Modica

Modica is a magnificent town,included in the Unesco World Heritage list. It is located in the Southern side of Iblei mounts and consists of two urban centres: “Modica alta”, upper Modica, whose buildings are perched on the rocky mountain; “Modica Bassa”, lower Modica, in the valley below where the main street Corso Umberto is located now.

Few testimonies of the “former town” remain: the gothic portal of“Chiesa del Carmine”; ruins of “Chiesa di Santa Maria del Gesù” from sixteenth century; “ Cappella delSacramento” from fifteenth century; ruins of the old castle. The rocky church of “ San Nicolò inferiore” from twelfth century has been recently found out and contains important decorations dating back to 700 until 1500

The late Baroque is the architectural style that characterizes Modica,due to reconstruction after the earthquake in 1693. Many churches and palaces of great architectural value are spread around the town, above allit is worth to mention “Duomo di San Giorgio”, “ Chiesa di San Pietro”, “Palazzo della Cultura” that houses “Museo Civico Archeologico” with the famous bronze statue of “Ercole di Cafeo” from the III century BC, “Palazzo Polara”, “Palazzo Grimaldi”, “Teatro Garibaldi”

Modica is unique and charming not only for its elegant baroque style but also for its fascinating narrow streets andlively, refined atmosphere.

It is also well known for its food excellences, above all for the Chocolate of Modica, that distinguishes for the cold working, in which sugar does not melt but remains in its crystal form. In addition to classic recipe, several types are available enriched with varied aromas: cinnamon, chili, vanilla, ginger, citrus etc.

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