Scopri le città tardo-barocche della Val di Noto, dichiarate Patrimonio dell’Umanità dall’UNESCO. Un viaggio tra chiese, palazzi e vie storiche che raccontano la rinascita post-terremoto del 1693.
Itinerario UNESCO
Ispica, Ragusa, Modica, Scicli
Patrimonio culturale, UNESCO
2 giorni
In auto
Fun Fact: Il Val di Noto è stato inserito nella lista UNESCO per la sua eccezionale unità stilistica, unica in Europa.
The route:
Duomo di San Giorgio
The Cathedral of San Giorgio is Modica's most majestic monument and one of the masterpieces of Sicilian Baroque. It was built over medieval buildings after the arrival of Ruggero d'Altavilla and, rebuilt several times after major earthquakes (1542, 1613, 1693), took on its current appearance between the 18th and 19th centuries. Architectural masterpieces such as the scenic staircase (up to 260 steps) and the 62 m high tower-facade emphasise its theatricality. Inside, a Latin-cross layout with 22 Corinthian columns, stucco work, frescoes, a monumental organ and works by Bernardino Nigro, Paladini, Cane and sculptors from Gagini create an impressive artistic itinerary. The floor sundial from 1895 and the “Santa Cassa” increase the cultural and historical value. A place of faith and identity, every year it is the scene of solemn processions, in particular that of St George, the city's patron saint. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is an essential stop for anyone visiting Modica who wants to immerse themselves in the splendour of the Eastern Baroque.
Cathedral of San Pietro
The Cathedral of San Pietro, located along the central Corso Umberto I in Modica Bassa, is one of the city's most important and representative religious buildings and a magnificent example of Sicilian Baroque art. The current structure is the result of reconstruction in the 18th century, following the devastating 1693 earthquake that struck the entire Val di Noto. Its elegant façade in local limestone is embellished with twisted columns, niches with Baroque statues and an imposing staircase adorned with twelve statues depicting the Apostles, giving the complex a scenic and solemn appearance. The interior, divided into three naves, is decorated with fine stucco work, artistic side altars and a ceiling frescoed with sacred motifs. Of particular note are the high altar in polychrome marble and the recently restored 18th-century organ. Today, the cathedral is not only an active place of worship but also a cultural centre, a witness to Modica's faith and millennial history.
Square Duomo and the Church of San Giorgio
Squadre Duomo is the beating heart of Ragusa Ibla, framed by the majestic Church of San Giorgio, an authentic masterpiece of Sicilian Baroque built between 1739 and 1775. This church is distinguished by its imposing three-order façade, richly decorated with Corinthian columns, niches and statues reflecting the city's deep religious and artistic tradition. The interior, finely decorated with elaborate stucco work and frescoes of great historical and artistic value, creates a solemn and evocative atmosphere. The monumental staircase that connects Piazza Duomo to the area below constitutes a scenic route of great visual impact, making the complex an essential reference point for believers, tourists and art and culture enthusiasts. Piazza Duomo is undoubtedly one of the most representative and best-loved symbols of Ragusa Ibla, a hub of religious and cultural events that animate the city's historic heart.
Palace Beneventano
Palace Beneventano is one of the finest expressions of Sicilian Baroque, located on Via Duca D'Aosta in Scicli, in the heart of the historic center. Built in the 18th century, the palace stands out for the extraordinary artistic quality of its façade, adorned with grotesque masks, sculpted corbels, allegorical figures, and curved wrought-iron balconies. This combination of elements creates a dramatic visual effect that blends symbolism, irony, and fantasy in a unique synthesis. Cited by scholars and art historians as one of the most significant examples of Iblean Baroque, the palace is not currently open to the public but continues to attract visitors, photographers, and enthusiasts for its exceptional beauty. It is considered one of the symbolic monuments of Scicli and a noteworthy piece of international architectural heritage.
Church of San Bartolomeo
The Church of San Bartolomeo is one of the oldest and most evocative churches in Scicli, nestled in a narrow valley at the foot of the San Matteo hill, surrounded by rocky cliffs that enhance its mystical atmosphere. The original building was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake and rebuilt during the 18th century in the Sicilian Baroque style, featuring sober and elegant forms. The interior, divided into three naves, is enriched with marble altars, late Baroque decorations, and sacred sculptures — most notably the group of the Virgin of Sorrows with the dead Christ, which is carried in procession during Holy Week. The quiet and intimate setting invites meditation and contemplation, offering visitors a deep spiritual experience. The church is a significant point of reference for both popular devotion and the artistic heritage of the city.
Quarry of Ispica and Forza Park
Quarry of Ispica is a river valley stretching about 13 km between Modica and Ispica, featuring rock-cut settlements that date from the Bronze Age (ca. 3000 BC) to the 14th century. The most significant area is Parco Forza, located on a fortified rocky spur known as the Fortilitium. Here you’ll find the remains of the Marchional Palace, medieval walls, the Church of the Annunziata, and hypogean structures such as stables and the famous "Centoscale" (Hundred Stairs) carved into the rock. The area is surrounded by caves, mills, rock carvings, catacombs, and an antiquarium. Today, the site is an open-air museum enhanced by cultural routes, nature excursions, and events like the living nativity scene, making it an essential destination for those who wish to explore the millennia-old relationship between humans and the environment in Sicily.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the Sinatra Loggia
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Ispica is one of the most significant examples of 18th-century Baroque architecture in Sicily. Located in the heart of the city, it was designed by Vincenzo Sinatra and stands out for its elegant façade in local stone, harmoniously divided into three tiers, and for the bell tower rising with sober grandeur. The single-nave interior is enriched with fine frescoes by Olivio Sozzi, marble altars, and important sacred artworks, among which the statue of the Immaculate Conception stands out. Adjacent to the church lies the famous Loggiato del Sinatra, a monumental colonnade that blends aesthetic and social functions, often used as a setting for cultural events, exhibitions, and celebrations. The complex has been declared a national monument and represents a cornerstone of local spirituality and culture. The basilica, together with the colonnade, is an essential stop for those wishing to explore Ispica’s artistic and religious history.