One of the best destinations in Sicily for connoisseurs of architectural landmarks, Modica is a fantastic example of the Baroque style. This is an idyllic and picturesque settlement in the province of Ragusa that is safely protected by the spectacular Hyblaean Mountains. The city is built on a hill, and so it is conventionally divided into two parts – the higher and lower ones. Each of them is attractive from a tourist point of view. There are many interesting shrines that tourists will definitely find interesting to explore. It seems that builders of these shrines were in some kind of competition and tried to make them higher and more beautiful. Local landscapes are incredibly magnificent and picture-perfect. This is one of the most attractive parts of the island.
In the past, the Modica region was home to different tribes and ethnic groups, including the Sicels, ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Vandals, and Goths. At the beginning of the 9th century, the Saracens captured the settlement. Modica and the whole of Sicily belonged to the Arabian rulers for two centuries. However, the Normans conquered Modica in the 11th century. Their leader, Roger of Hauteville, became the new ruler of the city. Later, he was proclaimed Roger I, the first Count of Sicily. After that, the Hohenstaufen dynasty managed to drive out the Normans and set up its authority in the region, but the reign of this family didn’t last long. Soon, the Counts of Anjou ruled in Modica.
What should tourists see in Modica? First of all, the majority of tourists, who visit this city, visit the main shrine of the Sicilian city – the Cathedral. This spectacular building is a fine example of Sicilian Baroque. Connoisseurs of different architectural styles often call this cathedral a Baroque miracle. In the past, the cathedral survived in three earthquakes that significantly damaged the building. The cathedral was rebuilt almost from a scratch. The construction of a new cathedral started in the 16th century and ended almost a hundred years later. The main architects of the country participated in the global reconstruction of the sacred building.
The façade of the cathedral was finally finished in the 60s of the 18th century. It has some similarities with the famous Dresden cathedral. Inside, the building is divided into five separated naves, each of which is surrounded by tall columns. There are twenty-two columns in total here. The inner décor of the shrine has several notable elements such as the wooden polyptych and several masterpieces by Filippo Paladini. In 1895, a meridian was made on the floor of the cathedral. This meridian tells time – at the noon, the ray of the sun coincides with the line.
Do you like chocolate desserts? Modica has gained worldwide recognition as the producer or exquisite chocolate desserts. There is even a thematic museum that opened in the city in 2014. This is a must-visit destination for everyone who likes chocolate and desserts. Absolutely all exhibits in the museum are made from the all-time favorite dessert. Recently, the museum got new items to exhibit such as several dozens of chocolate sculptures and a detailed map of Italy, which is nine meters long. Besides that, this is a fantastic opportunity to see all the main landmarks of not only Modica but also other large Italian cities.
In the museum, visitors can see interesting educational films dedicated to the full specter of chocolate making. Guests can also learn more about the old chocolate recipes. After a walk in the gorgeous halls of the museum and watching the film, it is incredibly pleasant to sample the delicious dessert. Having explored the exhibition of the chocolate museum, visitors can attend a special hall where a specialist makes chocolate in front of guests and explains all stages of its production. You can see how to roast cocoa beans, add sugar and flavorings, and what tools are used at different stages of the manufacturing process.
It is not possible to get to Modica by air. Tourists need to fly to the airport in Catania and then make a change to a bus, train, or taxi. After that, your journey continues to another Italian city, Ragusa. There are daily buses that connect this city to Modica. Tourists are always welcome to rent a car at the airport during their stay in Italy. From Ragusa, tourists can also reach Modica by train.
