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Modica is 115 km far from Catania. It's climbed on the rock. It's divided in 2 parts: High Modica, looklikes a small crib and Low Modica, situated in the Valley of 2 ancient streams: Janni Mauro and Pozzo dei Pruni, disappeared in the flood of 1902. Today they correspond to the main streets: Corso Umberto and Via Marchesa Tedeschi.
You can also visit Polara Palace and its rich art gallery (pinacoteca), the remains of the Castle, with caves and underground aisles, Palazzo Napolino, and San Giovanni Square, with the homonym Church. It's now in restore Santa Maria di Gesł Church, which is one of the few example of architecture before the earthquake of 1693. Inside an ancient rock altar.
There is other more, .... Have a good time discovering it, walking through this magicl town, with unforgettable atmospheares. Don't forget to taste the excellent Aztec chocolate, maybe eating it sat down on the steps of a church looking the asleeped town at your feet...
First time I saw Scicli, it
left me breathless, absolutely amazed. You can start the visit from the
historical centre or from Colle San Matteo, at the top of the
CIVIL ARCHITECTURE Very interesting Palazzo Fava, and Palazzo Beneventano. First, on the corner with Via San Bartolomeo, is famous for its portal and balconies, most of all that of "Grifi" balcony, so called for its sculpture-like shelves. Beneventano Palace is on the corner with the street for the top of the hill. Its corner position gives it two facade, jointed by a cornice, uncompleted in its superior part, and a diamond cantonal, that balances the picture. It's surrended by a San Giuseppe statue and 2 arab heads with the family simbol on the top. Other example of civile architecture along Via Mornino Penna. In the main square opposite to Cinema Italia, you will find two information tourist points, in which find informations, books, and city maps.
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WebMaster Virgillito Maria.
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LOW
MODICA: You can visit
the unfinished Church of
Santa Maria delle Grazie,
in P.zza Rizzone. The main faēade has no statues and a bas-relief with the
symbol of the town. Inside it's divided in a nave and two aisles, decorated with
arcs. In the vault and the dome there are fresco paintings of Evangelisti and
life and symbols of Virgin Mary. The Church is dedicated to Virgin Mary, who
released the town from the plague in 1709. Following the street you reach the ex
monastery of Padri Mercedari,
built in 1681. Today here there is a Municipal Library and an Etnographic Museum.
Carmine Church
dates from XVth century, even if the Bell Tower and th
e
niche of Virgin Mary are built after the earthquake on 1693.
HIGH
MODICA: It offers an icredible
shows in the evening. Going on from Garibaldi
Street to
San Giorgio Staircase,
250 steps reproducing globet shape. The Church, built in 1090, at the death of
the Saint, was totally rebuilt after the earthquake in 1693. Main
hill
and its breathtaking views. Between 1500 b.C. and 800 b.C. Siculi
founded it. The name maybe dates back to Siliqua (carrubba tree spreads
on Iblei countries) or it's the same Siculi name in its arab shape.
First itinerary starts from San Matteo Street in the historical centre.
Proceed on it, crossing the town running main Scicli monuments into.
At the top of the hill you can see San Matteo Church, Cathedral till the
end of XVIIIth century, and "Cento Bocche di
Chiafura" (100 Chiafura 
cade, in 2 orders, closed by
2 bell towers and a tympanum, dates back first of XIXth century. Inside
3 aisles, with the statues of the Protectors Saints: Santa Maria delle
Milizie and San Guglielmo. The altar comes from the old Church "Santa
Maria la Piazza". Saint Bartolomeo Church rises in the homonim
quarry. The three order facade dates back the beginning of '800. The
inside is latyn cross with a "Deposizione" (deposition) painting and a
Crib in Napoletan style. From Italia Square it moves on Via Mornino
Penna, Unesco Heritage List since 2002. Here visits the Palazzo di Cittą
(City Palace), the Municipio (Town Hall) and San Giovanni (St. John)
Church. Inside is an original portraying "Cristo in Gonnella" (Chryst in
skirt) very common in Spanish tradition, but rare in Italy. Between
Palazzo Bonelli and Palazzo Veneziano Sgarlata there is San Michele (St
Michael) Church, animated by Corinthian columns. In the night you can
visit the city another time, looking at different views of enchanted
beauty.
It's
a good place to relax yourself in every season. It's crowded and coloured in
summer and amuse and warmly in autumn or winter. Time flows slowly. You can trek
on the promenade or visit the place in which was shot "Montalbano" movies,
alucky television series, inspired to Camilleri's famous books. A curiosity,
Camilleri's romances developed in Agrigento district, Porto Empedocle,
Lampedusa, but the movies have shot in Ragusa district. On 19th march there is
Saint Joseph feast, the Protector Saint of the town. In this occasion you can
look at "Cavalcata di San Giuseppe" (St Joseph horses parade) or taste good
local fish, taking part at "Sagra della Seppia" (Squid's Festival). 
Nearby Donnalucata,
exit from the town 500 mt, direction Marina di Ragusa There is Irminio River
Natural Reserve. You can have some pleasant hours, trkking on the beach,
reaching the mouth, deeped in a luxuregiant nature, having birdwatching,
in a dreaming atmospheare, feeling like Indiana Jones, crossing a log (...maybe
you can have an unscheduled bathe...) tranches . . 
