Modica is a town with an ancient history, nicknamed “the city of 100 churches” and some of its most representative monuments, such as the Cathedral of San Pietro and the Church of San Giorgio, have been proclaimed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site . But Modica is not just history and culture. Its traditions, naturalistic beauties and gastronomic delicacies make it a destination worth visiting at any time of the year. Below, we propose an itinerary to follow for a visit of a couple of days, which is only a small selection, in a sea of ​​choices.

What to see in Modica

1 – The historic center and the alleys of Modica
Modica is a city with a very particular conformation, which must certainly be explored on foot. Its historic center, rebuilt following the devastating earthquake of 1693, is one of the most significant examples of late Baroque architecture . Developed along Corso Umberto I, the famous “good area” of the city, the historic center is full of ancient palaces and churches, alternating with bars, chocolate artisan shops and shops , all embellished by a labyrinth of streets and alleys , stairs, ladders, courtyards and arches, which unravel upwards, connecting the four hills from which Modica draws the etymology of its name

  • How to get there: on foot, along Corso Umberto I. Get directions
  • Hours: always accessible
  • Ticket cost: Free

2 – Cathedral of San Giorgio
The Cathedral of San Giorgio is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List The tower facade, which rises to a total height of 62 meters, was built starting in 1702 and completed in 1842.
The dome rises to 36 meters while a scenographic staircase of 164 steps leads to the five portals of the temple, which in turn serve as a prelude to the five internal naves of the church. hanging garden on several levels, called Orto del Piombo , flanked by the monumental staircase

  • How to get there: getting to the Duomo can be the right opportunity to explore the alleys of the historic center. For the less daring, the classic course of Corso San Giorgio is recommended. Get directions
  • Hours: from 9:00 to 20:00 every day.
  • Ticket cost: Free

3 – The church of San Pietro
The church of San Pietro was built around 1350, and was declared the official church of the Counts by Royal Decree of Charles III of Bourbon in 1797. Declared a UNESCO heritage , the structure is characterized by a staircase embellished by the statues of the twelve apostles, leading to the façade divided into two orders, all surmounted by the sculpture of a triumphant Jesus Christ. The interior of the church, with three naves and fourteen columns, is decorated, starting from the floor with inlays of white marble, polychrome marble and black pitch, to then finish in a vault, containing the frescoes, depicting scenes by the Old Man and the New Testament, which date back to around 1760.

  • How to get there: the church is located in the historic center, and can be reached by walking along Corso Umberto I
  • Hours: from 9:00 to 20:00 every day.
  • Ticket cost: Free

4 – Palace of Culture and Civic Museum
The Palace of Culture is a former Benedictine Monastery, requisitioned by the royal government in 1860 and renovated for civil use. At the moment it houses in its rooms some municipal offices and the Civic Archaeological Museum , whose flagship piece and the statuette of the Hercules of Cafeo absolutely, enclosed in a reliquary. In addition, a collection of paintings that belonged to Salvatore Quasimodo is exhibited in a hall. On the ground floor is located the Societa Operaia di Mutuo Soccorso, which has been the subject of masonry restoration works that have brought to light several finds belonging to the former Monastery, including a stone confessional, embedded in the masonry, complete with walls metal partitions and gratings.

  • How to get there: the building overlooks Corso Umberto I and, reaching it on foot, is a good opportunity to admire the beauties of the surrounding area. Get directions
  • Hours: open every day 09.00-13.00 and 17.00-21.00
  • Ticket price: full € 2.00 reduced € 1.00

5 – Castle of the Counts of Modica
Photo by Maria Rimi. What is visible today of the Castello dei Conti di Modica is what remains of the ancient seat of political power. Built on the top of an eagle-beaked cliff, the Castle was born as a rock fortification, almost impossible to attack, with two of the three sides consisting of overhanging walls.The polygonal tower is still visible while, inside the courtyard, are the civil and military prisons can be visited – a series of rooms carved into the rock – each reserved for a specific category of prisoners. However, there is only one example of a prison for dangerous brigands, consisting of a seven-meter pit, closed at the top by a grate.

  • How to get there: from the historic center it is possible to reach the castle in about 8 minutes on foot but, be aware that there is a steep climb to face. By car, however, the travel time drops to about 5 minutes, passing through Corso San Giorgio. Get directions
  • Hours: every day from 10:00 to 19:00, except Tuesdays, which are closed on a weekly basis.
  • Ticket cost: Free.

6 – Church of Santa Maria del Gesu
Photo by Nitto2. The church of Santa Maria del Gesu and the nearby convent have withstood the various earthquakes that have plagued the city over the centuries, and retains a splendid two-order cloister in late-Gothic style, with many variously decorated columns , each one different from the other. The church is the result of the restoration of a Franciscan building, which dates back to 1343, at the behest of Countess Giovanna Ximenes de Cabrera, in order to celebrate the wedding of her daughter with Fadrique Enriquez, cousin of the King of Spain Ferdinand the Catholic.

  • How to get there: the historic center of Modica is about a kilometer from the church, which can be covered in 23 minutes on foot. If you do not have particular needs or problems, it is recommended to reach it on foot, since the route to be taken cuts the city in two parts, and it could be a good opportunity to visit it at its best. Get directions
  • Hours: from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Sundays
  • Ticket cost: Free, both the entrance to the church and the monastery

7 – Salvatore Quasimodo
‘s birthplace Salvatore Quasimodo’s birthplace is literally the house where he saw the light , and lived for the first 5 days of his life. The structure contains: a wrought iron bed, a prie-dieu, a bedside and other furniture and furnishings from the early twentieth century, an old typewriter, a desk, a collection of records, a bookcase with attached books and other things, coming from one of his studies in Milan. Furthermore, visitors are made to listen to the recording on an old tape, where the Poet reciting some of his poems, and always from his own voice, the speech entitled “The Politician and the Poet” by Quasimodo read in Stockholm on the occasion of the awarding of the Nobel.

  • How to get there: located five minutes from the historic center, the museum can be reached on foot, crossing one of the alleys of Corso Umberto I. Get directions
  • Hours: from 10:00 to 13:00. In the afternoon the opening takes place by reservation only.
  • Ticket cost: for information on the cost of the ticket, contact the association that manages the museum, using the contact details shown here.

8 – Rock Church of San Nicolo Inferiore
Photo by Antreus93. Artificial cave, located in the beautiful middle of the city, the rupestrian church of San Nicolo Inferiore preserves several cycles of frescoes including, the main and most beautiful one is the Christ Pantocrator placed in the center of the apse, where a blessing Christ is depicted enclosed in a almond sitting on a throne between two pairs of Angels. On the right side, on the other hand, we have a baptismal basin, carved into the rock, for baptism with an oriental rite. Some more recent excavations have brought to light a series of crypts and earthly tombs.

  • How to get there: the rock church can also be reached on foot, crossing one of the alleys of Corso Umberto I, on the side of the Palazzo della Cultura. Get directions
  • Hours: 10:00 – 13: 00 / 16:00 – 19:00.
  • Ticket price: € 2.00 – reduced € 1.50

9 – Cava Lazzaro
Photo by Davide Mauro. The Cava Lazzaro valley is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in Sicily, and includes: oven caves and anteroom, Templar caves for religious use, with hand excavations of pillars and columns. Of considerable historical value and value is the Bears Tomb, reserved for an important local figure, on which geometric symbols are carved. In addition, amygdala tools, pottery from the Castelluccian civilization, various artifacts of presicule civilization and a skull, assigned to the Neanderthal type, and preserved in Rome were found.
The site is not very popular and therefore can be visited with some difficulty. The visit inside the quarry takes several hours, the terrain is rough and therefore requires appropriate clothing. The itinerary crosses some private land. It will therefore be necessary to ask the owners for permission to pass. The best time to visit is spring or autumn. In summer, the temperature is prohibitive. Those wishing to organize a visit with an expert guide in archeology can send an email to [email protected].

  • How to get there: it is 14 km from the center of Modica, precisely 20 minutes by car. To reach it you need your own car as no public transport passes through that area. Get directions
  • Hours: always accessible
  • Ticket cost: Free.

10 – The Chocolate
Museum The chocolate museum was created with the aim of protecting knowledge linked to the centuries-old tradition of chocolate production in Modica . The managers of the museum have centered the heart of the structure on the services of use, on the sensorial laboratories and on the historical gestuality of manipulation, re-proposed in the section of the “dammusurociucculattaru”, which evokes the original posture of the Modica chocolatier. In addition, the rooms display a series of tools, photographs and historical testimony, which tell of the city’s ties with chocolate.
It starts with an interesting bibliographic exhibition that collects a vast amount of sheets and manuscripts, exhibited on thirty panels, which describe, from the pre-Columbian era onwards, the history of chocolate and its evolution, from the bean to processing to the finished product. . In two other rooms twenty-two chocolate sculptures and the miniature of Italy in chocolate are exhibited : a large bas-relief of about nine meters, placed in the largest hall, entirely made of chocolate, with the regional capitals highlighted by sculptures. The gold medals and honors won by the Modica chocolate factories in international exhibitions are displayed in an illuminated display case.

  • How to get there: on foot, as the structure overlooks Corso Umberto I, or by bus n ° 3 – Get directions
  • Hours: every day 10: 00-14: 00, 16: 00-20: 00. Closed on Monday
  • Ticket cost: € 2.50

Itinerary of Modica in one day
The visit to Modica starts from the historic center and from Corso Umberto I, the road that cuts the city in two. Here, after having a good breakfast, visit the Cathedral of San Pietro with the statues of the apostles. Furthermore, on the street there are two small but interesting museums: the Palazzo della Cultura Museo Civico , which exhibits a collection of Neolithic finds and the unmissable statuette of the Hercules of Cafeo, and the Chocolate Museum of Modica, which tells the story of ancient bond that binds the city and chocolate. Stopping for lunch at the Accursio Restaurant is a good way to taste typical products, in an intimate and pleasant environment.
After lunch it is time to set off towards Modica Alta. From the restaurant, move north along the “Sbalzo” district , where you can admire the characteristic houses carved directly into the rock and the famous birthplace of Quasimodo. Continuing north you arrive at the Cathedral of San Giorgio : Unesco heritage since 2015. At the end of the visit you can visit the ruins of the Castello dei Conti , and then stop for dinner at the Umami restaurant: a characteristic little place carved into the rock.

One day itinerary at a glance

  1. Church of San Pietro – opening hours: every day from 9:00 to 20:00 – ticket price: free
  2. Chocolate Museum – opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00 – ticket price: full € 2.50 reduced € xx, xx (in case of too complex times or reductions, insert the link of the official website)
  3. Civic Museum – opening hours: from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00 – ticket price: full € 2.00 reduced € 1.00
  4. Lunch at the Accursio Restaurant , Via Clemente Grimaldi, 41
  5. Sbalzo district , houses carved into the rock and Salvatore Quasimodo’s birthplace
  6. Cathedral of San Giorgio – opening hours: every day from 9:00 to 20:00 – ticket price: free
  7. Ruins of the Castle – opening hours: from 10:00 to 19:00, closed on Tuesdays – ticket price: free
  8. Dinner at Umami Restaurant , Via Marchesa Tedeschi, 15

Where to eat in Modica

  1. Osteria dei Sapori perduti : restaurant with a home-made connotation, specializing in local cuisine
    Average price per person: € 18.00 to € 27.00
    Address and contacts: Corso Umberto I, 228 (Get directions) / tel: 0932 944247
  2. Umami Restaurant : restaurant specializing in international cuisine, mainly based on fish. The location is carved into the rock
    Average price per person: € 30.00
    Address and contacts: via Marchesa Tedeschi, 15 (Get directions) / tel: 0932 734287
  3. Accursio Restaurant : offers typical specialties in an intimate and pleasant environment
    Average price per person: € 25.00
    Address and contacts: Via Clemente Grimaldi, 41 (Get directions) / tel: 0932 941689
  4. Fire restaurant of the Moors : restaurant specializing in meat dishes cooked on the barbecue
    Average price per person: € 15.00 to € 40.00
    Address and contacts: Piazza Corrado Rizzone, 41 (Get directions) / tel: 3333333334
  5. Best Tavern : creativity and respect for raw materials, gourmet dishes and experience to try
    Average price per person: € 50.00
    Address and contacts: Via Modica Ispica, 95 (Get directions) / tel: 0932 948669

What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs
The nightlife of Modica takes place mainly on Corso Umberto I and Piazza Matteotti, where you can find pubs, bars but also pastry shops, open until late.

  • Ottonero pub : a place specializing in events, special drinks, disco music and aperitifs, open until late at night.
    Address: via Corso Umberto I, 25 (Get directions) / Facebook page
  • Shanty town : “classic” pub, with outdoor tables and a wide selection of craft beers
    Address: via Silvio Pellico, 1 (Get directions) / Facebook page
  • Bronze – Cocktails & drinks : specialized in aperitifs, cocktails, driks, beers and spirits
    Address: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, 31 (Get directions)
  • Virsieri : concept bar with refined cocktails made with quality products
    Address: Piazza Giacomo Matteotti (Get directions) / Facebook page
  • Pick Lounge Bar : good music and excellent spirits
    Address: Via Clemente Grimaldi, 38 (Get directions)

Plan your stay in Modica: info and useful tips

  • How to get there: the closest airport is Catania-Fontanarossa, which is about 115 kilometers from Modica (about 1 hour and 32 minutes). The city is served by the AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) which runs from the main Sicilian locations, including the airport: several buses depart from the side of the arrivals terminal, recognizable by the signs “Catania-Modica” or “Catania-Donnalucata” . The ticket costs € 9.00, and can be purchased both on the bus and in the authorized centers located inside the airport. Palermo is 391 km away (about 3 hours and 32 minutes by car), and is connected via the A19 motorway (towards Catania), and then from Catania via the A18 motorway (towards Gela).
  • How to get around : to better grasp the beauties of Modica you have to visit it on foot, especially the historic center. In the summer months the tourist train is available that connects the lower part of the city with the upper one. Finally, the Sicilian Transport Company offers urban connections between the various districts of Modica, and extra-urban connections with other large Sicilian cities such as Catania and Messina.
  • Where to park : outside the historic center, on via Vittorio Veneto, there are some free parking lots from which you can then reach the historic center in 13 minutes on foot.
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 29.00 per room – see the offers
  • What to see in the surroundings : Modica is one of the stages of the Val di Noto itinerary. Among the closest Baroque pearls we recommend Ragusa and Ragusa Ibla (28 minutes by car), Scicli (18 minutes by car), Noto (47 minutes by car). Other places of interest are Marina di Ragusa, Sampieri, Pozzallo and Scoglitti, all located along the coast and linked to the events of the well-known “Inspector Montalbano”, a literary character created by Andrea Camilleri.
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