Gattopardo atmosphere and high cultural level. Palazzo Nicolaci, returned to citizens and visitors after countless restorations, is one of the most important museum sites in the city of Noto. The palace, originally used as the residence of a noble family, now also houses the rich Municipal Library. Very special are the balconies, depicting mermaids, horses, sphinxes and hippogriffs. These images bring minds back to mythological events in which Sicily has been enveloped for centuries.