Rocco Forte Hotels has announced plans to expand into the Baroque Valley in Southeastern Sicily with the opening of its third Sicilian hotel in the historic town of Noto.

Scheduled to debut in 2026, the hotel will transform one of the town’s largest and most beautiful palaces, Palazzo Castelluccio, into an elegant 31 room hotel featuring meticulously restored 18th-Century architecture.

Joining Rocco Forte’s 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.

Palazzo Castelluccio is in the heart of Noto, a UNESCO World Heritage Town, 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.

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.

Director of Development Charles Forte commented: “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.”