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Surnamed “the city of 100 bells and 100 churches”, Modica is a glamorous city famous for its vast culture, great cuisine, complex architectural subsidies and delicious chocolate. It used to be considered the Venice of Sicily because of the numerous bridges that once crossed the Iann Mauro and Pozzo dei Pruni rivers. They no longer exist due to a flood from 1902 and their former course is now covered by the main street of Modica, Corso Umberto.

The town is the lucky beneficiary of large expansion deployed over the years. The extension reached areas like Modica Sorda, Monserrato, Idria which mark what is now called “The New Modica”. Nowadays, the town consists of upper Modica (Modica Alta) and lower Modica (Modica Bassa) that are connected through typical narrow streets. Modica was also damaged by the 1693 eartquake which is the main reason why the Baroque design prevails over the architectural domain. There still remain some vague traces of the Old Modica such as the Gothic portal of the Chiesa del Carmine, some ruins of the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Gesu (16th century) and the cave-church of San Nicolo Inferiore (Saint Nicholas) from the 12th century, an edifice that offers a slight Byzantine look to the building.

Religious life is pampered by architects that designed fascinating cathedrals and churches. The Cathedral of San Giorgio is a majestic religious monument of origins that haven’t been fully discovered. Serial earthquakes brought severe damage and it was architect Rosario Gagliardi who led the reconstruction although some think that the restoration was a result of the participation of several architects.

The Chiesa del Carmine dates from the 16th century, the moment of the emergence of the religious order. After the earthquake, few original elements survived: the doorway and a majestic rose-window which are joined by the precious relief stuccoes that adorn the main altar.

The Church of Saint Mary of Bethlehem brings a certain spotlight to Modica Bassa as it shelters tombs of noble Cabreras. Also, a Christmas Crib made of terra cotta by father Benedetto Papale in 1882 makes quite an impression.

The elegant convent of the Mercedari friars enlarges its brightness by hosting the Town Museum with important archaeological findings and the Iblean Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions which gathers agricultural tools and antiquities.

Modica Alta presents architectural assets of equal importance. The Palace Tomasi-Rossi and the Cathedral of San Giovanni are only two highlights of this side of town. Still, Modica is not all about architectural history. It is also the proud witness of a 400 year old tradition of chocolate making. As part of the Spanish Kingdom, Modica was amongst the first beneficiaries of South-American foodstuffs. Since then, cacao has been wisely explored and today chocolate masters offer delicious unique sweet creations.

Add the beautiful beach at Marina di Modica and the picture of a perfect August vacation is done!