Noto Antica

Noto Antica is the ancient precursor of the Noto of today. It lies 16km/10mi north of Noto at 400m/1,300ft above sea-level. It was established by immigrants from Sikinos, who fell under the influence of Syracuse in the sixth century B.C. It was later inhabitated by Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, and subsequently became the capital of the Val di Noto, or southeastern Sicily. In 1693 it was the victim of a devastating earthquake and was abandoned when a new town was built to the southeast. Ancient and medieval ruins can be found here.