MUST SEE /
The Narrow Streets
The Narrow Streets
You will come back to Modica. A city to visit over and over again, to discover all the alleys, views, monuments and stairways of the old town.
Modica is a city which is worthwhile visiting more than once. In fact, in the travel itinerary dedicated to classic Baroque, you can find alternative routes through the alleys and staircases that link the lower part of the town to the upper part of the town, through the very picturesque views and undiscovered scenery. From any point you can reach Corso Umberto, the main street of the lower town, you can wander around the adjacent alleys, without a well-defined route. It is possible to admire the majestic spire of St. George's Cathedral from De Leva Street, or catch a glimpse of the fascinating Cathedral of St. Peter through the arch of the alley of Barbieri.
Along the De Leva street you will encounter the palace's beautiful fourteenth century portal. Almost completely hidden in the heart of one of the most characteristic streets of the old town in Grimaldi Street, stands the rock church of San Nicolò Inferiore, which is considered to be the oldest church in Modica. It was discovered in 1987 by the Modican scholar Duccio Belgiorno in a cave being used as a utility room, and subsequently acquired in 1992 by the Centro Studi of the County of Modica. It represents one of the best remaining examples of Byzantine rock architecture not only in the Ibla but also the whole island.
A fascinating journey is one that leads to the Castle of the Counts. Beginning from the Prince of Naples square you can see the remains of the rock castle. The Raccomandata Street gradually leads the way to the upper town, making its way through the Cartellone district. It is worthwhile admiring Baroni Pirreira when passing by the Garibaldi. You can admire the impressive staircase of St. George's Cathedral, the most monumental building in the entire south-eastern part Sicily. Also worthwhile seeing are the Polara Palace, and, further up, the Tommasi Rosso Palace. Going through the ancient streets you finally arrive at what remains of the rock castle over the centuries. The Tower was the most fortified building in the town. The castle was rebuilt after the earthquake in1693 and later on redesigned. Walking down Castello and Posterla Street you come across the house of the Modican poet Salvatore Quasimodo which one must visit.
Moving along the path to the church of St. Mary of Bethlehem you will go past cave-houses and alleys. In the western part of the rocky spur, at the top of which sits the Castle of the Counts, you will see the embedded caves , a significant example of traditional cave houses. These peculiar rock cavities represent a break with the medieval era and a presence of the late Baroque style. There are four caves you can visit which are a reminder of a humble past, yet one which is proud of its roots.
Along the De Leva street you will encounter the palace's beautiful fourteenth century portal. Almost completely hidden in the heart of one of the most characteristic streets of the old town in Grimaldi Street, stands the rock church of San Nicolò Inferiore, which is considered to be the oldest church in Modica. It was discovered in 1987 by the Modican scholar Duccio Belgiorno in a cave being used as a utility room, and subsequently acquired in 1992 by the Centro Studi of the County of Modica. It represents one of the best remaining examples of Byzantine rock architecture not only in the Ibla but also the whole island.
A fascinating journey is one that leads to the Castle of the Counts. Beginning from the Prince of Naples square you can see the remains of the rock castle. The Raccomandata Street gradually leads the way to the upper town, making its way through the Cartellone district. It is worthwhile admiring Baroni Pirreira when passing by the Garibaldi. You can admire the impressive staircase of St. George's Cathedral, the most monumental building in the entire south-eastern part Sicily. Also worthwhile seeing are the Polara Palace, and, further up, the Tommasi Rosso Palace. Going through the ancient streets you finally arrive at what remains of the rock castle over the centuries. The Tower was the most fortified building in the town. The castle was rebuilt after the earthquake in1693 and later on redesigned. Walking down Castello and Posterla Street you come across the house of the Modican poet Salvatore Quasimodo which one must visit.
Moving along the path to the church of St. Mary of Bethlehem you will go past cave-houses and alleys. In the western part of the rocky spur, at the top of which sits the Castle of the Counts, you will see the embedded caves , a significant example of traditional cave houses. These peculiar rock cavities represent a break with the medieval era and a presence of the late Baroque style. There are four caves you can visit which are a reminder of a humble past, yet one which is proud of its roots.
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