Chiesa Rupestre di S. Nicola

Useful Information

Location:	Crocevia Cava Ispica, 83, 97015 Modica RG. A18/E45 Catania-Sirakus exit Casello di Rosolini, SP 115 towards Ragusa 1.6 km, turn right towards Masicugno 3.3 km, turn left on SP27 towards Modica. Follow SP27, SP34, SP32 for 8.3 km. Parking lot on the right 100 m. (36.8506571, 14.8363453)
Open:	after appointment. [2023]
Fee:	yes. [2023]
Classification:	Cave Church
Light:	Incandescent
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Parco archeologico di Cava d'Ispica, Crocevia Cava Ispica, 97015 Modica RG, Tel: +39-0932-771667.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

The Chiesa Rupestre di S. Nicola (Rock Church of St Nicholas) is a cave church located at the upper end of the valley Cava d'Ispica. It is located near the Parco archeologico di Cava d'Ispica (Archaeological Park of Cava d'Ispica), and actually the park has the keys. Unfortunately it is not located inside the park, so it is not possible to visit it during the open hours of the park. It is located on the other side of the river behind the car park of the park. Actually the administration building of the park is located right on top of the church. As far as we know, there are guided tours for groups by appointment, but if the guys at the ticket desk are bored, they might give you a short tour. A little baksheesh can also help.

The cave church is thought to originate from the 13th to 14th century, or probably a little earlier from the 12th to 13th century. This period is locally called Swabian Period, as Sicily was ruled at that time by a King of Swabian origin, from the Hohenstaufen dynasty. But as other scholars think they found traces of paintings from the Byzantine age, it might also be much older. Actually, it is impossible to date the cave church, isotope dating works on things, not on voids. The church has a single rectangular hall, 4 m x 4.5 m, a niche to the right of the entrance is most likely the apse. On the walls there are the remains of five frescoes. The Madonna with Child on the left wall is the most outstanding, and the reason why the church is also called Grotta della Madonna. Then there is Saint Nicholas, opposite the entrance is fresco of the Annunciation which is barely visible.