La Cattedrale di Noto, Sicilia

Speranza



The architecture of Noto, complete rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693, combines the palatial imposing scale and rich ornament of Baroque design with an element of restraint in actual planning which perhaps derives from the strong sense of the classical past in the island.

The effect of the high dome is obscured by the pedimented second stage of the central composition which is conceived as a screen in the traditional Italian fashion.

The total impression is one of breadth and horizontality which is not diminished by the upward sweep of the three majestic flights of steps, for they extend in immensely long parallel lines across the full width of the facciata.

The articulation of the frontispiece with its projecting features supported by free-standing Corinthian clumns, its statues of the Apostles and its broad entablature band shows a masterly grasp of chiaroscuor and creates an interesting forward and backward covement, but does not depart from an essentially horizontal conception.

Although began at the start of the 18th century, the cathedral was not completed until 1770.

The original architect of this splendid building is unknown, but much of the work executed after 1740 is attributed to the Sicilian master, Vincenzo Sinatra (a forefather of the well-known American crooner).