If you are looking for a charming and authentic destination in Sicily, look no further than Scicli. Scicli is a hidden gem in the Val di Noto, a region famous for its stunning Baroque architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status. Scicli is also known for being one of the filming locations of the popular TV series Inspector Montalbano, based on the novels by Andrea Camilleri. But Scicli is much more than a pretty backdrop for a detective show. It is a town full of history, culture, nature, and gastronomy, that will captivate you with its beauty and charm. In this post, I will show you how to spend a perfect day in Scicli, Sicily, and discover its best attractions, activities, and food.

Morning: Explore the Historic Center

The best way to start your day in Scicli is to explore its historic center, which is a feast for the eyes and the soul. You can walk along the main street, Via Francesco Mormino Penna, and admire the elegant facades of the churches and palaces that line the street. Some of the highlights include:

The Town Hall: This is the most iconic building in Scicli, and the one that you will recognize from the Montalbano series. It is a neo-Renaissance palace that was built in the 19th century, and it serves as the police station and the mayor’s office in the show. You can visit the interior of the palace, which is decorated in a Liberty style, and see the rooms where the fictional characters work and meet.

The Church of San Bartolomeo: This is the most impressive church in Scicli, with its elaborate facade that features statues, columns, and niches. The interior is equally stunning, with a carved wooden ceiling, a marble altar, and a painting of the Madonna and Child by Pietro Novelli.

The Palazzo Beneventano: This is the most whimsical palace in Scicli, and one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture. The palace was built in the 18th century by the Beneventano family, who were wealthy landowners and nobles. The facade is adorned with gargoyles, animals, and masks, as well as the coat of arms of the family. The palace is now used as a cultural center and hosts exhibitions and events.

Afternoon: Visit the Cave Settlements and Churches

After exploring the historic center, you can head to the outskirts of the town, where you will find a unique and fascinating attraction: the cave settlements. These are ancient dwellings that were carved into the rock, and that date back to the prehistoric times. The caves were used as homes, tombs, churches, and workshops, and some of them are still inhabited today. You can visit some of the caves, such as:

Chiesa di San Matteo: The former cathedral of the city. Perched on top of a rocky hill, this church offers a stunning view of the valley and the surrounding buildings. The church was rebuilt in the 18th century after the devastating earthquake of 1693, but it still preserves some traces of its medieval origins, such as the crypt and the chapel of the Counts of Modica. The interior is spacious and elegant, with a dome and three apses. Unfortunately, the church was abandoned in the late 19th century and suffered from decay and vandalism.

Chiesa di Santa Maria La Nova: One of the most impressive churches in Scicli, also known as the Santuario di Maria Santissima della Pietà. This church is located at the end of a valley and has a neoclassical facade with a bell tower. The church was built in several stages from the 15th to the 19th century, and it houses some remarkable artworks, such as the marble statue of Madonna della Neve by a Gagini school sculptor, the wooden statue of Madonna della Pietà of Byzantine origin, and the painting of Natività della Vergine by Sebastiano Conca. The church is also the center of a popular religious festival, the Festa di Pasqua, which involves a procession of statues representing the Passion of Christ.

The Chiesa di San Bartolomeo: One of the most important monuments of Scicli, the church dates back to the 15th century, but it was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693 that devastated the Val di Noto. The facade is a masterpiece of neoclassical and baroque style, with columns, niches, and statues. The interior is a single nave with a Latin cross plan, decorated with stuccoes, frescoes, and paintings by renowned artists such as Francesco Pascucci, Mattia Preti, and Francesco Cassarino.

The Church of Santa Maria di Piedigrotta: This is a rock-cut church that dates back to the 14th century, and that has frescoes and sculptures inside. The church is located on a hill that overlooks the town, and offers a panoramic view of the surroundings.

The Casa Museo di Donnalucata: This is a typical cave house that has been preserved and turned into a museum. You can see the original furniture and utensils that the inhabitants used, and learn about their lifestyle and traditions.

Evening: Enjoy the Food and the Nightlife

After visiting the cave settlements, you can return to the town center and enjoy the food and the nightlife of Scicli. Scicli is a great place to taste the authentic flavors of Sicilian cuisine, which is a mix of influences from different cultures and traditions. Some of the dishes and drinks that you should try are:

Scacce: These are thin layers of dough stuffed with various fillings, such as cheese, tomato, onion, sausage, or spinach. They are baked in the oven and cut into slices, and are perfect for a snack or a light dinner.

Pasta alla Norma: This is one of the most famous Sicilian pasta dishes, named after the opera by Vincenzo Bellini. It consists of pasta (usually macaroni or penne) tossed with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Cannoli: These are crispy tubes of pastry filled with sweet ricotta cheese and sprinkled with chocolate chips, candied fruits, or pistachios. They are a typical dessert of Sicily, and are best enjoyed fresh and crunchy.

Nero d’Avola: This is the most important red wine of Sicily, made from the native grape variety of the same name. It has a deep ruby color, a fruity aroma, and a full-bodied flavor, with hints of plum, cherry, and spice. It pairs well with meat dishes, cheese, and chocolate.

Limoncello: This is a refreshing liqueur made from the peel of Sicilian lemons, sugar, and alcohol. It has a bright yellow color, a sweet and sour taste, and a strong citrus scent. It is usually served chilled as a digestive after a meal, or mixed with soda or sparkling water for a refreshing drink.

You can find many restaurants, bars, and cafes in Scicli, where you can enjoy these delicacies and more. Some of the best places to eat and drink in Scicli are:

Osteria Tre Colli: This is a cozy and rustic restaurant that serves traditional Sicilian dishes, made with fresh and local ingredients. The menu changes according to the season and the availability of the products, but some of the specialties include the scacce, the pasta alla Norma, and the grilled meat. The restaurant also has a good selection of wines and desserts, and a friendly and attentive service.

A Rutta ri Ron Carmelo: This is a quirky and colorful bar that offers a variety of drinks, snacks, and entertainment. You can choose from a range of cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits, as well as some tasty appetizers, such as cheese, salami, olives, and bruschetta. The bar also hosts live music, karaoke, and quiz nights, and has a lively and fun atmosphere.

Gelateria Artigianale: This is a small and charming gelateria that makes homemade ice cream, using natural and quality ingredients. You can find many flavors, from the classic ones, such as chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio, to the more exotic ones, such as mango, passion fruit, and ginger. The gelato is creamy, smooth, and delicious, and the portions are generous and affordable.

Sampieri A Must See Fishing Village

If you have time, make it to Sampieri, a charming fishing village in the province of Ragusa, Sicily, that offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and gastronomic delights. Sampieri is famous for its long sandy beach, where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea.

You can also admire the Fornace Penna, an old brick factory that was featured in the TV series Inspector Montalbano as the Mànnara. Sampieri is also rich in history and art, as you can visit the 15th-century church of San Pietro and the 18th-century church of San Paolo, both decorated with splendid frescoes and paintings

Final Thoughts

Scicli is a hidden gem in Sicily, that deserves more attention and appreciation. It is a town that combines history, culture, art, and nature, in a harmonious and captivating way. It is a town that will surprise you with its beauty and charm, and make you fall in love with Sicily. If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable destination, Scicli is the place for you!