Modica Old Town Rooms
Modica - Via Santa 15, Piazza Matteotti
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An ancient Greek city, rebuilt after a devastating earthquake at the end of the seventeenth century, Modica occupies a most unusual position at the confluence of two rivers—so distinctive that the first edition of the Treccani encyclopaedia dubbed it “Italy’s most singular city after Venice”.
It is, in a sense, a multi-layered city, with buildings rising on both sides of the hillside that separates the two rivers, divided into two distinctly different zones: Modica Alta and Modica Bassa.
The city’s iconic image is formed by its tightly clustered dwellings, built to exploit the natural cavities in the rock face. These ancient structures are now integrated with more modern buildings, creating a truly spectacular overall effect.
Its splendid Baroque buildings have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but Modica boasts another, perhaps even more famous treasure: its exquisite chocolate. Equally immortal are the poems of Salvatore Quasimodo, one of the greatest figures of Italian Hermeticism, who was born right here in Modica.
The heart of Modica is a succession of elegant staircases, arcades, grand mansions and Baroque churches: a marvel at every turn! The two main streets around which the centre develops are Corso Umberto and Via Giarrantana, lined with splendid buildings of decaying charm.
One of Modica’s must-see attractions is the magnificent Duomo of San Giorgio1, a Rococo masterpiece set atop a monumental staircase of 260 steps. Opulent and sumptuous, this church is a riot of stucco, decoration and works of art, both outside and in.
Equally impressive is the Church of San Pietro2, situated along the main thoroughfare in the Lower Town and towered over by the Rocca of the Castle of the Counts.
For a taste of more recent history, visit the Salvatore Quasimodo Birthplace Museum3, home to the Nobel Prize-winning writer and Modica native. In the museum’s rooms, furnished in early twentieth-century style, you’ll find furniture and objects belonging to the writer; it’s also possible to watch educational videos and footage from the Nobel Prize ceremony.
In the countryside around Modica you cannot fail to notice the dry-stone walls built in the sixteenth century to mark out the plots of smallholding farmers—a piece of the territory’s history. The area is also rich in evocative caves and natural grottoes.
Alongside its architectural treasures and enchanting nearby beaches, there’s another sweet reason to visit Modica: this Sicilian town boasts an age-old chocolate-making tradition. Made using a special cold-working process that preserves the organic properties of the cacao, Modica chocolate is one of Italy’s finest confectionery products.
To learn about the history of Modica chocolate, its ingredients and production methods, visit the Modica Chocolate Museum4. You’ll find an exceptional collection of documents on display that testify to the ancient origins of this delicacy.
Another unmissable stop on any Sicilian food and wine tour is the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto5, the island’s oldest chocolaterie: since 1880 it has been producing handmade chocolate in the traditional Modica and Sicilian style, as well as delicious nougat, biscuits and sweets. During the summer months you can join a guided tour that concludes with a tasting of local specialities.
Modica lies inland in south-eastern Sicily: the nearest beach to the town centre, Marina di Modica6, is about twenty kilometres away but easily reached by hire car. There are also buses connecting the town to the sea, though they’re not very frequent.
Marina di Modica is a lovely beach of fine sand washed by azure waters. Running parallel to the beach is a pedestrian seafront promenade, perfect for those who enjoy a stroll. The beach is also recommended for surfers and windsurfers, who will find ideal conditions for their favourite sports here.
Two beaches not to be missed near Modica are Sampieri Beach7 and Pietre Nere Beach8 at Pozzallo, enchanting sandy dune beaches evoking North African landscapes.
If you’re willing to travel a bit further, you can reach Marina di Ragusa9, made famous by the TV series Inspector Montalbano, or head east to Santa Maria del Focallo10. It’s a fine sandy beach stretching for about eight kilometres, with equipped areas and all services available. Lush vegetation surrounds the spacious shoreline and acacia trees provide welcome shade during the hottest hours of the day.
If you’re a diving enthusiast, make a note of Isola dei Porri, off Santa Maria del Focallo, a favourite spot for divers.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Staying in Modica is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers, as accommodation offers good value for money.
You can stay in artistically decorated bed and breakfasts, hotels housed in historic palaces, holiday homes with swimming pools or modern hotels with all amenities, spending slightly less than in other towns in south-eastern Sicily.
The nearest airport to Modica is Comiso, located about 40 km away and easily reached by car in just 40 minutes. If you don’t have a car, from the airport you can reach Comiso railway station and take a train from there to Modica.
Catania airport, which has more budget flights available, is over 100 km away and takes about an hour and a half by car to reach.
Direct trains connect Modica to Syracuse; the journey takes about an hour and 45 minutes. From Catania you’ll need to change at least once, as you will from Palermo. Modica’s railway station is about 600 metres from the historic centre.
Another option for reaching Modica by public transport is to take a bus from Syracuse or Ragusa.
Modica can also be visited on a day tour departing from Syracuse or Catania.
What's the weather at Modica? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Modica for the next few days.
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