From Ragusa, it was a 20 minute drive to Modica. We got lucky and found parking on the street. Otherwise, park at Parcheggio Gratuito near the Basilica Sanctuario Madonna della Grazie
Start at Corso Umberto I and the Museo dell'Tradizioni--temporarily closed
Next to the Museo is the Santa Maria dell'Annunziata, also known as Chiesa Carmine.
Continue down Corso Umberto I to see the City Hall.
Across the street is the WW II Memorial
Since it was Easter, Colomba cakes were everywhere. It's a dove-shaped sweet cake--a soft dough that is slightly chewy.
You could also find coral, a symbol of the blood of Christ. It's believed to have protective powers.
The Museo di Cioccolata. Admission is €3.
Duomo di San Pietro--the 14th century church was damaged by an earthquake in 1693. It was reconstructed beginning in 1697 until the 19th century.
The interior of the Duomo di San Pietro.
Stop by the Castello dei Conti. It has served as a prison, a court and district offices. Admission is free. There's not much to see inside. The sights are of the outside.
You get a nice panoramic view of the city of Modica.
The Duomo di San Giogio is considered Sicily's most extraordinary Baroque church. It sits in Modica Alta at the top of a 250-step staircase.
Inside, there's a statue of St. George slaying a dragon. This statue is carried through town during the saint's annual festival in April. The saint's remains are said to be buried here as well.
On the way back to the lower town, you'll find the Chiesa Rupestre di San Nicolo Inferiore. This 12th century church was carved into the rock and discovered by accident in 1987.
Inside you'll find Byzantine frescoes with the central figure of Cristo Pantocratore (Christ All Powerful) holding open the Gospel with the words Ego Sum Lux Mundi (I am the light of the world. The frescoes are faint and the room is small. Admission is €1.50. I wouldn't go out of my way to see it but if you're in the neighborhood, it's worth a visit.
2022 04 18
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