Villa Vela: Noto Antica, Historic Routes and Cava del Carosello

Villa Vela and the History of Noto Antica

As a historic hilltop settlement, Villa Vela is part of Noto. Nearby lies Noto Antica, the ancient settlement of Noto, which was destroyed by the earthquake of January 11, 1693. If you are interested in Italian history, you will find a place here where the history of the ancient city and the landscape around Noto belong together.

City Walls, Pilgrimage Sites and Local Traces

Noto Antica preserves extensive city walls as well as the remains of the royal castle, towers and an old prison. The cultural route of the Diocese of Noto connects the two pilgrimage sites north of the city, Maria Ss. Scala del Paradiso and San Corrado Confalonieri, with a visit to Noto Antica. Those interested in culture will therefore encounter both archaeological remains and religiously influenced destinations here.

The history of Villa Vela itself also remains tangible. A historic 19th-century villa gave Contrada Villa Vela its name and originally belonged to Canon Vela. Villa Vela is also associated with the cultural landscape designation “Noto 42”. On the road between the hamlet of Villa Vela and Testa dell’Acqua, opposite Villa Messina, is the “Mangiatoia da Muro Sagomato”.

Hiking and River Landscapes

Just beyond Villa Vela, a route branches off, leading first to the Santuario della Madonna della Scala and then to the important archaeological site of Noto Antica. Route No. 952, “Anello Concerie di Cava Carosello”, begins there. Cava del Carosello offers hikes of moderate difficulty. Along the river route through Cava del Carosello, preserved basins from medieval tanneries can be seen. The landscape is thus connected with traces of the history of earlier crafts.

In the vicinity of Villa Vela, the small lakes of the Asinaro River offer an opportunity for swimming in summer. This seasonal bathing option complements the historical and hiking experiences with a stay by the water.

Roads and Junctions Around Villa Vela

Near Villa Vela, the SP64 branches off from the SS287 towards Testa dell’Acqua. The SP64 from Noto towards Palazzolo passes through the Villa Vela area. Shortly after the turn-off to the Santuario della Madonna della Scala, there is a turn-off onto the signposted road to Testa dell’Acqua and Noto Antica.

About 100 metres before Villa Vela, an unpaved road branches off to the right, marked with a sign for Agriturismo Uliveto. Together with the turn-offs to the SP64, the Santuario della Madonna della Scala and in the direction of Noto Antica, this creates a clearly identifiable local road layout.