Modica

Sipario is in the heart of Modica, a World Heritage site that charms visitors with its architecture, food, culture and sense of authenticity. Lying on a gorge formed by four hills in the south-east of Sicily, the city is divided into Modica Alta (Upper Modica), whose amber-colored buildings clamber up on the rocks, and Modica Bassa (Lower Modica), at the bottom of the valley. A maze of narrow streets and steps joins the two parts. The house is in Modica Bassa just a few steps away from the Garibaldi Theatre and the high street and offers an amazing view of Modica Alta and its wonderful Saint George Cathedral.

History

The city is full of history. Its first name was Motyca and there is evidence that it was already inhabited during prehistoric times, then dominated by the Greeks, the Romans and Byzantium. It became an important agricultural and centre for commerce during the Arab domination that lasted for two centuries (from 844-5 to 1091). During Norman rule, it obtained the title of County of Modica and was then dominated by the French Anjous followed by the Aragon from Spain. At the end of the 13th century the Chiaramonte family began to govern the county thus opening a century of economic prosperity and cultural revival. They were followed by the Cabrera and the Henriquez.

In 1693, the city was devastated by an earthquake that destroyed the eastern part of Sicily and then rebuilt in the same location. Baroque is the predominant style with the interesting church of St. Peter, the splendid church of St. George and the several Palazzi that can be found both in Modica Alta e Modica Bassa.

In Modica Alta, the splendid Cathedral of San Giorgio is one of the most important religious monuments of Sicily. The exterior of the church has an amazing flight of 250 steps which form the shape of a chalice and a beautiful façade which rises through three levels to a single bell-tower both can be enjoyed from the terrace, the windows or the balcony of the SipariosuModica house. The interior of the church, with its magnificent nave and double aisles, is enriched by stuccoes and gildings decorations, and paintings, such as the Events of the Gospel and of the life of Saint George (1513), by Girolamo Aliprandi, considered to be the "Raphael of Sicily".

In Modica Bassa, the Cathedral of San Pietro, was initially built in the 14th century and then rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. The exterior has steps surmounted by big statues of the twelve apostles called by the local "I Santuna", the church is just 5 minutes walk from SipariosuModica.

Festivals

Important festivities are San Giorgio and San Pietro and the cheerful procession of Easter Sunday known as "A Maronna Vasa Vasa", when a special statue of the Lady moves its arms (aided by a puppet master hidden in the carriage carrying the statue) to bless Christ resurrected and crowds of Modicani stroll around the streets of the city for the occasion. Visiting Modica for one of these occasions will add a special touch to your memorable holiday in Sicily.

Food

The city is renowned for its rich culinary tradition offering an amazing variety of seasonal dishes that follow different traditions and are the amazing result of the local re-interpretation of the legacy of the various dominations, especially the Arab and Spanish ones. Sweet and savory dishes, summer and winter food are on offer for a real taste of the county. Among the most famous products and dishes: the Cioccolato Modicano, i Mpanatigghi, i scacci, u pani i casa, u maccu etc etc If you are interested in a cooking class you can get in touch with your host on a dedicated website called loveSicily.

OUTSKIRTS

The outskirts of Modica offer many opportunities to visit seaside locations along the coast or nearby towns and cities full of history.

Marina di Modica is just 20km away, a location where many Modicani have their second house to spend their summer near the beach, nearby are also Santa Maria del Focallo, Donnalucata, Sampieri e Marina di Ragusa with their sandy beaches, just a bit further afield is Vendicari Nature Reserve, with wonderful beaches and marshes.

Other locations to visit are Ragusa, Scicli, Pozzallo, Ispica, Noto, Siracusa and Caltagirone. A slightly longer journey can take you to places such as Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina and Agrigento, all requiring a full day visit.