Kimiyá, an Arab word for “alchemy”, is a charming early 1900s house with a breathtaking view over Modica. Located in a quiet corner of the historic centre near the Cathedral of San Giorgio, it has an eclectic spirit and evokes present and past atmospheres which make it a unique refuge for writers, artists and dreamers in search of a Sicily made up of silences, emotions and horizons.
THE HOUSE
Upon entering Casa Kimiyà you will find yourself magically suspended amongst the roofs and lights of Modica. The light filled internal spaces, spread across two levels, are a harmonious combination of salvaged furniture, contemporary works of art and traditional architectural features. On the first level, you will find the first double bedroom, characterised by ancient sicilian maiolicas, a bathroom, a living-kitchen area with a selection of Sicilian wines and a panoramic balcony where you can await the sunset whilst tasting a glass of aromatic Sicilian wine and admire the town as it transforms into a myriad of lights. Via the internal staircase – in black natural stone “pietra pece”– passing beneath the original front door which has been transformed into a work of art, you reach the upper level which houses the second double bedroom with bathroom, a panoramic terrace and a corner area for the little ones, equipped with a futon, drawing materials and books on arts and the environment. On the terrace, you can sunbathe or dine under the stars as your gaze embraces the entire historic center and the rocks of the valley, spanning from the ancient Jewish district of “Cartellone” to the scenographic Cathedral of San Giorgio up to the Castle of the Counts.
SUSTAINABILITY
100% electric supply from renewable sources, ecological epoxy resin floors, natural paints, heat pump air conditioning system, led lighting, water flow reducers, re-used furniture, Ecolabel refill body soap and shampoo
SUSTAINABILITYART
The artworks showcased inside the property are by artist and owner Luca Giannini e are available on sale.
For further information: + 39 3389275393 – info@lucagiannini.it – www.lucagiannini.it
ART
ACCOMODATION
How to arrive
– nearest airports: Comiso Pio La Torre (42 km), Catania Fontanarossa (125 km)
– from Catania airport to Modica: by bus with Etna Trasporti (1h45′)
– by car: free on street parking on Corso San Giorgio and Corso F. Crispi (5′ walk from the house)
– airport transfer service: available on request
Itinerary Syracuse – Modica
If you plan an itinerary in the South-East of Sicily splitting your stay between our homes in Syracuse and in Modica, you can move from one city to the other by train (1h40′) crossing the charming countryside of the Val di Noto. The railway stations can be reached from our houses by taxi in about 5′. Alternatively by car it’s about 1 hour drive (mainly highway).
Reception
– check-in by our staff from 3pm to 8pm (late check-in after 8pm available with extra price)
– check-out by 10am
Facilities, services & comfort
– towel change every 3 days, bed sheet change and room cleaning every week
– air-conditioning and heating
– free Wi-Fi, Hi-Fi stereo, books
– equipped kitchen with electric hobs, oven, fridge/freezer, toaster, kettle
– selection of Sicilian wines
– washing machine, ironing board, iron
– body soap and shampoo, hairdryer, room slippers
– memory-foam mattresses and pillows
– step-free access not available
Policy
– parties are not permitted
– smoking is strictly forbidden and pets are not allowed
– refundable damage deposit: 300 euros
THE SOUL OF THE PLACE
“Can a landscape have a moral value? Something which distinguishes it from any other places, not in simply physical terms, but for an intrinsic, ineffable spirit or sentiment, which blows here and nowhere else; that here consubstantially resides in the pulp of the fruit, in the whitewash on the
walls? A genius loci not so different from my boyhood fantasies about certain houses been haunted by witches, which are called patruni ‘u luocu in local Sicilian dialect” (G. Bufalino, L’Isola Nuda).
In restoring this early twentieth century house, we have endeavoured to preserve its soul, long since accustomed to silence, wind and light. Salvage design, contemporary art and furnishings from far afield alternate with local elements, thus creating a harmonious alchemy of colours and materials.
> Learn more: Project history (pdf)
CREDITS
Architectural project & interior design: Luca Giannini
Engineering and supervision of the works: Ing. Giovanni Giampiccolo (Ragusa)
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