Last Updated on October 20, 2024 by Soumya
Are you curious about Sicilian baroque Architecture? Wondering where to see this architectural form in Sicily? We have you covered.
On a recent trip to Sicily, I explored two beautiful Italian towns dotted with eccentric Sicilian baroque masterpieces.
These were the towns of Ragusa and Modica, part of an Italian UNESCO World Heritage Site called the Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto.
I was fascinated by the unique features of the Sicilian Baroque style. Sicily’s wrought-iron balconies, the grotesque masks, and the abundance of curves, flowers, and twists totally blew my mind.
If you’re planning to visit Sicily and see some of these baroque buildings and monuments, check out this Sicily baroque guide for all the details. We discuss the best baroque buildings in Modica here.
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Sicilian Baroque Architecture: Brief History
Sicilian baroque architecture was born in the late 17th century in Sicily after the devastating earthquake of 1693 hit the island. Massive rebuilding efforts began and new buildings and monuments came up.
At this time, many local artists who had practiced baroque art in Rome were available for employment in Sicily. They joined the construction efforts.
This resulted in a unique combination of the baroque art of mainland Italy and indigenous Sicilian elements, and Sicilian Baroque architecture was born.
Sicilian Baroque retains the richly sculpted surfaces of traditional Italian Baroque. Yet, it differentiates itself with expressions like the grinning mask and the winged putto (the chubby cherub).
If you want to see the best baroque creations in Sicily, I highly recommend this full-day baroque tour of Noto, Modica, Ragusa, and Ortigia.
✦ Pro Tip: Visiting Sicily? You’ll want to check out our 5-day Sicily itinerary.
Sicilian Baroque Architecture in Modica, Sicily
The best place to see Modica’s baroque gems is the main street, Corso Umberto I, which is the liveliest part of the city.
Corso Umberto I is flanked by lovely baroque monuments on both sides. Beautiful balconies and unique entrance gates dot the streets.
It is often said that walking through Corso Umberto is like walking through a Baroque living room.
✦ Pro Tip: Love Sicily? Check out the 18 Best Things to Do in Sicily, Italy.
Modica’s Baroque Balconies
As you walk through Corso Umberto I, you will notice majestic palaces and public buildings sporting elements of Sicilian Baroque architecture. The balconies of these buildings are especially striking.
Wrought-iron balustrades are held in place by console brackets, decorated with grinning masks, winged putti, flute players, mermaids, and dolphins.
Balconies like these are typical of Sicilian Baroque architecture. They effuse a certain flamboyance that was unknown in the previously plainer balustrades.
✦ Pro Tip: Join this full-day tour of Sicily’s Baroque cities of Noto, Modica, Ragusa, and Ortigia to learn more about this art form.
Cathedral of San Pietro in Modica, Sicily
One of Corso Umberto’s most remarkable Baroque buildings is the Cathedral of San Pietro. This impressive church is located atop a flight of stairs flanked by life-sized statues of the Apostles.
The Modica Cathedral has a beautiful facade. Its second order is adorned with four statues.
Be sure to notice the wrought-iron balcony—an unlikely addition to a typical Baroque church but a likely one for a Sicily baroque cathedral.
As you climb those steps, remember to stand and stare back at an impressive vista of the city in front of you.
✦ Pro Tip: Visiting Modica? Check out our Modica Travel Guide with the 10 Best Things To Do.
As you keep walking, appreciate other Baroque buildings on the street. One of the most impressive ones is the Modica Clock Tower or Torre del Orologio, which looms over the city. This is probably one of the most photographed monuments in the city.
Do not miss the Garibaldi Theater, a beautiful example of the neoclassical style in Sicily – a slight deviation from Modica’s Sicilian baroque itinerary.
Cathedral of San Giorgio
Once done with Corso Umberto I, walk through narrow winding lanes and climb stairs to reach Corso S. Giorgio for another Baroque spectacle – the Cathedral of San Giorgio.
The Cathedral of San Giorgio is the mother church of Modica and stands at the top of 260 steps. The church is surrounded by gardens filled with fresh, pink bougainvillea.
The cathedral’s facade is awe-inspiring, with plenty of baroque elements such as columns and concave and convex surfaces. These strong curves give the church a sense of motion.
A Sicilian belfry adorns the top of the central pediment—again, a unique feature of Sicilian Baroque architecture.
✦ Pro Tip: Love Sicilian baroque? You’ll want to visit the beautiful city of Ragusa too.
Palazzo Polara
Once you have appreciated the Cathedral of San Giorgio, look at Palazzo Polara on your right, an austere Baroque building complete with Sicilian balustrades.
This elegant home once belonged to the noble family of Polara in Modica. Today, it houses the Modern Art Gallery.
Other Sicilian Baroque Buildings in Modica
Other notable Baroque buildings are the palaces of Manenti, Napolino, Cannizzaro, and Cannata.
Be sure to check out Palazzo Napolino’s facade. Two lion heads flank the entrance with curtains of stone emerging from their mouths. On top is a curved wrought-iron balcony with masks and florals decorating the bracket.
Once done with all the Baroque lavishness, head to one of Modica’s chocolate shops to have some Aztec-inspired chocolates. Another reason why Modica is so famous.
Final Thoughts – Sicilian Baroque Architecture in Modica
Walking through the streets of Modica and taking in the sights of wrought iron balconies held up by figured brackets adorned with masks and cherubs was the treat of a lifetime.
While I loved the Baroque flourishes of Modica’s churches, those balconies and the art beneath them actually stole my heart.
How beautiful!
I would love to go back to Sicily. I´ve only been to Catania, I feel Sicily has so much more to offer.
True. There’s so much to do in Sicily. I would love to go back too.
I can’t believe there is so much to see it Italy! I always wanted to visit Florence, Rome and Tuscany never really considered Amalfi coast – because of the crowd, and Sicily – because I thought it was not very well connected and didn’t have much to see. My, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Thank you fo showing me Sicily! 😀
I am so glad I could show you a bit of the non touristy Italy. It has tonnes of history, so that fits well with your interests. May not be the best connected place in Italy but the treasures are always found in the remotest corners.
I love the baroque style in architecture and painting! Thanks for covering them in this article! I should visit Modica next time we’re in Sicily! The favorite baroque architecture I’ve seen so far have been in Venice and Sicily. Some of the baroque churches in Portugal were lovely.
Yeah, Baroque is so beautiful. And Sicilian Baroque even more so. I am sure you will discover some more in Modica that I would love to read about.
Gorgeous. Modica is on my list for Sicily later on this year. I can’t wait to check it out. 🙂
I am so excited for you. Wish you an awesome trip.
Thank you lovely ?