Founded in the 3rd century BCE in South Eastern Sicily, Modica (RG) developed under the Arabs and the Normans. The city stretches out along rocky spurs of different heights, thereby creating Modica Alta and Modica Bassa. Rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, it is one of the most important examples of the late Baroque architecture that distinguishes the Noto Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The most significant religious sites include the Cathedral of St. George whose imposing façade rises above a scenic staircase of 164 steps in Modica Alta and, in Modica Bassa, the Cathedral of St. Peter, built in 1300, which features statues of the apostles positioned on a staircase leading to a façade with three portals.
In addition to the numerous historically and architecturally significant places of worship are equally important civic and military buildings which include the ruins of the 13th century Castle of the Counts of Modica on a rock with a clock tower from 1752 that still works perfectly. At the foot of the Cathedral of St. George is 17th century Palazzo Castro-Polara-Grimaldi which, modified many times, reached its present conformation in the early 1900s. The building has two facades: one, hidden and to one side, leads into the residence while the other towers majestically over Modica with a 20m long balcony with an unrivalled view of the city.
Sicilia Film Commission
Via Emanuele Notarbartolo 9 — 90141 Palermo
Phone: +39 091 7078008; +39 091 7078264; +39 091 7078133; +39 091 7078145
Email: filmcommission@regione.sicilia.it
