Things to do in Modica | Top 10 must see highlights
The truly enchanting city of Modica. One of the many pearls of the Noto Valley. Modica is full of history with many attractions. The city is known for its Baroque style and chocolate.
Because of the unique panoramic view in Ragusa, that city remains my favorite in the Noto Valley. However, Modica comes very close for me.
The city is bursting with narrow streets and staircases where you can get lost and have a wonderful stroll around. Do you want to know which things to do in Modica? Then read on!
Things to do in Modica
Duomo di San Giorgio Modica
In Modica, the Duomo di San Giorgio is the number one attraction! This cathedral is a must-see when you visit the city! We first climbed the opposite side, from where you have a great view of the Duomo di San Giorgio.
Then we crossed the ‘Corso Umberto‘ again and went to admire the cathedral up close. The Duomo di San Giorgio is actually quite large and to get there you have to climb quite a few steps. However, this is well worth it.
The combination of the steps with the beautiful flowers and behind them the cathedral almost seems like a fairy tale. When we were here, a wedding took place at the cathedral. To marry at this cathedral would be an unforgettable experience!
Want to see more of Modica with a walking tour?
Not missing any of the highlights of Modica? Then book a walking tour with a guide, who will immediately tell you more about the city’s wonderful history.
Castello dei Conti
Above the city you will also find a castle. Castello dei Conti is an old castle with a great view of Modica.
Unfortunately, there is not much left of the castle and it looks more like a ruin. A ticket costs 3 euros and you pay mostly for the view.
Torre dell Orologio Modica
Near Castello dei Conti you will find the bell tower “Torre dell Orologio”. When you visit the city of Modica, you can already see the bell tower shining on top of the hill. In fact, it stands out right away.
The bell tower itself is fairly small, but it does offer a unique view of the city. It is definitely worth it to climt to the Torre dell Orologio.
Cava d'Ispica
This is a unique place near Modica, of which you cannot imagine how far back the history goes. In fact, Cava d’Ispica is a cave town believed to have been used in the Middle Ages.
The caves of Cava d’Ispica originated naturally, but were later carved further by the inhabitants. People were also buried in these caves. The tombs are still in good condition today.
Tickets cost €4 for adults and children are free. A good tip is to visit Cava d’Ispica near Modica on the first Sunday of the month. Then the entrance is free.
The caves of Cava d’Ispica are easily seen within 2 hours. Yet you could also make a day trip of it. After all, it is a beautiful nature reserve where you can go hiking.
Modica panorama
In general, there is less to see on the left side of the Corso Umberto. After all, most of the major sights are on the right side of this important street. Still, it is definitely worth exploring the western part of Modica as well. There can find the Belvedere di San Benedetto.
First you have to make a climb. Here you really wander through the small streets where you climb higher and higher and walk between the houses. It is even difficult to find a direct way up, because you have no overview at all when you walk between the different houses. Also, there is no direct way up. So be sure to use Google Maps if you can’t find the right path.
Once at the top it is worth the little climb and the search. This is because from this side you have a panoramic view of the part of Modica where all the sights are located. A unique view that you should definitely climb up for.
Belvedere Pizzo
Also on the eastern side of Corso Umberto you have a beautiful panoramic view. You have the bell tower located on the eastern side, as well as Belvedere Pizzo. In contrast, Belvedere Pizzo is a lot further to the north than Torre dell Orologio.
The great thing is that because of its northern position, you actually have a panoramic view of both sides of Modica. Simply amazing!
Parrocchia Madonna delle Grazie Modica
This is probably one of the most beautiful churches in Modica. The Parrocchia Madonna delle Grazie Modica was built in 1627. Unlike most churches and other old buildings, you will find this church in the lower part of Modica.
Are you visiting Modica by train? Then make sure not to miss Parrocchia Madonna delle Grazie Modica. In fact, this church can be found close to the train station.
The church is famous because it houses a painting of Madonna with a child in her arms.
Duomo di San Pietro Apostolo Modica
The most beautiful cathedral in Modica is, of course, the San Giorgio. Yet the slightly smaller version, the “Duomo di San Pietro Apostolo” is just as magnificent.
The Duomo di San Pietro Apostolo dates back as far as 1308. After the earthquake in 1693, the cathedral was completely rebuilt in the Baroque style. Right from the main street you can already see this magnificent cathedral.
At the Duomo di San Pietro Apostolo you will find 12 disciples. According to the legend, these would watch over Modica.
Chiesa Rupestre di San Nicolò Inferiore
This may be one of the places with a story you only see in movies. By chance, the Chiesa Rupestre di San Nicolò Inferiore was rediscovered in 1987 by a boy kicking a ball inside.
The boy kicked a ball into an abandoned basement and saw some colors on the wall that caught his eye. Later research was done and it turned out to be a church believed to have been built around 1100.
In this old church you find several frescoes from the Byzantine era. For €2.50 you can discover this place full of history.
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso
This church is located directly on the Corso Umberto. Yet you will walk right past the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso, because the front side of the church is not on the main street.
The Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso is definitely worth seeing. In fact, the facade of the church is beautiful! Unfortunately, the church has been abandoned and poorly maintained for ages.
Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista Modica
This church is located on the highest part of Modica. When you reach the Cathedral, it is still a bit of a climb to this church. The staircase continues much further than the one below in the photo.
The Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista is especially imposing because of the steps in front of the church. Because of the many stairs with the trees on the side, you get a very nice view.
For €2 and climbing quite a few stairs you can go up into the dome. From here you have a beautiful view, where on clear days you could even see Malta.
Santa Maria di Gesu Modica
This sight is a little further away in Modica. In fact, when you get to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Evangelista, you have to walk quite a bit further to get to the monastery of Santa Maria di Gesu.
The church itself is not very special, but the Gothic monastery that dates from 1478 must be seen. In fact, it is one of the few sights in Modica that survived the terrible earthquake of 1963. Also, the building served as a prison in the 19th century. For €3 you can enter the Santa Maria di Gesu.
Cathedrals in Modica
Modica is truly bursting with churches. There are simply too many of them to mention. Some are hidden among the small streets so they are not immediately noticeable.
Small cathedrals in Modica that we also recommend you to check out are the Chiesa di San Paolo al Lavinaro and the Chiesa del Carmine.
What to do in Modica
Modica is a beautiful city in the Valley of Noto that should not be missed.
We recommend taking about 4 hours to visit Modica. This way you will have time to climb up both sides of Modica and you can quietly go inside all the churches in Modica.
In addition, do not miss the beautiful flowers in combination with the view at the Duomo di San Giorgio!
Discover more of Sicily?
Do you also want to discover the bigger cities in Sicily, besides visiting the nicest villages like Ragusa and Noto? Then read our blog about the most beautiful sights in Catania!
