Modica itinerary, between baroque and chocolate
Cultural itinerary
- Departure: Free parking in Viale Medaglie d’Oro
- Journey time: 4/5 h (including stops)
- Difficulty: medium, suitable for children and adults
- Length: about 4 km round trip
- Price: variable
- Possible Variants: Include in the itinerary a visit to the lower rock church of S. Nicolò
THE COURSE
Modica chocolate (in Modica dialect “ciucculatta muricana”) is obtained from a particular “cold” processing of the chocolate which excludes the conching phase. In 2018 the Modica chocolate has the recognition of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
Through this innovative and hybrid itinerary, we want to give the visitor an experiential journey through the history of the city, combining the history and tradition of chocolate processing with the visit of the most significant monuments in a perfect combination of art and architecture and flavors and smells of the tradition. Chocolate is the absolute protagonist of the itinerary and gives flavor and smell to a past and never lost story.
The Itinerary therefore begins from Viale Medaglie d’Oro and with a long walk along C / so Umberto I, in the center between Art Nouveau and Baroque palaces, during which it is possible to introduce the history of the city, we arrive at “Museum of Chocolate”, the first stop on the itinerary. It was born with the aim of protecting and maintaining the heritage of knowledge linked to the centuries-old chocolate tradition of the city of Modica. Then we visit the Antica Bonajuto confectionery shop and its Fattojo. During the tour in Fattojo we witness the entire processing cycle, from the bean to the tablet with tasting of typical products which includes the “mpanatigghia”, a typical biscuit of Modica, different types of nougat, chocolate liqueur and some types of chocolate of them production. The itinerary continues with the Cathedral of San Pietro (Unesco heritage), the interesting rock church of San Nicolò Inferiore, the Castro-Polara Grimaldi Palace and the majestic Cathedral of San Giorgio (Unesco heritage). The last stop is the Modica chocolate shop and Sabadì chocolate refining cellar, where you can watch the refining, taste and buy the only naturally perfumed chocolates.
USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS
Equipment: comfortable shoes, water, hat, camera.
LOGISTICS INFO OF THE ITINERARY:
HOW TO GET:
The path develops entirely within the Municipality of Modica. The free parking area at the beginning of Viale Medaglione d’oro was assumed as a collection and departure point, easily reachable both from Scicli, through the SP 54 in 12 minutes, and from Ragusa Ibla through the SS 115 in 19 minutes.