From prior research of the area, I knew there was a huge gorgeous church in the town. What I didn’t know was that there are actually over 100 churches here! Alas, I believe the largest, most photographed and well known one is the amazing San Giorgio Cathedral in Modica.
Duomo of San Giorgio
Or the Cathedral of St George, is the ‘mother church’ in Modica. It is indeed the largest and is a fine representation of the Baroque architecture that Modica is famous for.
On my first walk-a-bout town, I headed in the direction of the Duomo, wanting it to be one of the first things I saw representing this beautiful style of architecture.
It did not disappoint. Well it quite literally made me gasp. The cathedral is huge. With one main door and a smaller yet still massive door on either side, the front of the Duomo is imposing.
Earthquakes
Modica’s past has had its fair share of earthquakes. And because of how the buildings are situated on the hillsides of this valley, it has suffered greatly with each one.
The San Giorgio Cathedral was is shambles after a series of three quakes the first of which was in 1542 and the last in 1693. In 1702 work began on reconstructing the Duomo, and the result is what we see today.
In 1842 the iron cross was placed on the very top of the belfry, marking the end of the reconstruction phase.
Staircase
From the front of the cathedral is a massive staircase that splays outwards on each side of the front façade.
The first visit I walked the main staircase, not realizing that it actually carries on quite a ways down the slope. Hidden partly from view by gardens, terraced bougainvillea bushes and palm trees, these stairs make a beautiful way to traverse the area between Alta and Basso.
Bells
Today I was standing right beside the cathedral when the bells sounded at 8:00am. Oh my goodness, it was exhilarating and so loud to hear them peal through the early morning air. Being the only one in sight, standing under an archway that is probably 400 years old at least, I felt like I was in another place and time.
Something I am really looking forward to is the day I decide to see what lies inside. Every time I pass by, I am not dressed appropriately, always wearing a tank top. One day soon, I’ll bring a scarf and have a look see. I haven’t let myself look at any photo’s, I want to take it in as purely as possible.
