Forty minutes drive from Ragusa or Noto, and nestled within a valley formed by four hills, lies the spectacular town of Modica.

One of eight UNESCO Heritage ‘Val di Noto’ towns and cities in south-eastern Sicily whose architectural landscape changed forever following the devastating earthquake of 1693, the medieval old town once carved into rock has been replaced by stunning baroque facades, extravagant churches and beautiful palaces; the old and new connected by a maze of narrow streets and staircases.

It is a town whose geography can make on-foot explorations a little more complicated than simply following a map from point A to B, but with enough time and an acceptance that a wrong turn that leads to a new viewpoint over the valley and tumbling buildings below can never really be wrong at all, Modica will capture your heart like many visitors who have gone before.

Whether you are in Modica for a day trip or a longer sojourn, we’d recommend every visitor begins their explorations along Corso Umberto, the main street which passes through Modica Alta. With a bounty of boutique stores, historic churches and beautiful squares, it’s the perfect spot for people watching, especially in the late afternoon.

Don’t miss:

Palazzo De Leva | Just off of Corso Umberto lies the beautiful town mansion of the De Leva family, now used for art exhibitions and cultural events. 

Teatro Garibaldi | An elegant 19th century theatre that still plays host to ballet, opera and more contemporary offerings. 

Museo Civico | Located in Palazzo della Cultura (worth a stop on its own), the Museo Civico is where those wanting to understand a little more about the city’s history should head.