
Noto’s culinary scene is rich, traditional, and creative. During Infiorata, the city’s restaurants buzz with life, and every meal is an opportunity to discover Sicily in a way that feels natural and intimate.
For a quick, flavorful bite, visit Bar Pasticceria Piero & Figlio, an unassuming spot known for the crispiest arancini in town. Golden, fried rice balls with fillings ranging from ragù to pistachio. Grab one and wander through the flowered streets—it’s the perfect antipasto.
Trattoria Fontana d’Ercole is a hidden gem where tradition reigns supreme. Their menu is unpretentious and comforting, offering traditional dishes like pasta alla Norma and sarde a beccafico. It feels like dining in someone’s home, surrounded by warmth and love.
For a leisurely meal, head to Cantina Modica di San Giovanni, right in via Nicolaci. This elegant yet unpretentious spot is a must. Their pasta with mussels and pistachio is iconic: briny and creamy, kissed with the distinctive flavor of pistachios—a dish that tastes like the Sicilian land and sea.
Ristorante Manna is a modern twist on tradition, with dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients. Their pasta with pistachio pesto and fresh ricotta is delicate and vibrant, a celebration of spring on a plate.
Norma Bistrot is a chic, elegant space that reimagines Sicilian classics with a creative touch. The squid ink pasta and caponata are standout dishes, best enjoyed with a glass of local wine.
Ristorante Dammuso is an intimate and romantic restaurant serving dishes inspired by family recipes. Each bite tells a story of tradition, love, and memory, paired with a wine list that celebrates Sicily’s diverse vineyards.
Beyond Infiorata: An Art Lover’s Guide to Noto
Noto’s charm extends beyond its baroque architecture and vibrant festivals. The city is also a haven for art enthusiasts seeking contemporary expressions amidst historical settings. A cornerstone of this modern artistic landscape is SPAZIONOTO, a dynamic art gallery nestled in the heart of the city at Via Rocco Pirri 32.
Curated by Paolo Perelli, SPAZIONOTO is a space in constant evolution, a dialogue between past and present where contemporary art is infused with cultural depth. The gallery’s rotating exhibitions range from thought-provoking installations to intricate porcelain works by artists like Elica Studio, each piece carrying a sense of place, of heritage reimagined.
Many pieces you’ll encounter in our properties have been hand-selected from SPAZIONOTO, reflecting our commitment to offering an experience that feels thoughtfully curated in every detail. Chosen not just for their aesthetic appeal, but for the stories they tell and the depth they bring to each space, these works create an atmosphere where art becomes part of the very fabric of your experience.
Whether you're an avid collector or simply drawn to beauty, SPAZIONOTO offers a glimpse into Noto’s evolving art scene, where history and innovation coexist in perfect harmony.
Book in Advance
Infiorata di Noto is no secret. Accommodations fill up quickly, and the best tables at restaurants are often reserved months in advance. Plan ahead to fully embrace Noto’s rhythm. Book your stay in advance to wake up in the heart of the celebration, close to the floral masterpieces.
Why Experience Infiorata di Noto
Infiorata di Noto is a unique way to experience Sicily’s art and tradition. It’s the kind of beauty you have to experience to believe. To truly feel it, you have to be there. No pictures or words will capture the magic. You need to walk those petal-covered streets, and lose yourself in Noto’s rhythm, stay in the heart of it all, and wake up to a city in full bloom.
Plan your experience and prepare to fall in love with Noto, one petal at a time.
Do you also want to discover Sicily? Have a look at our holiday villas in Sicily here.
Sofia Di Stefano & Yeelen Tavilla
Sofia and Yeelen are a creative duo deeply inspired by Sicily’s rich culture, flavors, people, and stories. They blend their expertise in brand storytelling and evocative imagery to craft narratives that leave a mark. Their work is a love letter to their roots and Sicily’s vibrant soul.