Holidays to Modica, Sicily |
The
city of 100 bells and 100 churches, Modica is a wonderful destination that
charms visitors with its architecture, food, culture and sense of authenticity.
Lying on a gorge formed by four hills in the south of the Iblei Mountains
it is divided into Modica Alta (Upper Modica), whose amber coloured buildings
clamber up on the rocks, and Modica Bassa (Lower Modica), at the bottom
of the valley. A maze of narrow streets and steps joins the two parts.
In 1693, the city was devastated by the earthquake, which destroyed the whole area and then rebuilt in the same location in Baroque architecture. In fact, Baroque is the predominant style with the interesting church of St. Peter, the splendid church of St. George and the several Palazzi that can be found both in Modica Alta e Modica Bassa. Modica is called the Positano of Sicily.
Cathedral
of San Giorgio
In Modica Alta, the splendid Cathedral of San Giorgio is one of the most
important religious monuments of Sicily. The exterior of this magnificent
church is characterised by an amazing flight of 250 steps, which form the
shape of a chalice and a beautiful facade which rises through three levels
to a single bell-tower.
The interior with its magnificent nave and double aisles, is enriched by stuccoes and gildings decorations, and paintings, such as the Events of the Gospel and of the life of Saint George (1513), by Girolamo Aliprandi, considered to be the "Raphael of Sicily".
In
Modica Bassa, the Cathedral of San Pietro, was initially built in the 14th
century and then rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. The exterior has steps
surmounted by big statues of the twelve apostles called by the local "I
Santuna".
If you have any queries, our FAQ page may have the answer that you are looking for. We also welcome you to send us an email, or if you prefer, you can give us a call. All our contact information is available on our contact us page.
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