Scicli is a most lovely city in the province of Ragusa, lying on a vast valley amidst
rocky mountains, where the San Bartolomeo, the Santa Maria La Nuova and the Fiumara di
Modica rivers join. Its 18th century look most resulted from the reconstruction that
followed the terrible earthquake of 1693. Thanks to its elegant palazzi and churches, and
its picturesque shape, it is famously known as the “Baroque Jewel”.
The tour of the town can start in the central Piazza Italia, where,
admidst a number of 18th century buildings, rise the churches of the Madonna delle Milizie
and Sant’Ignazio, both ornamented with precious stuccoes and paintings. The Chiesa di
San Bartolomeo, few distant, dating from the 15th century, houses a wooden nativity, later
restored, dated 1573. The Santuario della Madonna delle Milizie, about 1.5 km off town,
near the coast, is a fine specimen of the Arab and Norman epochs. Palazzo Beneventano is
one of the most impressive baroque monuments in the entire province. Other interesting
monuments are the 1386’s Monastery of the Carmelite Fathers, the 15th century church
of Santa Maria La Nuova, in a neo-classic style, San Matteo and Santa Croce. The Via
Mormino Penna, lined with amazing palazzi, churches and monuments, provides with an
unforgettable baroque picture. Here stand the Palazzo Comunale (Town Hall), the Palazzo
Spadaro and the churches of San Giovanni, San Michele and Santa Teresa. Some religious
events are particularly awaited in town: the Cavalcata di San Giuseppe, on 19th March, is
a charming procession on horseback throughout the streets of the town, that are all
illuminated by fires. The Holy Family on horses adorned with flowers, leads the
procession. Another worth-seeing event is the Uomo Vivo (the living man) or Festa del
Gioia, celebrated on Easter’s Day. The statue of the Resurrected Christ is carried
shoulder-high by a group of worshippers in triumph across the streets of the town.
