the baroque modica

modica

Modica is one of the most popular cities in Sicily, thanks to its exceptional beauty and rich agricultural and culinary traditions.

The city was founded already 3000 years before Christ in an area characterized by steep valleys and canyons, where still today can be seen the archeological rest of the ancient civilization.

Following the history of most of the cities in the south-eastern part of Sicily, Modica has been ruled by the Greeks, the Romans and the Arabs. It is only from the beginning of the Medieval period and the rule of the Norman kings first, and the Spanish later, that Modica has gained importance and prestige, becoming the 4th most important city in Sicily until the end of the second world war.

Modica was also hit by the terrible earthquake of 1693, that completely destroyed the city. Unlike other similar sights, like Noto, after a long debate, it was decided not to move the city to a new sight but to rebuild it in the same place where we see it today. The reconstruction was extremely fast and already in 1703 the main church (Duomo di San Giorgio) was open for service.

The city that we see today was shaped after the earthquake and almost no architecture is left the same way it was before the event. The city has been rebuilt following the late baroque style, typical of the post-earthquake Sicily.

One characteristic of the city through history has been the rich middle class and the quick modernization after the medieval time, with the establishment of the private property and the creation of many private owned farms in the territory.

Up until now, agriculture is the main source of wealth of the city. The most famous agricultural products of the city are the olive oil (with the variety named "Monti Iblei DOP"), hard wheat (which justifies the presence of so many mills in the area), honey and a variety of flat beans.

But probably the most famous product is the chocolate. It was introduced to Modica in the 16th century by the Spaniards, who in turn imported it from Mexico and learnt how to process the cocoa beans from the Aztecs. That's why until today in Modica the chocolate is produced in the same ancient way: the cocoa beans are smashed as whole, keeping the cocoa butter in, and mixed with sugar and spices, always keeping a low temperature (40 degrees). The result is a chocolate with a special taste, not shiny and usually with a higher percentage of cocoa (from 60% on).

Like many towns in Sicily, Modica is full of churches and noble palaces. Worth to mention are at least two masterpieces: the Duomo di San Giorgio and the Duomo di San Pietro.

The Duomo di San Giorgio is the main church and often considered as the most beautiful architecture of the Sicilian baroque style. It is the result of the reconstruction after the earthquake of 1693. The church features a unique facade that dominates a long stairway that goes down the hill. Inside famous is the organ (with 4 keyboards and 3000 pipes, still working) and the set of painting behind the altar. It is open every day from 10 to 12 and from 16 to 18:30. Closed on Tuesday morning.

The second must see sight is the Duomo di San Pietro, which in the city has the same hierarchical level of the Duomo di San Giorgio. The Duomo di San Pietro has also been rebuilt after the earthquake, even though in the inside some parts are still original pre-earthquake. Very beautiful is the set of statues that dominates the stairway in front of the facade and the marbles of the floor in the inside. Open from 9 to 12.45 and 15.30 to 19.15.