A trekking journey through the natural wonders surrounding Ancient Noto—located on the high plateau of the Iblei Mountains in a strategic position and destroyed by the devastating earthquake of 1693.
The trek begins at the so-called “Hill of Memory,” where traces of the Jewish past remain in the northern necropolis. Here, alongside rock-cut tombs from the protohistoric era, trench graves from the Greek period, late ancient hypogea, and a Christian catacomb known as the “Cave of a Hundred Mouths,” lies a small Jewish necropolis dating back to the 5th–6th century AD. This necropolis is characterized by five menorahs engraved in the local limestone. Two of these menorahs are carved within a hypogeum called the “Artichoke Cave,” adapted from earlier protohistoric tombs and featuring the traditional arcosolium shape.
The trek continues in search of traces of the medieval city of Ancient Noto. Passing through ancient fortifications, the remains of noble buildings, and churches, we descend via the old mule track to the Carosello Valley, a “canyon” traversed by the river of the same name.
This natural oasis, nestled in the evergreen vegetation of the Iblei Mountains, features Mediterranean flora, water pathways, and pools of crystal-clear water perfect for a refreshing dip.
Along the route, we pause to admire evidence of key productive activities that once bolstered the city’s economy: stone quarries, rock-cut tanneries, and water mills. These stops offer a glimpse into a glorious past.