18th Century Palazzo, Stylish, Spectacular Views, Concierge Service Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025

Q: Is 18th Century Palazzo, Stylish, Spectacular Views, Concierge Service pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Q: Where is 18th Century Palazzo, Stylish, Spectacular Views, Concierge Service located?

Located in the heart of Modica, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Cathedral of San Giorgio, Corso Umberto I and Castello dei Conti. Museo Casa natale Salvatore Quasimodo and Church of San Pietro are also within 10 minutes. Modica Station is 21 minutes by foot.

10/10 Excellent

Jess S.

23 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay at stunning property

We had an absolutely fantastic week at Rosalie’s stunning property in the heart of Modica. The decor, setting and the ambience of the property is unrivalled. It is one of the best places we have ever stayed.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

11 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular Views

Rosalie’s home is lovely! We appreciated all of the small details and enjoyed our time there so much. The concierge, Lorenzo, was kind, patient, responsive and wonderful to meet. The location is amazing and we walked everywhere. We loved all of the outdoor spaces and the spectacular views. We especially appreciated Rosalie’s responsiveness and personal efforts to welcome us and check in with us about our stay. We had a lovely time.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jackie H.

26 Jun 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay in a wonderful old palazzetto

We loved our stay here in this beautiful historic Palazzetto next to the duomo. It’s very traditional but with all mod cons ie dishwasher, air con, walk in showers. We watched the world go by from our balconies and ate breakfast in the downstairs shady courtyard. Yes there are a lot of steps & yes the bells ring, but there are ways of avoiding some of the steps by wandering along the streets to make your way down to Corso Umberto & the bells don’t ring often, in fact they add to the charm. For the more energetic, wander further up Modica Alta to the Tuesday fruit & veg market with the locals & Pizzo Belvedere viewpoint over the town.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy J.

10 Jun 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A true palace!

We've stayed in dozens of properties and this is by far the most amazing. You are literally feet away from the most famous Baroque church in the area (San Giorgio) while staying in a true palace - all to yourself! The concierge available is also an incredible font of knowledge, I called and texted him throughout each day asking for recommendations in the area and he always responded quickly. While the property is a bit more expensive than others, it is well worth it. We will certainly be staying here again in the future!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

nancy g.

23 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Extroardinary accomodatio

We loved this place. Very elegant and roomy. Stunning views. Great kitchen. Lots of outdoor space too for dining and contemplation. Lorenzo was always immediately available for advice and information. If it is available, take it! Must be able to climb a few steps. But you will be next to a magnificent cathedral.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danni B.

16 Sept 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A special place

Staying at Rosalie's place was the high- light of our two weeks in Sicily. The location of the Palazzo is incredilbe- right in the centre of Modica, next to the Duomo di San Giorgo , you can hear its choir sing sitting on the terrace, it is magical; it is very central, you can walk everywhere. The Palazzo itself is a beautifully restored, historical building- it felt very special staying in it. You can tell this is someones cherished home, filled with beautiful furniture, personal touches and details. It is equipped with everything you need and more; the kitchen a joy to cook in, which we did several times. We did go out and explore Modica, but were always happy to return 'home ' in good time to sit on the terrace or enjoy the sprawling view of the city from the living- room at night. Communication with Rosalie was excellent, her list of recommendations for restaurarants, cafes, shops et al invaluable, Lorenzo on hand for any questions and help. We highly recommend visiting, it is a truly special place to stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Emei T., Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

15 May 2016

Simply Fabulous!

Everything one might expect in a classic palazzo. It is absolutely beautiful. Rosalie clearly has great appreciation for quality and hospitality for her guests. We were treated like family guests, met by Lorenzo who is very friendly (and speaks excellent English). He was generous with his time and provided us with all we needed to know about the palazzo, Modica and the surrounding area. The rooms are elegantly furnished. The kitchen is well appointed with everything we needed and more. The patios were perfect for morning coffee and breakfast (lots of nice restaurants nearby for dinner). The location was ideal for exploring Modica on foot, and convenient for day trips to nearby towns. Our stay in the palazzo is memorable and unique. Thank you Rosalie and Lorenzo for such a wonderful experience!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Louise S.

4 Aug 2016

Fantastic property in a wonderful location

What a wonderful apartment, it is a fantastic combination of old and new and perfect for a holiday in southern Sicily. Rosalie is lovely and makes sure before you go that everything is taken care of and if you need anything that it is provided. Also when you arrive Lorenzo is on hand to meet you and he even carried our suitcases up to the apartment which is a feat in itself (sorry mine was a bit heavy). He was extremely friendly and knowledgeable especially about all the lovely places to eat out in Modica and was on call if you needed anything. Views from the terraces are spectacular and it was so wonderful to sit on the terraces on a warm night with a glass of wine in hand enjoying the views of Modica and/or the Cathedral. Location wise its perfect for visiting all the near by towns/beaches and sites of interest, there are so many. There are quite few steps up to the apartment from town - so be prepared it can be hard work climbing back up after a big meal but if you take it steady it's great exercise and burns off a few of the calories you have put on. Food is excellent in Modica and there are several good restaurants and pizzerias to choose from. We had a fantastic holiday, the apartment and location delivered everything and more than we were expecting. We can't wait to return and were even planning our return trip to Sicily on the plane home. Thank you .

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Tom V.

22 May 2015

Breathtaking and Wonderful!

Our stay at Palazzo Polara was memorable! Our party was greeting by our gracious hostess and her lovely concierge, Isabella! We could not have felt more welcome. They introduced us to this unique property, our Palace for the week!, and the phenomenal town of Modica! We felt that the listing perfectly described the place. Everything was in good condition upon our arrival. Ms Gallinaro thought of every detail from providing light breakfast items and bottled water to the very well stocked residence. We had everything we needed. Prior to check in, we were surprised to learn that the biggest festival, the celebration of San Georgio was to take place over the weekend! We had the very best view you could imagine. Just below our balcony, all of the festivities occurred, from the adoring crowds to the television broadcast, to the spectacular fireworks. It was an experience of a lifetime. We were especially lucky to have such enthusiastic support from Ms. Gallinaro and Isabella as we set out to research our family tree. They could not have been anymore helpful in terms of making connections and helping us plan our trip, and Isabella was readily available to answer any questions and even provide help as a translator for us. We will never forget this trip of a lifetime and their Sicilian hospitality, warmth, wonderful recommendations and kindness .

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stephen C.

25 Sept 2017

A rare opporunity!

My wife and I loved our 4-night stay here. It is simply spectacular, and we felt transported back in time--but with all the modern comforts. The ceilings were high, the furnishings were beautiful, and the stone, marble, and ceramic flooring was attractive. It is so nice that we had a hard time leaving the place each day to explore Modica or other nearby locations. The website's description and photographs are entirely accurate. Everything was provided for our stay, including tea, coffee, milk, fruit, fresh bread, and jam for breakfast. The kitchen is fully equipped along with nice glassware and tableware. The bathrooms are modern and the water pressure is good. The living room is indeed palatial and its view of the city from the balcony was breathtaking. The terrace next to the cathedral is a perfect place to spend a morning and eto nd the day with a nightcap. Although air conditioning is an option in the bedrooms, we found it unnecessary even in the Sicilian heat. The bed was comfortable and the bedding luxurious. Our stay was the highlight of our trip. Communication with the owner Rosalie was quick and smooth by email and telephone. She clearly cares about her guests and wanted to speak personally with us at the beginning and end of the stay to make certain everything was OK. The property's "concierge" Lorenzo was very helpful and attentive. He even insisted on carrying our baggage.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

3 Jul 2015

Palazzo Perfection

My friend and I stayed in Rosalie"s house in Modica for a week in May 2015. When I saw the pictures online, I knew it would be exquisite, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. Rosalie is a pleasure to interact with. She is personable, informative, helpful and resourceful. She arranged to speak with me prior to our arrival to determine what we would like to experience. Rosalie is completely committed to providing maximum comfort to her guests and to ensuring that they are able to experience all that Modica and the surrounding area has to offer. Modica is a perfect base for exploring the beautiful baroque towns of Noto, Ragusa, Siracusa, Scicli, and Marzamemi. Rosalie arranged a driver to take us for a memorable day to Caltagirone (where I couldn't return without a vase), and Piazza Armerina. The Modica Visitor Centre located on the main street of Modica is a wonderful resource for visiting southern Sicily. The house is beautifully renovated with attention paid to every detail, comfortable, and perfectly situated next to THE prominent landmark, San Giorgio Cathedral (you can practically reach out and touch it) All the rooms are wonderful! The kitchen is spacious with the most up to date appliances, and every utensil one could ever need. Bedrooms, sitting room, foyer, and bathrooms are impeccable. The view from the sitting room is mesmerizing---especially at night. There is outside space when you just want to stay home and relax. I loved Sicily and experiencing beautiful Modica renowned for its remarkable food and CHOCOLATE, elegante baroque buildings, and the indelible settings for Montalbano. Rosalie's Palazzo Polara provided the perfect setting in which to enjoy it all. I will return. (I wish to include that Rosalie employs a lovely concierge named Isabella to assist guests)

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Allison R., Park City, UT, U.S.A.

28 Oct 2017

Extraordinary!

We spent eight glorious days at Palazzetto Polara and the consensus opinion of our group is that there simply aren't enough superlatives to describe this Baroque beauty or its owner, Rosalie. My husband and I have stayed with friends in vacation rental properties throughout Europe and the United States, and we consider Palazzetto Polara to be in class by itself. Walking into this historic treasure, the four of us were immediately impressed by the sensitive approach to its renovation, as it lacked neither in character and charm nor in modern comforts and conveniences. The inviting kitchen was extremely spacious and the pantry, drawers and cabinets were brimming with lovely dishes, glassware, utensils, serving pieces, etc. With such a well-equipped kitchen, we were inspired to prepare our own meals, dining al fresco in the courtyard and taking morning coffee and evening cocktails on the terrace. The bedrooms are lovely, light-filled and well-furnished, and we found the beds to be extremely comfortable, owing in part to the soft and sumptuous bed linens--one of the many little luxuries we noted throughout the Palazzetto. We appreciated that each bedroom had its own entrance to the terrace, which allowed us to come and go without disturbing each other. The bedrooms are also equipped with HVAC units, but the weather was such that we never had need of them. Both bathrooms in the Palazzetto are modern and elegant in their design and functioned flawlessly during our stay. And Rosalie kindly provided small heaters for the bathrooms in case the temperature dropped and the tiles became too cold underfoot. (An example of her desire to attend to her guests' every need, which is also why she engages a local concierge.) With its frescoed ceiling, exquisite furnishings, and balcony overlooking the Duomo of San Giorgio, the salon is the crown in the jewel that is Palazzetto Polara. We idled away many happy hours in this room, listening to the church bells and other vibrant sounds from the streets below and being covert audience to gatherings and celebrations, including a baptism, wedding and the state visit of Prince Albert II. The salon is also where we planned day trips to other parts of Ragusa aided by the library of excellent guidebooks Rosalie collected for her guests. And while we did venture out of Modica, we always looked forward to returning to our Little Palace. Thank you, Rosalie, for an unforgettable stay!

Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Claire P.

2 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Merveilleuse experience au Palace Polara

Magnifique hébergement avec toutes ses terrasses et son très joli salon. Les chambres sont très confortables et toutes les commodités sont très bien et plus. L’Arrivée a été très facile avec Lorenzo qui nous a donné plein de conseils très pratiques. Nous reviendrons c’est sûr… Merci Rosalie et Lorenzo pour tout☺️

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

William F.

8 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved our stay

The house (palazzo), its history are amazing. The location is central and to hear the bells toll at 8pm is truly special. The accommodations are quite comfortable although as spoiled Americans we might have wished for longer hot showers. Any suggestions for improvement are offered in this spirit. The kitchen could benefit from a bit more light and, at least in the early part of the month of May, was quite cold.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Hilde B.

29 Oct 2017

Erwartungen übertroffen

Perfekte, liebenswerte Betreuung durch die Eigentümerin und Lorenzo, der Kontakt vor Ort. Die Lage könnte nicht besser sein, direkt neben dem Duomo San Giorgio. Die Räume sind grosszügig und sehr geschmackvoll restauriert, insbesondere die Bäder. Alles sehr sauber, die Küche ist üppig ausgestattet. Durchaus für längere Aufenthalte geeignet. Parken war bei uns kein Problem, wir haben immer Plätze in unmittelbarer Nähe gefunden.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Rose-Marie T.

19 Sept 2017

Pierre,Terre et Soleil dans un palazzetto élégant,séjour unique de 2 semaines en septembre 2017

Découvrir la Sicile baroque de Modica fut une expérience unique et un privilège grâce surtout à la chance que nous avons eue de séjourner dans une demeure historique magnifiquement restaurée , raffinée et très très confortable. Art, beauté, confort, tout est présent dans ce palazzetto.Nous étions directement à l'aise grâce à Rosalie qui a fait tout pour rendre notre séjour facile ( tout ce dont nous avons besoin pour vivre les premiers jours et même plus est présent) et grâce à Lorenzo qui nous accueille et nous oriente si nécessaire. Nous ( 3 adultes) avons séjourné 2 semaines avec grand bonheur, point de départ pour visiter toute la Sicile baroque ( ne pas oublier Scigli notre coup de cœur) ,Syracuse et la côte ( Sampieri très belle plage de sable, longue promenade loin du tumulte balnéaire). Les photos rendent tout à fait justice à la beauté et au confort de la maison. Elle est aussi très fraîche le jour, même en période de grande chaleur. Les terrasses sont extrêmement agréables . Cuisine très bien équipée, il ne manque rien. Nous étions comme chez nous. De toutes nos locations en Italie où nous allons chaque année depuis 5 ans, c'est celle qui obtient tous les suffrages sur tous les plans. Merci à Rosalie! Rose- Marie, Montréal, Canada Séjour : 2 semaines en septembre 2017

Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

2/10 Terrible

Kenneth B.

11 Aug 2017

Beware

Pleasant property centrally located in Monica. Positive features include an attractive balcony, public room with an attractive ceiling and a well equipped kitchen. Previous reviews describe one aspect of a stay at this property. There are other features of this flat that should be considered by anybody who is thinking about renting it. They include: - The property does not have potable water - the water coming out of the taps is not safe to drink. We were advised to buy and drink bottled water. I’m not sure why the water is not safe to drink but it is safe to wash dishes and prepare salads in it. - There are not adequate arrangements for the disposal of household waste. There is a small metal bin in the kitchen and plastic bags to use in it. When full the bag must either be left outside in the courtyard or left inside the house. Leaving the bag in either place encourages pests. Furthermore, since it is only collected twice a week the waste rots - and stinks - in the heat. `-The house and courtyard are covered in ants. They are present in every single room and each morning has to start with an attempt to get rid of at least some of them: Going to bed at night required that the bed be checked - and if necessary cleared of ants. Rodents climb into the courtyard at night. One day a dead one was found lying there Electricity - The electricity supply is not reliable. On the majority of nights that we were there it went off several times each night. It can be easily reset but this often required a trip down a staircase guided only by a torch. Some nights it went off at least half a dozen times - which made cooking a meal very interesting and again unsafe. Water - The water supply was interrupted twice in a one week period and the pump had to be restarted. On one occasion we had no water from evening until the next morning. Not ideal, hygienic or safe. Plant watering - The housekeeper required access to the property daily to water the plants. Whilst accepting the necessity of such the invasion of privacy was not pleasant. The housekeeper who watered the plants seemed to feel it was part of her duties to tell the owner that, on one of the occasions that she visited, that the house was untidy. We received an email from the owner chastising us for having moved a piece of furniture. No harm had been done, we had simply moved a piece of furniture. Review by Housekeeper - After visits by the housekeeper to ‘water the plants’ we would receive email

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

andrew l.

8 Aug 2017

A lovely characterful apartment in an historic setting

The property is in a wing of a palace right next to the beautiful cathedral. There is a pleasant terrace/balcony to sit out on. The house is well equipped (apart from a kettle ?? ) and comfortably furnished (not full on palazzo style). We were shown round by Lorenzo, a charming and helpful man, who was full of information about the town and the local area. Unlike many other Italian/Sicilian towns there is no central piazza in Modica and there are no convenient restaurants immediately nearby. The centre is accessed by walking down a lot of steps (but it only takes five minutes). Modica is well placed for visits to Noto, Ragusa, Scicli and Syracuse. Don't miss the gelati and the fabulous chocolate.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrew F.

7 Jun 2017

Beautiful little Palace

This beautiful and stylishly appointed property has all the proportions of a little palace. It is remarkably situated next to St Giorgio church with the drawing room balcony overlooking the steps, which during our stay provided significant interest. There are two outside terraces for dining and lounging. The bedrooms are very comfortable and there are two high quality shower rooms. Hall leads to a magnificent staircase with kitchen off. Kitchen was very cool-useful in high summer I'm sure-but actually a little cold for us. Kitchen had a good range of eguipment. Position is 260 steps up from the main street (Corso Umberto) but parking very close was easy. Local restaurants both down and up the hill were very interesting and easy. Very stylish! We will come again.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

2 Jun 2017

Un excellent séjour!

Nous avons séjourné une semaine fin mai 2017 dans ce très agréable appartement ancien, situé dans un palazetto jouxtant la cathédrale Saint Georges. Décoré avec beaucoup de goût, de belles grandes pièces, un magnifique salon donnant sur balcon d'où on ne se lasse pas d'admirer la vue sur Modica, deux terrasses secrètes où il fait bon se reposer. Il ne manquait absolument rien. Rosalie a veillé à ce que tout se passe bien. L'accueil à l'arrivée par Lorenzo a été impeccable. Une excellente adresse pour Modica et bien sûr aussi rayonner dans la Sicile baroque.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

gayle v.

5 Oct 2015

Perfect Relaxation in Charming Monica

Thank you thank you thank you to Ms. Rosalie for opening her beautiful apartment to my family this summer. The location, the setting, the indoor and ample outdoor spaces, decor, practical appointments, local concierge and maid service--ALL exceeded our wishes and expectations. We traveled as a group of 4--three adults and a tween aged child, and could not have been more comfortable in this lovely palazzo. The photos give you just a glimpse of the views--the sunsets REALLY do look like that from the living room balcony window--and of the tastefully curated interiors, with custom fabrics, antique furnishings, lovely linens, books, volcanic stone grand staircase, and a very well appointed kitchen. The apartment is nestled next to the grand duomo in the old city. It is above the fray of the main shopping streets, and quite quiet day and night (save the occasional ringing of the church bells). Our hostess was so thoughtful, preparing lists of favorite restaurants (pizza was a favorite), shops and sights. Ms. Rosalie even sought out vegan restaurants for our veggie family. This is the kind of place that one could stay for just a few days or several weeks, and make it home. I would return to this place in a second! highly recommended!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michel R.

16 Sept 2015

Perfect !!

We stayed in Modica in thsi beautiful appartment for a week and it's really worth while every minute of it. The appartment is very comfortable and complete. It is cenetered in the middle of Modica, a really nice town to visit. The appartment is very beautifuldecorated and very complete furnised. It has two places to sit outside, with a astyonishing view of the town. Rosalie pays very much attention in arranging a perfect stay, with very much information and a perfect preparation. Certainly worth a second visit !!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

JOANN L., Canton, oh

25 May 2015

A rare find!

Palazzetto Polara is a charming rental adjacent to San Georgio Cathedral high atop the hill in Modica. Every attention to detail has been met. The kitchen is well equipped and nicely decorated. Upstairs, the living room features a beautifully restored fresco ceiling that you won't be able to take your eyes off. The only better view in the living room is out the balcony window where you can see the beautiful city of Modica and have a birds eye view of all the happenings at the Cathedral next door. We were there for the feast of San Georgio and it was one of the most amazing cultural experiences we could have hoped for - complete with fireworks, streamers and fireworks! Bathrooms are new. The only drawbacks to this one-of-a-kind property are the 256 steps from the main street to the cathedral - quite a climb! If steps are no problem, be prepared for a delightful stay!

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18th Century Palazzo, Stylish, Spectacular Views, Concierge Service

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