Modica: Conference at the Cathedral of San Giorgio on Devotion, Art and

Conference and Exhibition at the Cathedral of San Giorgio

From 20 to 22 April 2026 the Cathedral of San Giorgio in Modica will host a cultural event focused on the connections between the church, popular devotion and the city's history. Organized by the parish together with academic partners, the initiative aims to provide an in-depth perspective on this emblematic Baroque site.

Aims of the event

The program seeks to move beyond simple ritual observance by highlighting the historical, artistic and social dimensions linked to St. George. It examines how devotion, civil power and Baroque theatricality have shaped Modica's urban identity.

Program (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM)

• Monday, April 20 — Presentation and exhibition opening
  • Introductory greetings by Father Michele Fidone (cathedral parish priest)
  • Carmelo Cataldi: “S. Giorgio martire. A universal saint in cult and myth.”
  • Giuseppe Barone: “Mater Ecclesia. S. Giorgio and the political-religious conflicts (16th–19th centuries).”
  • Opening of the iconographic exhibition “SAN GIORGIO, THE CHURCH AND THE CITY” curated by Marcella Burderi and Antonio Di Raimondo.
• Tuesday, April 21 — Art, theology and territory
  • Domenico Pisana: “From History to Mystery. The theological meaning of St. George’s cult in Modica.”
  • Paolo Nifosì: “The silver altar of the church of S. Giorgio.”
  • Saro Guarrella: “The staircase of S. Giorgio and the city's urban reconstruction.”
  • Father Giuseppe Antoci: “S. Giorgio and the ‘parallel churches’ of Modica and Ragusa.”
• Wednesday, April 22 — Current issues and new generations
  • Lucia Trombadore: “S. Giorgio. An example of well-being in contemporary society.”
  • Giancarlo Poidomani: “S. Giorgio for everyone: a Public History project.”
  • Marco Rosario Nobile: “Echoes from the capital. Brother Marcello from Palermo and the new church of 1643.”
  • Father Giovanni Salonia: presentation of the survey “The feast of S. Giorgio as perceived by young people.”
  • Speech by Simone Lucifora (interim President of the Bearers of S. Giorgio) and closing remarks.

Practical information

Venue: Cathedral of San Giorgio, Modica.
Session times: 17:30 – 19:30. The conference is open to the public, scholars and visitors interested in exploring the inseparable link between the cathedral and Modica’s civic identity.

Why attend

The event provides a chance to deepen understanding of the cathedral’s historical and cultural role and to reopen discussion on urban planning and revitalization of the historic centre. It is suitable for researchers, cultural operators and anyone interested in the Baroque heritage of southern Italy.