Rocco Forte Hotels to open new property in Italy

Rocco Forte Hotels is expanding into Baroque Valley in Southeastern Sicily with the opening of its third Sicilian hotel in the historic town of Noto. Scheduled for 2026, the hotel will transform one of the town’s largest and most beautiful palaces, Palazzo Castelluccio, into an elegant 31 room residence.

Comprising 50,000 sqft of meticulously restored 18th-century architecture, the opulent Sicilian palace will be a stunning jewel in the growing Rocco Forte collection.

Joining two existing properties in Sicily, Villa Igiea (Palermo) and Verdura Resort (Sciacca), the Palazzo Castelluccio hotel will feature a restaurant, bar, garden lounge, meeting and events space, spa and gym.

Having successfully collaborated on recent projects for Rocco Forte Hotels, Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen are once again joining forces with Olga Polizzi, Deputy Chairman and Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, on the Palazzo’s interior design.

Olga Polizzi said: ‘Sicily has a special place at the heart of our brand and the beautiful town of Noto is a destination in itself.

“The Palazzo Castelluccio is a perfect fit for us, with an inspiring history and enchanting aesthetic that tells the story of its location. Each room will blend inherited charm and contemporary luxury to evoke the same timeless grandeur that fills the rest of the Palazzo.’

Palazzo Castelluccio is located in the heart of Noto and is one of the largest noble residences in Val di Noto. It was originally built by one of the country's most influential noblemen, Marquis di Lorenzo del Castelluccio in 1782.

Contrary to the mostly baroque architecture in the rest of the town, the palazzo has a neoclassical appearance. The initial design intended to provide enough rooms (105 in total) to cater for the family, servants and big gatherings, housing a music room, chapel, and ballroom.

The palace first opened to the public in 2018. Today, blue silk-covered walls shimmer beneath the glow of majestic crystal chandeliers, and the original Caltagirone ceramic floors have been carefully restored, reflecting timeless luxury.

It features a lush garden, framed by palm trees and vibrant bougainvillaea.

Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen said: ‘Palazzo Castelluccio is more than just a luxury hotel — it’s a journey through time, where guests can immerse themselves in the splendour of Sicily’s golden age.

“Every element has been thoughtfully selected to ensure that the past is not only remembered but celebrated in every detail. The hotel will transport guests to a time when grand balls and princely receptions filled its magnificent halls.

“Stepping through its doors will feel like entering another era—a time when opulence was the norm and elegance a way of life.”

The city of Noto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for Baroque beauty, in an untouched corner of Southeastern Sicily.  The town saw a catastrophic earthquake in 1693, in which most of the buildings were tragically destroyed.

The Palazzo Castelluccio was one of the most prominent buildings to be re-constructed 100 years later. In keeping with a new wave of architectural style, the building was re- built from local compacted limestone, which transforms into a golden-honeyed glow when hit by sunlight.

With four new openings planned in the next three years, (Milan, Sardinia, Sicily and Naples), expansion is top of the agenda for Rocco Forte Hotels.

On the impact of signing in Noto, Director of Development Charles Forte, said: “The acquisition of Palazzo Castelluccio is an exciting event in our company's growth. In line with our focus on intimate and beautiful hotels in prime locations, the 31-bedroom hotel will deliver a unique charm and authenticity which are characteristic of Rocco Forte Hotels.

“The signing speaks to Rocco Forte Hotel’s brand power in Europe, where we are uniquely equipped to source and revive celebrated buildings that add value to the community and that create unforgettable experiences for our guests.” – TradeArabia News Service