Netum, Noto, Italy - SpottingHistory

Netum was a considerable ancient town in the south of Sicily. Its current site is at the località of Noto Antica, in the modern comune of Noto.

As a treaty was concluded in 263 BCE between the Romans and King Hieron II of Syracuse, Netum was noticed as one of the cities left in subjection to that monarch. Ptolemy is the last ancient writer that mentions the name; but there is no doubt that it continued to exist throughout the Middle Ages; and under the Norman kings rose to be a place of great importance, and the capital of the southern province of Sicily, to which it gave the name of Val di Noto. But having suffered repeatedly from earthquakes, the inhabitants were induced to emigrate to a site nearer the sea, where they founded the modern city of Noto, in 1703.

The old site is on the summit of a lofty hill about 14 km from the modern town and 20 km from the sea-coast: some remains of the ancient amphitheatre, and of a building called a gymnasium, are still visible, and a Greek inscription, which belongs to the time of Hieron II.

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User Reviews

Ron Beebe (11 months ago)
This was a very nice and clean hotel. I wish the room had any kind of view but it did not. Staff is extremely accommodating and even found a way to get us the contents of our room safe after we left as we had forgot them.

Zongle (2 years ago)
The hotel appears newly constructed, impeccably clean, and boasts ample parking. The serene atmosphere, coupled with its proximity to a supermarket within walking distance, adds to its appeal. The only minor hiccup was with the WiFi connection. The next morning, we headed to Noto town center. The staff thoughtfully provided us with a map, indicating prime parking spots. We plan to revisit this hotel on our next trip to Noto.

Veronica M (2 years ago)
The hotel was clean, comfortable and welcoming. The staff was very helpful and attentive. We had issues with our rental car company and could Not communicate with them and the front desk helped us with our problem. Thank you!

Steve Hagan (2 years ago)
Nice modern hotel within close walking distance to city center. Secure free parking and a very friendly staff.

Cristina Ciocodeica (3 years ago)
absolutely beautiful hotel!! would recommend to anyone. spotless, beautiful rooms, great staff.

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Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

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