Last Updated on 9 February 2025
Introduction
Before we find out what to see in Modica, let’s start with a little introduction. The town is a hidden gem in the heart of Sicily, a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty. If you are planning a visit to this fascinating location, you are in luck. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the main attractions that make Modica an unforgettable place to visit.
What to see in Modica
Cathedral of St. George
The Cathedral of San Giorgio is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is often referred to as a symbol of Sicilian Baroque. It was built around 1600/1700 and has an overall height of 62 meters. You can visit the Duomo every day, entry is free.
St. Peter’s Church
St. Peter’s Church was built around 1300, so it is even older than St. George’s Cathedral. It too has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is embellished with a large staircase and 12 statues, representing the 12 apostles. You can visit it for free every day.
Salvatore Quasimodo Birthplace
It was in this house that Quasimodo, who also won the Nobel Prize for literature, was born. Here he did not live long, but you will still find a lot of furniture and objects that belonged to the poet, and you will have a beautiful view of Modica. You will also be able to listen to the recording present on an old tape, where Quasimodo recites some of his poems.
Rock Church of St. Nicholas Inferior
Very impressive is the 12th century rock church of St. Nicholas, which was discovered by accident in 1987. Think at the time it was used as a garage for a private home until from the plaster, signs of paint began to show, and then it was upgraded and preserved. The church is carved into the rock and you will find Byzantine frescoes and a baptismal bowl. It is the oldest church in Modica and the ticket costs only 2.50 Euros.
Strolling through the alleys of Modica
I recommend getting lost in the alleys of Modica as I did. You can slowly work your way through the streets in front of St. Peter’s Church and then climb higher and higher. As you can see from the photos, the view you have of the city is magnificent and you discover many beautiful hidden corners and houses carved into the rock.
What and where to eat in Modica
The typical product par excellence is definitely Modica chocolate. What’s special about it? It has a fizzy taste and think it is based on an ancient recipe, which the Spanish took from the Aztecs and then brought to Modica during colonization. Just think, during one of my vacations in Mexico, I tasted exactly the same chocolate at a local market!
Here you find the typical dishes of Ragusa and surroundings (Modica is in the province of Ragusa) and here instead i typical Sicilian dishes and products in general.
As for where to eat or have an aperitif in Modica, I really liked the Latteria bar with its famous ricotta cremolata.
In the evening, however, you can go i to the restaurant Il Cappero, where I had excellent ricotta ravioli with pork sauce, a specialty of these areas.
Interactive map of Modica – Points of interest in purple
To locate yourself once in the area, click on the enlarge symbol in the map at the top right.
What to see around Modica
Modica is part of the province of Ragusa. Here you find the most beautiful places to visit around Ragusa .
