Travel Guide Scicli

This town surrounded by hills is located on the beautiful road that goes down to the sea, 10 km from Modica. Affected by the earthquake of 1693, it was rebuilt in the same baroque style as its neighbors. Often forgotten by tourists, Scicli contains beautiful landscapes and monuments. However, with the TV series of Commissioner Montalbano in the 2000s, which takes place in Scicli, the hidden treasures have been revealed and today people come from all over Italy to admire its architecture. The coastline is not far (10 km), and you can reach the small resort of Pozzalo for a swim. On March 18, the Cavalcade of San Giuseppe is organized and lasts almost 2 days. The inhabitants invade the streets to the rhythm of the music and the hooves of the horses that parade for the occasion. Shortly before Easter the Battaglia delle Milizie is organized, which is a religious festival. A painting from the 18th century and a statue of the Virgin Mary holding a wooden sword perched on a horse are still venerated here. It is the Virgin of the Militias, whose cult is linked to the legend. It is said that in 1901, the chief of the Saracens (Belcane) wanted to challenge Roger de Hauteville. Despite their small numbers, the Norman troops succeeded in defeating the Saracens. The credit goes to the Virgin of the Militias who appeared on the battlefield and placed herself at the head of the Christian troops and led them to victory. Since then, Scicli organizes an annual reenactment of this battle. For Easter, the city programs the festival of the living man. It is about carrying through the streets the statue of the resurrected Christ