Modica, Sicily And Saint Peter And Saint Paul

Today is the feast day of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Peter, of course, is the protector of Rome (and popes too). But importantly (For my family especially, since my father is named Peter and I come from a long line of fishermen), he is the patron saint of net-makers, shipbuilders, and fishermen, and because he’s the gatekeeper and always seen with the keys to Heaven in his hands, locksmiths. Peter is also one of the patron saints of Modica, Sicily (The other is San Giorgio.). Here, on the right, exists his statue at the front of the Chiesa di San Pietro that is on the Corso Umberto of the UNESCO town that was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. It’s a beautiful example of Late Sicilian Baroque architecture.

A statue of Santo Paolo, patron of missionaries, evangelists, writers, and public workers, also sits on the elegant baroque staircase of the church (Here pictured on the left).

(As a side, I’d love to be in Galatina, Puglia today, dancing a pizzica tarantella with the other tarantate to celebrate Santo Paolo!).

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About the author

Allison Scola is founder, owner, and curator of Experience Sicily and the Cannoli Crawl. Named one of the experts for the 2019 New York Times Travel Show, Scola writes and lectures on Sicily and leads immersive tours and designs custom itineraries that delight discerning travelers. She has been featured on Rudy Maxa’s World with the Carey’s, America’s #1 Travel Radio Show and as the cannoli expert in the documentary Cannoli, Traditions Around the Table. Scola has lectured about Sicily at University of Pennsylvania, The New School, LIU Post University, Queens College, Westchester Italian Cultural Center, at high schools in the New York City metropolitan area, and at events in New York City.

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