Global Treasures: Noto

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1188

UPC: 879061007873

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Noto is a charming town with around 20,000 inhabitants and is one of the most beautiful enclosed Baroque towns in Sicily. However, many of Noto's historic buildings were neglected for many years and are thus in somewhat less than perfect condition.

The Cathedral of San Nicolò di Mira also fell into disrepair as a result of continued neglect, and this caused both the dome and part of the roof to collapse in 1996. Since then, much has been done to repair the church.

An indication of the wealth of Noto's former upper classes still exists today, as the Villadorata palace on Via Nicolaci is one of the town's most prominent buildings.

In spite of its wonderful architecture, today Noto leaves a rather sleepy and almost unreal impression on its visitors. Yet perhaps it is the romantic atmosphere caused by its slow decay that makes this Baroque Sicilian jewel so intriguing.