Modica, Sicily, Italy Mar 2, 2024

When Italy comes to mind, iconic cities like Milan, Rome and Venice often steal the spotlight. However, on the island of Sicily lies a less famous gem—Modica. It"s a city that has risen from the rubble of an earthquake in 1693 to become an architectural wonderland of Baroque-style buildings. With fewer than 60,000 inhabitants, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts cobbled lanes, echoing with powerful footprints—from prehistoric tribes to the ancient Greeks and Romans to the mediaeval Arabs and Normans. Landmarks like the San Giorgio Cathedral and San Pietro Church awe visitors with their grandeur, and Modica"s recognised chocolate, crafted with Aztec-inspired techniques, tempts the palates of food enthusiasts. So, the next time Italy beckons, how about taking the road less travelled to Modica?

© Sandro Bisaro/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Nature’s own canvas
Mar 2, 2025Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains National Park, NSW, Australia
Mar 2, 2026Harbour and longtail boats at Ko Samui, Thailand

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Aug 30, 2023Celebrating sibling bonds
Zebras enjoying their day
Apr 12, 2024Arches National Park, Utah, USA
Sep 21, 2024Munich, Germany
Nov 29, 2024Mont-Saint-Michel, Normandy, France
Mar 24, 2026Cherry blossoms at East Lake Cherry Blossom Park, Wuhan, China
A city so nice they made it twice
Sep 22, 2024Bada Bagh complex in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Back to the future
Dec 21, 2023Ljubljana, Slovenia
Jun 10, 2024The city of Osaka at night, Japan
Sep 14, 2023Przewalskis horses, Hustai National Park, Mongolia
Sep 27, 2025Tank Lakes, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, United States
Jan 10, 2025Abraham Lake, Alberta, Canada
Aug 5, 2025Tide pools in La Jolla, California, United States
Jul 24, 2024Flock of Swaledale sheep in North Yorkshire, England
Jun 4, 2025Cala Luna beach, Sardinia, Italy
Mar 31, 2025Ostuni, Apulia, Italy
Jan 24, 2026Andermatt village in the Alps, Switzerland
Nov 9, 2025Interstellar clouds in the Lagoon Nebula
Apr 22, 2024Earth Day
Nov 26, 2025Olive orchard in the Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Sep 23, 2024Sea otter in Prince William Sound, Alaska, USA
Sep 18, 2023Milky Way over Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
Dec 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye
Dec 12, 2023Red poinsettia
Spring is coming
Singing the blues
International Archaeology Day
Nov 18, 2024Porthcawl lighthouse, Wales, United Kingdom