Scicli

Scicli is a small Baroque town in south-eastern Sicily, in the province of Ragusa, listed alongside other towns of the Val di Noto as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its eighteenth-century architecture. The historic centre is notable for its ornate palazzi, including Palazzo Beneventano, as well as several churches such as Santa Maria La Nova and San Bartolomeo. The Palazzo Comunale, home to the town hall, is recognised for having featured as a filming location in the television series based on Inspector Montalbano, drawing regular cultural tourism. Above the town, the cave district of Chiafura, carved into the rock, reflects the area's historic rock-dwelling heritage. Scicli is surrounded by limestone hills and cultivated valleys typical of the Sicilian countryside. A short drive away, the coastal hamlets of Sampieri, Cava d'Aliga and Donnalucata offer sandy beaches and direct access to the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean climate, hot and dry in summer and mild in winter, makes the area suitable for visits throughout the year. Local cuisine draws on classic Sicilian produce, including olive oil, citrus fruit, fish and traditional pastries.