The Church of San Francesco of Noto is the first great surprise that greets the visitor who enters through the Royal Gate. Situated at the top of a majestic three-stage ramp, it is certainly one of the most picturesque religious buildings in the whole of Noto. Since 2002 it has been part of the World Heritage Site within the serial site Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto. © iStock / Alberto Masnovo