THE COURSE

The city of Modica develops in two parts, Modica Alta, with its narrow houses, churches and Baroque palaces that climb the hills and Modica Bassa, cut from Corso Umberto, the main street of the city. Its late Baroque layout dates back to the post-earthquake period. Modica alta and Modica low are still today connected by a series of characteristic stairs. Today these stairs constitute suggestive itineraries to discover the beating heart of the city.
The itinerary starts from the square of the Church of San Giorgio, the cathedral of the city of Modica, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. On the sides of the cathedral there are two buildings: Palazzo Polara (late 17th century) and Palazzo Castro-Polara Grimaldi (17th century. ). Then there is a series of historic buildings, churches and convents: Palazzo Cannata, Church of San Giuseppe, church of San Michele Arcangelo and the most beautiful late-Baroque palace in the city: Palazzo Napolino Tommasi Rosso, built in the second half of the 18th century. You reach Piazza Santa Teresa, where you can visit the church of Santa Teresa d’Avila (18th century) and next to it the Palazzo Failla (19th century) recently renovated and transformed into a hotel. Continuing towards the top of the hill in the heart of the “Francavilla” district, is the Church of San Nicolò and Erasmo (rebuilt after 1693). The Church is now used as an auditorium). Going further up, you can see Palazzo Floridia (19th century), Palazzo Solonia-Floridia and Palazzo Salonia-Di Lorenzo-Minardo, an architectural example of the late eighteenth century. Almost at the top reigns the imposing bulk of the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista, then the Church of San Ciro and the Church of San Martino with the adjoining convent, currently the seat of the University. Continuing on you will meet the church of Sant’Antonio di Padova and taking the alley (Via Pizzo) that runs along the left side of the church you can continue to Pizzo, the highest point of the city, a wonderful view of the roofs of the city .

USEFUL INFORMATION AND CONTACTS

Equipment: comfortable shoes, water, hat, camera.

LOGISTICS INFO OF THE ITINERARY:

HOW TO GET:

The route develops in the territory of Modica. The starting point of the itinerary is easily accessible, arriving in the clearing in front of the cathedral of San Giorgio.