Fragrance house

Acqua di Noto

Founded in 2021 by art historian Paoletta Ruffino, Acqua di Noto traces its origins to Via Nicolaci in Noto, Sicily. The brand developed from an art gallery established in 2016 in the historic Palazzo dei Principi before expanding into artistic perfumery. Its stated purpose is to strengthen Noto’s identity by rediscovering and enhancing the city’s artistic and landscape heritage while expressing a Made in Sicily identity. Acqua di Noto presents itself as a multidisciplinary project connecting visual art, perfumery, personal purification, and psychophysical or spiritual well-being. Its fragrance collection brings together figurative art curated by Ruffino and the work of Atelier Fragranze Milano. Sicilian artist Benedetto Poma designed the packaging, including an arched bottle form that references Noto’s Baroque domes, bell towers, and portals. In 2023, Pitti Fragranze highlighted Aqua Lustralis, an oud fragrance connected to Noto’s Arab origins. Don Giacomo, a fougère inspired by the Sicilian baron Don Giacomo Nicolaci, was composed by Luca and Marco Maffei for Atelier Fragranze Milano.