In Noto, right in front of its famous Cathedral, the Terrazza di Palazzo Gagliardi is a cocktail bar and bistro where “Baroque touches the sky”, offering an extraordinary view of the city.

Palazzo Gagliardi preserves the most intimate and secret soul of Noto: a former noble palace from the late 19th century, after a conservative restoration, the Messina family—already known for Masseria Costanza, their country house in Vendicari—transformed it in 2017 into an elegant boutique hotel, the center and heart of the city’s social and cultural life.

It houses 10 rooms, a bistro and a cocktail bar, an art gallery, and, inaugurated at the end of 2025, the new Terrazza Gagliardi, a suspended Eden that redefines the concept of Sicilian Dolce Vita, with a privileged view of the Cathedral of San Nicolò and the dome of San Carlo, stretching out to the vineyards of the Noto countryside and the deep blue of the Ionian Sea.

Every corner of Noto and Palazzo Gagliardi is a discovery, a sensory experience that will make you fall in love, as we do, with the most authentic Sicily. (Messina family)

Master Gagliardi
The palace’s name is a tribute to Syracusan architect Rosario Gagliardi, a genius of the Noto Baroque style, who designed the masterpieces that can be admired from the hotel terrace, such as the Church of San Domenico and the Cathedral.

A Restoration of Art and Passion
The architectural renovation of Palazzo Gagliardi followed a philological philosophy: clean lines, noble materials such as stone and wrought iron, and a color palette that reflects earthy tones and almond wood.

Mixology and Flavors: The Territory in a Glass
The Terrazza Gagliardi bar offers a panoramic and gourmet journey through the Val di Noto.

Signature Cocktails: The drink list pays homage to the island’s spices and aromatic herbs. Try the Gagliardi Tonic, where local artisanal gin meets orange blossom infusion.

The Wine Cellar: A meticulous selection of independent labels, with a focus on volcanic wines from Etna and savory whites from the coastal areas.

The Food Pairing: The aperitif is accompanied by local delicacies: platters of Ragusa DOP cheeses and artisanal cured meats with ancient grain bread and Nocellara del Belice extra virgin olive oil, as well as traditional sharing dishes, such as vegetable or chicken couscous and eggplant parmigiana.

The Secret Garden
And if you decide to stay at the hotel, breakfast is served in a “secret” garden shaded by bitter orange trees, the medlar tree from the former municipal orchard, and an ancient palm tree from the 1900 Expo. It features a selection of locally sourced and homemade products.

The Gagliardi Art Gallery
Palazzo Gagliardi also houses an Art Gallery, created in collaboration with Galleria KōArt, which exhibits works by emerging artists in the common areas and guest rooms, transforming the hotel into a true living art gallery.

Every corner of Palazzo Gagliardi tells a story and invites guests to discover a Sicily that looks to the future while preserving its historical and cultural roots.

The Secret

During sunset, for a few minutes, a unique optical illusion occurs. The sunlight strikes the Cathedral dome and bounces directly onto the Gagliardi terrace. At that moment, if you stand in the corner facing east, the palace’s shadow seems to “embrace” the square below, while the terrace remains the last spot in the city illuminated.

Useful Info

Palazzo Gagliardi
Via Silvio Spaventa 41
96017 Noto, Siracusa
Tel. +39 351 0268224

Rooms: from €248 with breakfast
Cocktails: from €12
Platters/dishes: from €15