Have you ever dreamed of walking alongside Commissario Montalbano through the enchanting atmospheres of late Sicilian baroque? While solving cases with him might be complicated in reality, let’s immerse ourselves in the places from the TV series and let our imagination take over.
Scicli, Modica, and Ragusa Ibla
Let’s start with Scicli, the town that has most influenced the television setting of the Commissario. As you stroll through the town centre, dazzled by the beauty of the baroque architecture, you’ll immediately recognize Via Mormino Penna as the Vigata police station (in reality, Scicli’s Town Hall). Along the same street, you’ll find other places immortalized in the series, such as the Church of San Michele, the Antica Farmacia Cartia, the Church of Santa Teresa, and Palazzo Spadaro (the office of Vigata’s mayor). Continue towards Piazza Italia and the Cava di San Bartolomeo, frequent backdrops in the show, and every corner of Scicli will bring back memories of the series.
Let’s now move towards the coastal areas of Scicli: Donnalucata and Sampieri. Donnalucata represents the seafront of Marinella in the show, while in Sampieri, you’ll recognize the Mànnara (in reality, the Fornace Penna). In both locations, treat yourself to a refreshing summer swim, and if you enjoy nightlife, dive into the lively evening atmosphere.
Heading southeast, we arrive in Ispica. Places like the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Loggiato del Sinatra, and the Basilica of Santissima Annunziata appear in various episodes of the series. Explore the wild beaches of Punta Cirica to discover another spot featured in the show, and a dip in the crystal-clear waters is almost mandatory.
Now, let’s head back north to Modica. The Duomo of San Giorgio, where the Commissario meets Livia, and the hanging garden used as Dr. Pasquano’s home, are key points. Descend to Modica Bassa and walk along Corso Umberto I to recognize other locations, from the Liceo Tommaso Campailla to the Palazzo della Cultura.
But what about Vigata’s main square or the Mother Church? Let’s move on to Ragusa Ibla. The Duomo of San Giorgio, its square, and the surrounding palazzi appear in many episodes. Piazza Duomo also hosts the Circolo di Conversazione, frequented by Montalbano and Dr. Pasquano. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of Ragusa Ibla, and every corner will feel familiar.
Let’s descend once more towards the sea, but before reaching our destination, explore Balduccio Sinagra’s house at the Donnafugata Castle, complete with its labyrinth.
Finally, we arrive at the sea in Puntasecca. Here is the famous house of Montalbano and the restaurant Enzo a Mare. Enjoy the same sea where the Commissario loves to swim and wait for the water to turn red at sunset. Now, do you feel like you’ve gotten to know Commissario Montalbano in a more tangible way?