Cathedral of San Giorgio, Modica

The Cathedral of San Giorgio stands in Modica Alta at the top of a steep flight of 250 steps. It is regarded as a masterpiece of late Sicilian Baroque. The façade, attributed to Rosario Gagliardi, resembles that of his San Giorgio cathedral in Ragusa Ibla; the bell tower is 60 m high. The interior has five aisles; among other works, you will find a polyptych by Bernardino Niger on the high altar and a solar meridian line in the floor of the transept.

The stairway is tiring but worth it, both for the view of the façade from below and the view of the town from above. Modica is also known for its chocolate, which you can sample in the shops of the old town. The lanes are narrow and hilly, so wear comfortable shoes. Allow two to three hours for the cathedral and the old town.

After the earthquake of 1693 the cathedral was rebuilt from 1702; Wikivoyage gives 1777 as the date of completion. Inside you will find, among other works, Filippo Paladini's “L'Assunta”, and the organ, with four manuals and about 3,000 pipes, dates from 1885–88. The equestrian statue of St George is carried through the town at the festival in April. The Cava d'Ispica, a prehistoric gorge with necropolises and rock-cut churches, makes a good excursion.