Palazzo Landolina
Stand on Largo Landolina and you notice immediately that this palace is quieter than its neighbours. Where the rest of Noto's Baroque set pieces compete in ornament, Palazzo Landolina holds back — three horizontal orders of pilasters, Corinthian capitals, rectangular architraves over the windows — a building already tilting toward neoclassicism while the rest of the street was still celebrating the Baroque.
Built in 1730 and now operating as a four-star hotel, the palazzo sits directly beside the cathedral. From the upper rooms, the dome of San Nicolò fills the window like a painting someone hung there deliberately.
💛 What travellers fall for
Guests who stay here tend to mention two things: the main hall, with its gilded walls and 18th-century paintings that you'd expect to find roped off in a museum, and the internal courtyard, where a triumphal staircase flanked by marble statues connects what were once stables to the piano nobile above. The elevator, operated by key, is a detail that tells you something about the place.
The story behind Palazzo Landolina
Francesco Landolina commissioned the palace in 1730, drawing on a family line that had arrived in Sicily with the Norman king Roger in 1091 — nearly six centuries of Sicilian roots by the time the first stone was laid. The architect was Vincenzo Sinatra, who conceived it as two storeys of studied restraint.
In 1800 the Sant'Alfano family, one of Sicily's oldest aristocratic dynasties, added a third storey. A new wing followed in the 19th century, built specifically to receive royalty: King Ferdinand II of Bourbon and Queen Maria Theresa of Austria stayed here three times between 1838 and 1844. The semicircular Piazza Landolina out front, with its war memorial by sculptor Saverio Sortini, was shaped around the palace's presence.
Good to know
Access is restricted to hotel guests — the exterior and Piazza Landolina are freely viewable in a few minutes. Interbus runs daily connections from Siracusa (around one hour, €3.60 one-way). Noto's centre is compact and walkable; the palazzo is steps from the cathedral.
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What travellers say about Palazzo Landolina
Just checked out of Palazzo Landolina, we had a great stay. Rooms very clean, location fantastic, just across the road from Caffe Sicilia. The breakfast was amazing! Special thanks to Monica, Anna and Daniela!
I slept extremely well in this hotel. I chose it for it's affordable price as well as central location and proximity to Cafe Sicilia. Service was great. The room was cool, spacious and had great old-world character. The bed was good, although I have slept on more comfortable mattresses. That is not to say that there was anything wrong with the experience. I had profoundly powerful dreams and I wondered if it had anything to do with the massive stone architecture. I will have to return some day to see if the experience happens again. Breakfast was great. Not too busy. Good conversation with other guests and a lovely view with fresh air across the town centre and morning sun. Extremely happy with my discovery for one night in early August. Thank you.
We loved that it was right on the main road and in an old castle. Monica and the entire staff provided amazing hospitality. The only con is the bell for the cathedral starts ringing at 7am, every 30 minutes.
An extraordinary and wonderful place to stay, in an historic palace from the 18th century. The location is central for the town next to the cathedral, and this is a beautiful old building in Noto. The staff are very helpful and kind, and can provide a guided tour of the state rooms of the palace. The bedrooms are a little austere, with basic but functional furniture and bathrooms. The bed was comfortable and the place was clean. Car parking is available on the road at the front. A few things to be noted: Breakfast was adequate but more 3* than 4*. The cathedral bells start ringing on the hour at 7am. There is sometimes noise coming up from the crowded bar opposite or buskers. We did not regret staying here, and would come back if visiting Noto.
If you are looking for a rich cultural, historical experience,sprinkled with magic,this is your place! Monica is an incredibly generous and knowledgeable hostess.She made this town come alive. It is not a posh hotel, but clean and thoroughly enchanting! Noto is wonderful.If you go, it will be the memory of a lifetime.
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