I have an increasingly large number of picturesque landscape photographs on my phone of this gorgeous city. More than any other city in fact. There is something so completely ancient and charming about Sicily. More specifically, the beautiful scenic views around Modica are next level.
Two Sides
There are actually several different parts to Modica. Like most cities with various neighbourhoods that can differ greatly, Modica is similar.
Built in a very hilly region, the oldest parts of the city climb high up the steep hillsides on either side of the valley below. This creates an opportunity for incredibly beautiful photos from either side of the city.
The highest side, and oldest area is called Modica Alta.
Modica Alta
The most ancient part of this city, one which has been around for hundreds and hundreds of years has climbed up the steepest hillside around. In years past, the valley used to flood, therefore the need to build on high ground. As the population grew, so did the requirements for lodging so upwards they built, up the steep incline.
Many homes in this neighbourhood are not accessibly be vehicle. In fact, the Airbnb I am staying in, does not have a road in front. There are little alleys that take a pedestrian to these places but one must walk to your front door.
Because of the steep incline, most of this area is covered in tiny, and narrow old stone staircases. I am finding these utterly charming, especially the really old ones from pre-medieval times.
Exploring
Walking around in the Alta portion of Modica is like travelling back in time 500 or so years ago. The buildings are all stone block construction. Homes are connected by really narrow and sometimes, low arches. Buildings fill any crevasse around, sometimes even going into the rock hillside itself.
Medieval palaces have huge doors and ostentation exteriors and beside it might be the humblest dwelling with rickety wooden door and a simple number plate.
Modica Bassa
Down in the valley and on the shorter hill, below and across from Alta, is Modica Bassa. This area was developed later, thus the newer construction found mixed in with some older stone buildings. Down here, are roads, round-a-bouts, 3-5 story buildings, and most of the shops catering to the local population and visitors alike.
There are beautiful buildings here, don’t get me wrong, they are just from a much later time period, especially the lowest lying areas. If you wander up the staircases of the hill of Modica Bassa, you can find similar stone houses to Alta.
The main road through the city, is a two-lane street lined with restaurants, café’s, museums and souvenir shops. By mid morning, the tour buses are arriving to drop off their loads of visitors and I can see from up high here, the number of cars and people increase and swell.
I am excited every day to get out and walk around, discovering new areas of the city. I can walk down any number of roads from Alta or Bassa, and find myself in a completely different neighbourhood. Modica offers many different opportunities for beautiful views.
