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Scicli Travel Guide
Towns and cities in Sicily
Tucked away in the charming valleys of southeastern Sicily, Scicli is a less discovered gem compared to its prestigious neighbours Ragusa, Noto, and Modica. This beautiful town sits within a dramatic gorge and is flanked by the majestic rocky mass topped by the Church of San Matteo. Rebuilt in stunning Sicilian Baroque style following the devastating earthquake of 1693, Scicli invites visitors to explore its historic streets, beautiful natural surroundings, and provides a perfect destination for travellers seeking an authentic Sicilian experience.
About the area
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Scicli is a picturesque town that captures the essence of the region’s Baroque style and the tranquil pace of a traditional Sicilian lifestyle. Positioned just a few miles from the sandy beaches of Sampieri and Donnalucata, Scicli provides a perfect balance of cultural heritage and seaside relaxation. The town's layout, with its aristocratic palaces and ancient churches, showcases the architectural and historical depth that earned it a place among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites alongside its neighbouring Val di Noto towns. Scicli, in case you were wondering, is pronounced shi-kli!
Things to do in Scicli
- Explore Via Francesco Mormina Penna: A stroll along Via Francesco Mormina Penna is strongly recommended as it provides a perfect example of a late Baroque street, harmonious in its wholeness and equal to anything found in the neighbouring towns of greater fame.
- Visit Palazzo Beneventano: Marvel at the intricate gargoyles and exquisite stonework of one of Scicli’s most impressive Baroque palaces.
- Discover the Church of San Matteo: Venture up to this ancient church perched on a rocky crag above the town, offering panoramic views of Scicli and its surroundings. Here the church opens out onto an 18th-century bell tower and long narrow square.
- Enjoy local festivals: A series of annual events dot Scicli’s calendar, some of which are worth a look if you’re in the area. At Easter, there is a procession to celebrate the “Uomo Vivo” (or Man Alive) which continues right down to the seaside at Donnalucata. At the end of May, the town celebrates its liberation from the Saracens with the Madonna a Cavallo festival.
- See the Inspector Montalbano filming locations: If you're a fan of the hit detective series Inspector Montalbano, you may like to take a wander down the beautifully conserved baroque street of Via Mormino Penna where you'll find the fictional police station from the TV show. The base from which Montalbano strived to work out whodunit is actually the town hall of Scicli, and the fictional regional police HQ is a few steps away in Palazzo Iacono.
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