Nested in a dramatic gorge of the Val di Noto, Modica, like many other towns in the area, is a World Heritage Site. Its flamboyant baroque architecture delights its visitors as soon as they approach the town from the road. Yet Modica is a sharply divided town, and locals usually identify with the lower or the upper part of the town. The lower town mainly occupies two wide streets that came to replace two rivers after a tragic flood in 1902. The upper town, built on a steep hill, is a maze of alleyways, and retains the feel of an old Sicilian village. Both have many splendid baroque palaces and religious edifices.

Lower and upper Modica have their own opulent Chiesa Madre, which are the main points of focus of the itinerary. The church dedicated to San Giorgio, the patron saint of Modica (upper Modica) is of particular interest, notably for its remarkable grand façade and its elegant twin staircases leading to the church. In the church of San Pietro (lower Modica), its old rival, the largest chapel is decorated with a superb Madonna of Trapani by the school of Gagini. Next to San Pietro is the cave-church of San Nicolo Inferiore, the oldest church in Modica. Its earliest fresco, depicting a scene of the Ascension, date from late Byzantine (late 10^th early 11^th century).

The visit includes a stop at a famous chocolateria, where you will be introduced to Modica’s long
chocolate making tradition. Indeed, during their domination of Sicily, the Spaniards introduced the
method of making chocolate which they had learned from the Aztecs. It is still this ancestral method
that is used in Modica today.

This chocolate factory is also extremely innovative, and produces a wide selection of deliciously surprising aged chocolate. The spices, herbs, wines, liquors, teas, beers and flowers, that feature in their chocolates have ushered in a real revolution in Italian chocolate making.

This visit also makes for a great introduction to the ancient and modern art of chocolate making.

Tour duration: up to 3h

For lunch, your guide will happily offer suggestions on the best options in Modica

Contact us to book this private tour of Modica; we will let you know about our availability and answer any questions you may have.

Note: If you wish to explore other towns in the Val di Noto, please contact us. You could easily combine this half day guided walk of Modica with another destination such as Noto, Ragusa Ibla or Scicli.

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