Modica (Muòrica in Sicilian) is a city situated in the Hyblaean Mountains in the Province of Ragusa. With its neolithic origins and it represents the historical capital of the area and until the 19th century it was the capital of a county that exercised wide political, economical and cultural influence within the Feudal life of the time.
The Arabs conquered in 845AD and under Arab rule the city was known as Mudiqah. They fortified its Medinas (citadels) and continued to live and prosper there until the Norman invasion of Count Roger of Altavilla (Hauteville).
In the 13th century Modica was ruled by the powerful Chiaramonte family who only lost their grip on Sicilian high society with the advent of Martin I of Aragon. Under Chiaramonte, Modica exercised so much political and economic influence that it was allowed to mint its own coin.
Chiaramonte family was replaced by Bernardo Cabrera as Count of Modica with the succession the Aragonese King, of Martin I.
Nowadays Modica consists of two urban centres, “Modica Alta” (Upper Modica) and “Modica Bassa” (Lower Modica). The older upper part is on the rocky top of the southern Ibeli hill, the lower part is built on the lower slopes and valley below.
From Modica the road continues to Ragusa following the .gpx route.
Practical Note: This being a larger town, one would find self-service launderettes, mini markets and an abundance of diners/restaurants.