Sicilian Baroque

Modica, Ragusa and Scicli

Sicily

the most beautiful island of Mediterraneo

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean and one of the most beautiful lands on the planet. In this region, as perhaps in no other, art, history and culture blend seamlessly with the landscape and give rise to a universe that is worth to discover. In recent years, Sicily has started to exploit its enormous natural, historic and artistic resources, becoming one of the most visited destinations in Italy. From east to west Sicily is a succession of magical scenery perfectly integrated in the architectural landscape that surrounds them. A Mediterranean climate and wild nature, wonderful islands and inlets, active volcanoes, mountains and plains, and the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean …

Modica

An elegant and simple at the same time, full of baroque palaces and whipped by a salty wind, smelling of Mediterranean and full of lively atmosphere. This is Modica, a beautiful Sicilian town of 55,000 inhabitants in the province of Ragusa, with its historical centre declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Just the coastal part of the city is an irresistible focus of tourism packages, and many visitors come to town to relax on the beach and enjoy some swim in the Mediterranean, basking in the sun before it is worth exploring carefully the heart of the city, the discovery of squares, historic streets, lovely views and sumptuous palaces, or characteristic. All started in the 1693 when a violent earthquake destroyed the city. Modisa as is admired today, is not Modica in its most ancient, but it is mostly a consequence of the remakes of the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The Baroque Modica is what makes it valuable. Through alleys packed with beautiful cottages and elegant buildings, like the monumental baroque church of San Giorgio, built after the earthquake by the famous architect Rosario Gagliardi Syracuse.

Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa is the richest town in Sicily and between the more prosperous towns of southern Italy. A turning point in his story is set in 1693, when a terrible earthquake almost completely destroyed Ragusa, razing its buildings and houses and claiming thousands of victims. With the gradual revival, which took place in the eighteenth century, the city was divided into two distinct areas: on the one hand, the so-called Ragusa higher to the top of the plateau, and on the other, Ragusa Ibla, built on the ruins of the old city according to the 'old medieval system. Were actually the work of reconstruction to generate a new wealth of monuments, palaces and picturesque, and who have made the beautiful city Dubrovnik it is today. Not surprisingly, in 2002, the beautiful Mediterranean resort has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town is a constellation of wonders, full of sumptuous buildings in baroque style. Among the religious buildings that deserve the attention of visitors is the Church of Santa Maria delle Scale, renovated after the earthquake, which keeps inside interesting works by local artists. Do not miss the St. John's Cathedral, built between 1706 and 1760, with a fine Baroque facade and a soaring bell tower that rises above the rooftops of Dubrovnik. Finally, the Basilica of San Giorgio is a jewel in 1775, surmounted by a dome which exceeds 40 feet high and stands on 16 columns. Among the civic buildings we find the most beautiful palace and the Palazzo Cosentini Bertini, both made in the late eighteenth century in perfect Baroque style, while enthusiasts will appreciate the history and culture Ibleo Archaeological Museum, full of ancient artifacts illuminating the troubled past the city. More informal but very striking is the appointment with the Ibla Buskers, which for 14 years brightens up the first week of October with performances by street artists of all kinds: singers, jugglers, magicians, trapeze artists and musicians come together for four Ragusa Ibla days, attracting a large crowd of visitors.

The cultural richness and vibrancy of Ragusa were set in a particular climate, with temperatures cooler than the coast of Sicily, due to higher altitude: Mediterranean climate here takes on the hilly sections, or even higher mountain in the area, where are so rare snowfalls and rains pour abundant especially from October to March. Average temperatures in January, the coldest month, range from a minimum of 8 ° C to a maximum of 14 ° C, while in July and August increased from 23 ° C to 31 ° C.

Scicli

Scicli is the harmonious synthesis of a mixture of elements (history, urban planning, water and environment) that natural and man have been carefully put together to form one of the most beautiful cities in the world, as defined by Elio Vittorini. Scicli is consistently ranked as one of the jewels of the Baroque place outside the usual tourist routes of South-East along Amodio and Ragusa Ibla. When visiting Scicli here you will find that the squares are lounges and even a single stock can have a dignity of its architecture. Even the sunlight reflecting on the blond stone creates a unique and indescribable. Just 5 km. from the coast and just over 100 meters. sea level, the city, completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693, is located in a highly scenic location in the middle of three valleys and is dominated by the church of S. Matthew placed on the hill where once stood the ancient city. Immediately struck by the high number of churches and eighteenth century buildings that make up a substantial wealth of Baroque art that has been declared World Heritage by UNESCO. Particularly fascinating is the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista, restored and opened to the public recently. Scicli not only offers the most diverse examples of the many peoples and their cultures that have passed through these places over the centuries, but also the opportunity to visit and get lost in the fantastic beaches, lapped by the beautiful sea with depths of dreams and almost tropics.

Masseria Ciancio' - Ragusa, Modica

Masseria in South Sicily, swimming pool, nice atmosphere.

Sicily is certainly a wonderful region. But if someone would ask me: which is the best part you have visited? I would say without hesitation the area from Ragusa until Marzamemi.  The southern triangle of Sicily, “an island in the island” as Sciascia said, and named by Pirandello “Babba” for the fact that there is no involvement whatsoever with the mafia or any other sort of violence. Immersed in the countryside of Modica between carob and olive trees, prickly pear and stone walls, the structure has retained its original features with the use of materials and furnishings typical of the farmhouses of the last century. Gina will host you in the sweetest way: candies and coffee at the welcome! And if you will arrive in the morning or early afternoon, all the property will shine for its white stones typical from this part of Sicily. I had myself a walk along the several paths between the olive trees of the Masseria Cianciò, and if you take a book with you might be one of those trees your good moment of relax. In Sicily already in May the temperature was about 25 degrees. You can refresh into the nice swimming pool or just visit one of the white sandy beaches of the area from Pozzallo to Marzamemi, where Porto Palo di Capo Passero divide the Mediterraneo from Ionio Sea. Modica, Ragusa Ible, Scicli until Vendicari, Noto and Marzamemi. These are the unforgettable memories you will bring home after your journey in one of best area of Sicily.

Mare Salato - Marina di Modica (Ragusa)

nice holiday house on the beach of Modica, sea view, garden or terrace

A beautiful complex of apartments in Mediterranean style situated on the beautiful, wide sandy beach of Marina di Modica, renowned seaside resort of the southern coast of Sicily, 30 km South of Ragusa. There are seven comfortable apartments, all with own entrance and terrace with splendid sea views. Each apartment comes with a parking space in a garage. The bright interiors, are tastefully furnished, functional and have air conditioning, washing-machine, external shower and LCD television. This location is perfect to experience a wonderful holiday by the sea, and is also a great starting point for exploring the surrounding area, the "Barocco Siciliano": Modica, Ragusa, Scicli, Noto and Siracusa. I advise also the charming coastal villages of Sampieri, Pozzallo and Marzamemi. And for the nature lovers: Capo Passero, the Cave d'Ispica and the Vendicari nature reserve.

Masseria Quartarella - Modica (Ragusa)

B&B in Modica, stylish furniture, biological breakfast, panoramic, friendly atmosphere

"Quartarella" is a typical "Masseria" (old sicilian farmhouse) in most southeastern strip of land of Sicily, in the County of Modica. It stands in an excellent and perfectly peaceful position between Modica (4 Km) and the sea (9 Km) and right in the middle of the famous "Val di Noto", that has recently been declared a World Heritage Site by the Unesco. The building, situated on a hill that affords a stunning view of the sea, has been restored by Francesco, the young and friendly owner, with care and style transforming the warehouse into very elegant and cool suites, which face a wide courtyard. Every suite can receive up to 4 people and has: bathroom, heating and airing systems, TV set and any comforts. The old stable is now a cosy living-room with a big fireplace that creates a very soft and relaxing atmosphere. Available also a little pool where to spend relaxing moment after the intense day, why not with a glass of wine looking at the clear sky of South Sicily. Love for nature and respect of tradition distinguish "Quartarella" in every single detail. This Bed&breakfast is our gem in Ragusa and Modica.

Dimore del Valentino - Scicli, Ragusa

Holiday house in Sicily near the sea, big apartments, swimming pool.

At 2 kilometres from the sea of Sampieri I have visited this peculiar Masseria.The main activity is the growth and selling of cactus. Indeed, there are huge plantations of cactus in the surroundings of the Masseria, and it might be interesting to visit the area with Denise, who will kindly answer all your questions. This big Masseria has been renovated into a Bed&Breakfast with nice furnished rooms, and also available are big and fresh apartments. Breakfast is served outside or in a nice hall if the weather isn’t good (which is very rare in this region!). Less than 10 minutes by car from the sandy beaches of Sampieri and Pozzallo, where daily a hydrofoil departs for Malta. Nice idea for an excursion. Ragusa, Modica, Ispica, Scicli and Marzamemi are reachable in less than half an hour. Really good point for the best visit to the south west of Sicily.

Agriturismo Bugilfezza - Modica, Ragusa

Authentic Agriturismo in Ragusa, typical restaurant, biological food, swimming pool

The Agriturismo Bulgifezza is located in the center of the Distretto Ibleo between the Baroque cities of Modica, Ragusa, Noto, Ragusa and Scicli. The Agriturismo consists nine comfortable rooms,a restaurant serving typical Sicilia food with organic ingredients,a large swimming pool and plenty of spage all around the property that let you feel an authentic country side atmosphere.The Farm Bugilfezza, immersed in the green countryside of Ragusacharacterized by agricultural activities and to10km from Pozzallo and its magnificent beaches, is the ideal place to spend a pleasant and relaxing holiday close contact with nature and art. Each room is equipped with:     * Typical furniture,     * TV,     * Bathroom with shower,     * Mini-bar,     * Telephone,     * Air conditioning.The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor, has 50 where guests can enjoy orange marmalade, fig, mulberry, peach and plum prepared bythe owner Yvonne.On the table do not miss: arancini appetizers, breads and fresh ricotta from Modica, homemade pasta such as Cavatelli of Bugilfezza withricotta cheese, tomato and sausage or ricotta ravioli with pork with sauce, and a wide selection of Sicilian wines.

Il Granaio - Modica, Ragusa

Agriturismo in Modica, restaurant, swimming pool, SPA

Charming Agriturismo in the south of Sicily, Il Granaio is an intimate place where to relax and enjoy excellent food.A warm Sicilian family, with care and charm, runs the Agriturismo in Granaio. All dishes, strictly belonging to the rich and tasty local cuisine, are prepared in the farmhouse kitchen. Remember that the meat comes from their own breeding. In the kitchen, indeed, there is the Mamma cooking for the guest as the tradition require. All rooms, furnished with rustic iron bed, are equipped with every comfort: TV, air conditioning, heating, bathroom.Available also Suite, with charming or modern style with jacuzzi ensuite. A wonderful swimming pool and a brand new SPA will make your staying at Granaio the best as possible…

Villa Croce - Ragusa, Modica

wonderful Villa in Ragusa, South Sicily, near the beach, swimming pool, elegant interior

The Villa Croce is the desire of anyone who wants to spend a holiday in villa in Sicily. Once a mansion in a hunting reserve, after a luxurious an careful restoration has become a charming villa between the sea and the Baroque villages, make it an ideal place to stay in Sicily. The villa has veranda, private garden, swimming pool, tennis court for the exclusive use of guests.Villa Croce can guest up to 8/10 people with  4 double bedrooms, two with double bed and possible two triple bedrooms. The large living room with kitchen is the heart of the Villa Croce. From here the view extends to the garden and surrounding countryside. Here you will spend the best moments in the company, sitting at the table or comfortably relaxed on the sofas.The wide veranda offers a large area on the garden for pleasant hours in the shadow, or summer dinners. All rooms have private bathroom and air conditioned and heated. The garden winds around the villa and houses the original essences as bitter oranges, lemons, mulberries, figs, almonds. Discreetly located in the pool is surrounded by a characteristic prickly hedge of india, is 6*12 meters wide, and offers a large solarium with sun beds and chairs.Complete the offer also a wonderful private tennis court, surrounded by trees and greenery. The estate surrounding the villa covers 20 hectares. The long tree-lined natural carob and olive trees, is the essence of Sicily. From the top of the hill the eye sweeps across the coast of Agrigento in Sicily from the gulf to the sea. Spectacular is the sunset from the hill with the sun that is lost in the sea and fields that are tinged with gold.

Villa Genziera - Ragusa

Villa in Ragusa with swimming pool, elegant interior, panoramic, Top accommodation

Villa Genziera is a wonderful villa in the hearth of Sicilian Baroque, near Ragusa, but also at few minute from the beach of Pozzallo, Sampieri, and Capo Passero. This villa enjoy a superb sea view from the terrace and the swimming pool, in some days, when the sky is particularly clear, is possible to sea Malta on the horizon.The villa has been build with white stones typical from the Ragusa area, and following strict criteria of eco-sustainability:  recycle of the waste water, solar panel, and selected material. Ideal for a group or 2/3 families, Villa Genziera can guest up to 16 people in comfortable spacious room.Villa Genziera has 6 bedroom, 6 bathrooms, a huge living room with fully equipped kitchen, veranda with outside table and sofas, pool, Jacuzzi, panoramic swimming pool: these are the features of this top accommodation!