After the strong earthquake of 1693 in Sicily, several cities lay in ruins. After partially or completely, they were restored in the Sicilian Baroque style. Eight of them, including Ragusa and nearby Modica, have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “representing the highest point of development and the ultimate flourishing of Baroque art in Europe”.
According to archaeological sources, the first people settled in this area at the end of the third millennium BC. It is believed that they were Sikans, whom Iblon (king of the Sikuls) supplanted around the 18th century BC. e. On the territory of modern Ragusa in Sicily, he founded a new settlement and gave him his name - Ibla Erea. 1693 was a turning point for the city, then almost half of the population died. It was rebuilt, and Ragusa found magnificent Sicilian Baroque monuments, which humanity admires to this day. We learn about the most interesting places that you can see by going on a tour of Ragusa (Sicily).
Ragusa, Ibla
The capital of the province of Sicily of the same name - Ragusa - a city located in the southern part of the Iblean mountains. Its second name is "island on the island." This is due to the high socio-economic level of development and the rich cultural and historical heritage. Ragusa, crossed by the Irmino River and surrounded by picturesque green hills, is divided into two parts: the modern “upper city” and Ragusa Ibla (“lower city”). The best thing a traveler can do is take a stroll through the historic center. Wandering around the spacious streets of Ragusa or climbing the steps to the “upper city”, enjoying magnificent and breathtaking views or sitting in a cozy cafe in front of the Duomo with a cup of coffee in your hands is up to you. You can take great photos in Sicily, including Ragusa.
Like neighboring cities, Ragusa was restored in the Baroque style after the great earthquake. Her mansions and churches are elegant and characterized by an abundance of ornate details in the design. The most grandiose building in Ible is the Cathedral of San Giorgio, built in 1738 by the architect Rosario Galliardi.
The main attraction of Ragusa in Sicily is the Duomo of San Giorgio
The magnificent building is simultaneously the main church of Ibla, the architectural dominant of the city and the immortal creation of Rosario Galliardi. Initially, the cathedral was built in the Romanesque style in the XII century, then it was supplemented by a Gothic column. However, the earthquake of 1693 left only ruins in place of the church. Miraculously, only the Gothic portal survived, which can be viewed today. The authorities decided to rebuild the cathedral anew, but in another place, the first stone was laid in 1739 (June 28).
You can use the services of a guide at any time. It is better to walk around Ragusa (Sicily), accompanied by a competent and knowledgeable interlocutor who will tell about history and culture, show the most interesting places of the city.
This is one of the most beautiful creations of Rosario Galliardi. The extravagant convex facade of the building rises like a three-tiered wedding cake, supported by gradually tapering columns of the Corinthian order. The interior is not as luxurious as it might seem, although there are two paintings by Dario Gerchi and a statue of St. George on horseback.
The temple was built with a facade in a typical South Sicilian Baroque style with statues and three main entrances. The chapels in the interior in the form of a Latin cross with a nave and two aisles are decorated with ornamental gilded stucco molding in the Rococo style and decorated with multi-colored marble statues. The columns dividing the aisles are also decorated with gold. Behind the church is a beautiful baroque presbytery.
Graceful church interior
The development of interior design was carried out by the famous architect Borromini. The church has a magnificent floor made of marble and stone chips, inlaid with geometric patterns. On the aisle of the first column on the right is a fresco of the genius of the Proto-Renaissance - Giotto. This is all that has been preserved from a series of frescoes painted here by the master at the beginning of the XIV century. It depicts Pope Boniface VIII, who proclaimed the first Jubilee holy year in this place in 1300. This is important not only because Giotto was a contemporary of the Pope, but also because this event largely laid the foundation for modern tourism in Rome (pilgrims came first, and then tourists).
Cathedral Museum - Museo del Duomo
Next to the church is a small museum open to the public on weekends. In it you can see stone statues and bas-reliefs of earlier centuries from San Giorgio and other churches, drawings by Gallardo, some extravagant reliquaries and gloomy religious paintings. The museum is small, but, according to tourists, very interesting. Here you can trace the entire history of the construction of the cathedral.
Church Chiesa delle Santissime Anime del Purgatorio
The Church of Santissimi Anime del Purgatorio is located in Ragusa Ibla in Republic Square. It was built in the late Baroque style with a basilica with three naves on the initiative of the Mazza family in the second half of the seventeenth century. For the first time, the doors were opened for parishioners in May 1658. One of the few buildings that survived after a devastating earthquake. In 1729, the church and the whole flock became subordinate to the Cathedral of San Giorgio.
The stones at the entrance to the church carved images of souls in purgatory. Other entries are false. This is interpreted as follows: there is only one true way out to heaven.
Attention of visitors deserves the main altar made of polychrome marble of the late 18th century, a painting by Francesco Manno, depicting saints and souls in purgatory and sculptures.
Archaeological Museum
This museum will be of interest primarily to lovers of history and archeology. It exhibits exhibits of the prehistoric, Greek and Roman periods found on the territory of both Ragusa (Sicily) and the surrounding countryside. The halls are arranged in chronological order. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of pottery of the sixth century BC. e. from Attica. In the museum you can look at the incredibly beautiful mosaic floor, the reconstructed necropolis, ancient stoves and much more.
Church of Santa Maria della Scala
According to local legend, which is not supported by documentary evidence, the church of Santa Maria delle Scale was allegedly built by the Cistercian monks of the abbey of Santa Maria di Roccadia in Lentini in the first half of the thirteenth century. Verified sources indicate that the church was built at the beginning of the fourteenth century.
The building is of great importance from an architectural point of view, since it contains a whole nave and several stone structures of the previous cathedral in the Gothic style, which remind of the architecture of the city before the 1693 earthquake. An earthquake did not severely damage the church, however, in the second half of the eighteenth century, the building was expanded and partially restored. Reviews of the sights in Ragusa in Sicily report on the grandeur and beauty of the church, it is definitely worth a visit.
340 stone steps that connect the southern and northern parts of the city lead to the church. The building stands out for its beauty and mix of styles. Inside the church consists of three naves and chapels, but there is no apse in it. Before the restoration, the naves were occupied by a portico, which was preceded by arches called pinnate di Santa Maria. The bell tower with a chapel rises on the right side of the portico, on which in 1552 a baptismal font was carved into one stone block.
Four entrances can be seen from the central nave. The first, located on the right side, rests on two carved columns that rise up and form a pointed arch in the Gothic style. The second also has a pointed arch in the Gothic style, on top of which is an image of the Virgin and child. The altar of the second entrance has a sculpture - Pietu. In the lower part of the third entrance there are columns in the Gothic style, and on top there are roses in the Renaissance style. The third altar has a beautiful terracotta decoration since 1538. The fourth entrance has a bunch of columns that rise up to form a pointed arch in the Gothic style.
Palace Castello di Donnafugata
After seeing the city and its attractions, you can go beyond it. For example, the Donnafugata Castle, located 15 km from Ragusa. This is a luxurious residence of the late VIII century, owned by the Arezzo de Spiches family. The building covers an area of 2500 square meters. m, a large facade in the neo-Gothic style is crowned with two towers. The castle has more than 120 rooms, of which about twenty are open for tourists. Their interior is represented by original furniture of those times. It seems that you are falling into the past.
Around the castle is a beautiful park (8 hectares). About 1,500 species of plants grow in it, and a labyrinth of stone, the walls of which are twined with roses, is also equipped. On its territory there is a coffee shop. In reviews of the castle near Ragusa in Sicily, tourists admire the place and recommend that you definitely include it in your route.
Where to stay in the city: hotels, hostels, apartments
Thousands of tourists come to Sicily, including Ragusa annually. Given the fact that the city is the most economically developed, it would be logical to assume that the infrastructure in it is at a decent level. There are no five-star hotels, but there are decent places with four stars. For example, San Giorgio Palace (in the historical center), Hotel Villa Carlotta. A fairly large selection of hotels with 3 * and apartments. Prices for one night start from 20-30 euros, which is quite small for a European city of this level. There are hostels in the city - a great option to save money if you are traveling in a large company.
Restaurants and Cafes
The fact that Italy is a gastronomic paradise is known to all. However, Sicily is a completely unique place. Do not try the local cuisine - this is a sin. One of the best restaurants is Ragusa La Rusticana (Corso 25 Aprile, 68). A small establishment with friendly staff serving local and Sicilian cuisine, from classic dinners to exotic desserts. The charming interior is decorated with red and gold velvet wallpaper, chandeliers, crossed swords and scratched autographs on the wall.
Another good place is the family-run restaurant Cucine e Vino (Via Orfanotrofio, 91), located in a stone vaulted room. The walls are plastered. The interior is modest but interesting. The menu features local cuisine. After reading the reviews about Ragusa in Sicily, we can conclude that gastronomy is one of the important components of relaxation in this town. Travelers recommend eating not only in expensive restaurants, but also in colorful eateries for locals, as well as be sure to go to the local market and taste farm products of the highest quality.
Where to drink in the city
One of the most picturesque places is Caffe Al Borgo in the square in front of the cathedral. Small tables are right on the street. Nearby is the most famous motherland in the region - Gelati DiVini, known for its special types of ice cream with the addition of wine and olive oil.
City climate
Weather in Ragusa in Sicily favors a beach holiday. The city is a real paradise for tourists who prefer the sea and tranquility. The climate can be described as moderate. However, rains are rare, mostly rainfall in winter. The driest month is July (only 3 mm of rain). The peak of rains falls on October. The average annual temperature is about +15 ° C. the warmest month of the year is August (on average about +23 ° C). The coldest weather is observed in January - an average of +8.1 ° .
Ragusa in Sicily: how to get there
In the reviews, tourists who visited Sicily recommend in addition to Palermo to visit Ragusa. They call it the fabulous pearl of Sicilian baroque. Emphasize the unique geographical location (the city is located near the southern coast of the island). Ragusa is like a natural bastion that has withstood cataclysms, wars and has risen from the ruins even more beautifully. The logical question is how to get to Ragusa in Sicily. In the reviews, tourists recommend renting a car. This is convenient, since you are not limited by anything and are free to choose the route yourself.
The second convenient way is the bus. Regular flights go to Ragusa from Palermo, Syracuse, Catania, Jela, Noto and Modica.
The third way is by plane and bus. The nearest airport to the city is in Catania, in the east of Sicily. It accepts flights from all over Europe, including from Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg). An Etna shuttle bus runs from the airport to Ragusa. Travel time is about two hours.
Guides and excursions
Of course, you can explore the city on your own. What could be better than wandering slowly through the narrow streets, peeking into the yards, drinking coffee in the squares and eating ice cream! However, if you are limited in time, such a walk can turn out to be very spontaneous and you simply lose sight of a lot of important and interesting things. We recommend that you hire a private guide. In Ragusa (Sicily), this will not be a problem. There are both English-speaking and Russian-speaking guides. They will show you the city, focus on the most interesting sights of Ragusa. In reviews, tourists are often advised not to save on this. The cost of services depends on the program and averages 100-200 euros.
You can also purchase sightseeing tours. Excursions from Ragusa to Sicily are in demand. If you turn to a private guide, you can even create an individual route.