Modica (Sicily)

Modica is a city in the Province of Ragusa, Sicily. The city is situated in the Hyblaean Mountains. Its architecture has been recognised as providing outstanding testimony to the exuberant genius and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe and, along with other towns in the Val di Noto, is part of UNESCO Heritage Sites in Italy. Modica consists of two urban centres, "Modica Alta" (Upper Modica) and "Modica Bassa" (Lower Modica). The older upper part is perched on the rocky top of the southern Iblei hill, the lower part is built on the lower slopes and valley below. The walk down from Modica Alta to Modica Bassa reveals vistas of the lower town and involves many steps; not many attempt the reverse journey on foot. Despite being ravaged by earthquakes in 1613 and 1693, and floods in 1833 and 1902, Modica has retained some of the most beautiful architecture in Sicily. Much of the city was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake with imposing and conspicuous urban monuments in the Sicilian Baroque style. The large Baroque Cathedral "San Giorgio" is dedicated to St George. While the cathedral was rebuilt following the earthquake of 1693, like many other parts of the city its roots are in the Middle Ages. Another notable church is "San Pietro", dedicated to St Peter, in Modica Bassa, featuring a principal façade crowned by a typical Sicilian Baroque belltower. Modica was also the birthplace of writer Salvatore Quasimodo, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1959.

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Recipes From Sicily

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Pasta shouldn’t wait for guests; guests should wait for it! 
 

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Almondy shortbread domes filled with custard and topped with icing, these classic Sicilian sweets were first created in the 1800s at the Monastero di Santa Maria dell Vergini in Palermo.

Whole pistachios and pistachio flour from Sicily will take these luscious cookies to new heights. 

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Italy’s volcanic Aeolian Islands are known for their vibrant local cuisine. This tasty summer salad features some of the local specialties from capers to tuna.

What others are saying about Sicily

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I am looking for someone to help me with tracing my Sicilian ancestors (Messina, circa 1815!) and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with professional genealogists in the area and could possibly recommend anyone please?

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We have bought a house in Sicily and i have been told we need to replace our roof tiles because of a law coming in.  i have searched the internet and cant find a law, so wondered if anyone could help me.  Could it be that we have asbestos roof tiles?  

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By succession law, we inherited a house. Our names are on the catasta. I want to sell my portion. Can I do so without getting my two sisters involved?