About the location
Set on the magical island of Sicily, the historical city of Modica is less than 1.5 hours’ drive from the island’s main city and airport of Catania and a short 20km from the spectacular beaches on Sicily’s south coast.
Nestled at the bottom of a gorge formed by four hills in the south of the Iblei Mountains, the city of Modica is divided into Modica Alta (Upper), where Palazzi and houses rise from the bottom of the gorge stacked one on top of the other, and Modica Bassa (Lower). The two areas are connected by numerous flights of steps and a maze of narrow streets.
Modica is a shining example of some of Italy’s most beautiful Sicilian Baroque architecture is often referred to as the city of 100 bells and 100 churches. These magnificent churches with their inspiring domes, bell towers and intricate facades, red-tiled roofs make for striking picturesque scenery.
The pretty house where you’ll stay offers an incredible view of the city’s famous centrepiece; the church of San Giorgio and features an elegant living space, spacious kitchen, 3 en-suite bedrooms, living area and gorgeous terrace. The 17th century house is located right in the heart of the town of Modica some 80 steps up from the 'corso' crossing the historical centre with shops, bars and restaurants within easy reach.
You will be perfectly located to visit some of Sicily’s other south-eastern highlights; its red sand stone buildings, stunning architecture, glorious sandy beaches, wineries and more are just a short distance away.
Your friendly and enthusiastic host and chef Katia is passionate about cooking and food and her extensive culinary knowledge has been passed down over 4 generations of Sicilians and her aim is to ignite a fellow passion for cooking in others through fun and relaxed cookery classes.
Explore the wonderful variety of Italy’s most vibrant island and delight in and be inspired by the many cultural highlights, wonderful hospitality, and gastronomic delights that this Italian cookery holiday has to offer.
Features
- Less than 1.5 hours from Catania airport (100km)
- Just 20km from Sicily’s south-eastern coast and its glorious sandy beaches
- House lovingly restored to its original 1930s feel, though housed in a building dating back to the 17th century
- Magnificent views of the picturesque hilly town of Modica
- Elegant, large dining space with domed ceiling and access to the sunny terrace
- Spacious kitchen with domed ceiling feature also with terrace access
- Sun-drenched terrace with seating area boasting magnificent view over the baroque cathedral
- Laundry room and shared bathroom
- Large dining room with table for communal dining
- 1 double and 2 double/twin rooms are all en suite with air conditioning, heating, and flat screen LCD TV
- English, Italian and German speaking local hosts with a wealth of knowledge about the area
- Relaxed informal teaching style by friendly local Italian chef
- Delicious local food and wine
- WiFi internet access throughout the house
- NOTE: Modica is situated on a slope and has a number of steps throughout the centre and up towards the house which are hard to avoid so a reasonable level of fitness is required to fully appreciate the area