Modica

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People gathered on steps of San Pietro for Madonna Vasa Vasa celebration on Easter Sunday.

Andrew Montgomery

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Overview

Modica is one of southern Sicily's most distinctive towns, its steeply stacked medieval centre pierced by a towering baroque cathedral. But unlike some of the other Unesco-listed cities in the area, it doesn't package its assets into a single easy-to-see street or central piazza: rather, they're spread around the town and take some discovering. And while it can take a little while to orientate yourself, once you've got the measure of the bustling streets and steep staircases, you'll find a warm, genuine place with a welcoming vibe, cosmopolitan air and strong sense of pride.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Duomo di San Giorgio

Modica

The high point of a trip to Modica – quite literally as it's up in Modica Alta – is the Duomo di San Giorgio, one of Sicily's most extraordinary baroque…

Duomo di San Pietro

Modica

In Modica, the Duomo di San Pietro plays second fiddle only to the Cattedrale di San Giorgio. The original 14th-century church was damaged in the…

Chiesa Rupestre di San Nicolò Inferiore

Modica

Carved into the rock and discovered by accident in 1987, this 12th-century church is Modica's oldest. It's worth a visit for its Byzantine frescoes, whose…

Museo Civico

Modica

The Museo Civico houses a modest collection of archaeological finds from Modica and Cava d'Ispica, dating back to the neolithic period. The most prized of…

Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista

Modica

Attributed to Rosario Gagliardi and marking the top of Modica Alta is this grand baroque church. Prefaced by a sweeping staircase, the church underwent…

Chiesa Santa Maria del Carmine

Modica

Also known as Santa Maria dell'Annunziata, this 15th-century church is a rare example of Gothic architecture in Modica, most of it destroyed in the…

Museo del Cioccolato di Modica

Modica

Sharing the same building as the Museo Civico, this humble museum sheds light on the town's unique chocolate, from its history to its production method…

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