Residenza Hortus – Casa Kimiyà

Anime a Sud offers you a new concept of hospitality in refined artist’s homes, equipped with all comforts, where history, art and respect for the environment are combined. Residenza Hortus and Casa Kimiyà are located in Southern Sicily, in the old town centre of the fascinating city of Modica, a millenary crossroads of cultures, famous for its chocolate and for its spectacular Baroque architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are perfect shelters for sophisticated travellers in search of a Sicily characterized by intensity, silence and meditation. Easily accessible from the airports of Comiso and Catania, these are exceptional residences, ideal for discovering the magic of the Val di Noto and experiencing the special mix of culture, nature, sea and food and wine that this land offers.

Residenza Hortus is a magnificent 16th century mansion with garden, a stone’s throw from the Duomo di S. Giorgio, a Baroque masterpiece, in the historic centre of Modica, Sicily. Renovated with great elegance, this haven of nature, stone and silence recalls minimal atmospheres embellished with local decorated stones, ancient Sicilian bedspreads, original washbasins-sculptures, floors and plasters made from lime and clay.  The property accommodates up to 6 people and features a living room, kitchen, rocky wine cellar and three suites with private bathroom recalling the elements Water, Air and Fire. They are completed by the element Earth represented by the secret garden that, along with the terrace, are meditative spaces in which to enjoy the silence, protected by high stone walls. You can relax in the Jacuzzi, enjoy a massage, dine or read in the shade of orange, mandarin, fig, lemon, oleander and medlar trees, immersing yourself in an atmosphere reminiscent of the peace of the monastery gardens and the secret harmonies of the Arab gardens. Ideal for couples, families and small groups. Casa Kimiyà is an early 20th century house boasting an alchemical charm, a unique refuge for artists, writers or for a romantic getaway, with splendid views over the roofs of the city. Located in a quiet alleyway in the historic centre of Modica, near the Duomo di S. Giorgio, it consists of two levels and combines restored design, contemporary artwork and traditional architectural elements. It can accommodate 4 people. On the first level there is a double bedroom with antique Sicilian majolica tiles, a bathroom, a living room-kitchen with a selection of Sicilian wines and a panoramic balcony. On the upper floor, there is a second double bedroom with bathroom, panoramic terrace and an attic area for children. On the terrace you can sunbathe or dine under the stars. All the works of art of these two structures are made by the artist and owner Luca Giannini.

By staying at Residenza Hortus or Casa Kimiyà, in the old town centre of Modica, the birthplace of Salvatore Quasimodo, you will be enveloped in a unique and refined atmosphere and you will discover how in Sicily history and nature combine with the hospitality of the people and with excellent food and wine. You can enjoy baroque cities, nature reserves, beaches, archaeological sites, seaside villages and markets with comfortable day trips, also with private guides, or live exciting experiences attending cooking classes arranged for you, trying the service of Sicilian breakfast or booking a Mediterranean dinner prepared by a chef or rest with relaxing massages. You can also visit renowned wine cellars and oil mills as well as discover how the black gold of Modica, a unique blend of cocoa, sugar and spices cold processed according to the ancient recipe dating back to the Spanish domination, originated.