Modica (RG) - UNESCO World Heritage Site - Noto Valley - Sicily
- Tuttitaly
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Modica was known in Italy and around the world for its historic center, rich in baroque architecture, for having been the film set for the filming of the fiction "Inspector Montalbano" and for its precious Modica Chocolate, which in 2018 obtained from the European Union the recognition of Protected Geographical Indication. It is also nicknamed "City of Hercules". A legend has it that Hercules founded three cities in Sicily, to which he gave the name of Motia, in honor of the beautiful Greek woman who showed him where to find the oxen stolen from Hercules... #UNESCO #tuttitaly
Modica, located in Ragusa in Sicily, is a true gem of UNESCO Heritage with its magnificent historic center. The city is famous in Italy and worldwide for its Baroque architecture, connection to the TV series "Inspector Montalbano," and the highly esteemed Modica Chocolate, recognized by the European Union with the Protected Geographical Indication.
With the nickname "City of Hercules," Modica has an ancient history dating back to the Greek era and has developed over the centuries, especially after the post-earthquake reconstruction of the seventeenth century.
The city of Modica stands out for its unique position. Buildings sprawl on both sides of the hill, creating a multi-layered city divided between Modica Alta and Modica Bassa.
The houses built close to each other, constructed in the natural cavities of the rock, create a spectacular effect that harmoniously blends with more modern constructions. Its splendid Baroque buildings have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making Modica a must-visit for art and architecture enthusiasts.
What to see
The beating heart of Modica is its historic center, characterized by elegant staircases, arcades, noble palaces, and Baroque churches. The main streets, Corso Umberto and Via Giarrantana are lined with splendid palaces that retain a decadent charm.
Among the not-to-be-missed attractions is the magnificent Cathedral of San Giorgio, a rococo masterpiece with a monumental staircase of 260 steps.
The city also offers the opportunity to visit the Church of San Pietro, located in Modica Bassa and dominated by the Rocca del Castello dei Conti, along with the Museum of Salvatore Quasimodo's Birthplace, the famous Nobel Prize-winning writer born in Modica.
Modica Chocolate
In addition to its architectural beauties and enchanting surrounding beaches, Modica is renowned for its exquisite chocolate, produced with a unique cold processing method that preserves the organoleptic properties of cocoa.
Visit the Chocolate Museum to learn about the history and production of Modica chocolate and discover its ancient origins.
Another must-visit stop is the Antica Dolceria Bonajuto, the oldest chocolate factory on the island, which has been producing traditional Modica and Sicilian chocolate, along with delicious sweets and cookies, since 1880.
Conclusion
The countryside around Modica offers the opportunity to admire the picturesque dry stone walls built in the sixteenth century and explore the area's charming quarries and natural caves.
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