Oh I love to read about inexpensive or better yet, free things to do whilst visiting a new destination. I do hope these posts are helpful to someone at some point in time. After spending a couple of weeks in beautiful Sicily so far, here are 5 free things to see & do in Modica.
Belvedere View Point
Up at the very highest part in Modica Alta is the Piazza Belvedere. Here is a platform, complete with benches, a shade tree or two and the most beautiful views of the valley and city below.
Now it’s a climb to get here if you do not have a vehicle, in fact about 300 stairs all told from the main street through town, Corso Umberto 1. But I will say, the views are definitely worth every sweaty step! And if you are like me, you can work off that cornetto filled with delicious cream, that you had for brekkie! 😂
Chiesa di San Pietro
Modica is known as the city of 100 churches. You will see them often and hear their beautiful bells ringing through the valley. Sometimes, being in Europe, one might experience the feeling of getting ‘churched-out’.
So I have narrowed it down to this one church, if you want to view the interior of a local duomo. Even though Duomo di San Giorgio gets most of the highlight when it comes to photos and notoriety in Modica, I found St Peter’s interior to be much more beautiful.
Modica Alta
A visit to Modica will probably involve the want or need to see the very oldest part of the city which is Modica Alta, specifically the highest hill. You will indeed have to climb some steps, many steps in fact. But wandering the narrow streets and alley’s up high is amazing.
Firstly, the views that peek through the old stone buildings every once in a while, are breathtaking.
Then the little vista’s you will see, courtyards, old doors, charmingly potted plants, these little free things that make travel so beautiful.
Corso Umberto 1
The main street through the lowest part of the city and valley is Corso Umberto 1. This wide two-lane avenue is lined with three to four story buildings that represent a beautiful period of architecture, namely the Sicilian baroque.
Not only are the buildings exquisite, but this street is lined with restaurants, café’s, quirky shops, boutique stores and of course souvenirs.
Walking along one side and back the other will have you passing fountains, statues, churches, incredible buildings and all sorts of tourist entertainment.
A Sicilian Market
Market day in Modica is every Thursday, and alters between Modica Bassa (the lower part of the city) and Modica Alta (the highest parts). There is nothing quite like the lively entertainment and people watching as there is at these markets.
You may even stumble onto an impromptu market as you wander the streets in Alta. Purchase some of the freshest and most delicious produce and cheeses that your taste-buds have ever encountered or simply window shop and absorb the Sicilian life.
I have fallen head over heels in love with this beautiful, engaging and friendly city. There is something so basic and perfect about living here. The people are incredibly warm, the sun shines most of the time, and everywhere you look, you discover beauty.
