Modica - The Chocolate City

From Ragusa, we headed to Ortigia where we would check into our accommodation and spend the night. However, we had one more stop in between - Modica, another old city which falls within the County of Ragusa.

Modica has a history of 3,500 years. Like their neighboring town, Ragusa, it has been occupied by many powers, the Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

Modica has two urban centres: the Upper Modica on the hill and the Lower Modica on the plain. People come to Modica mainly for three things: To see the Baroque buildings, to walk within the twisty alleyways and to taste their unique chocolates. We managed to do all three even within a very limited time.

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The Cathedral of St. Peter is a good example of Baroque architecture. Baroque architecture evolved in late 16th century in Italy was an extension of the Roman architecture started during the Renaissance period.

Cathedral of St. Peter.

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We managed to visit two chocolate outlets to see for ourselves the numerous variety of chocolates made there.

Chocolates in Modica is distinctive because the making process is inspired by the traditions of the ancient Aztecs. Our first stop is "Motycafe". On the counter in Motycafe were rows of dishes filled with samples infused with all kinds of flavours - cinnamon, lemon oil, vanilla, caramel, cilli and even sea salt!

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The second stop is Antica Dolceria Bonajuto. Here, visitors are allowed to see the actual chocolate making process for a fee.

Some even claim that chocolates made here are able to make people lose weight!

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We took a leisure walk within the twisty alleyways. We would probably have lost our way had we taken the walk at night.