After the strongest earthquake in 1693 in Sicily, several cities lay in ruins. After that, they were partially or completely 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 ultimate flowering 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 the Sicans, whom Iblon (the king of the Siculs) supplanted around the 18th century BC. e. On the territory of modern Ragusa in Sicily, he founded a new settlement and gave it his name - Ibla Erea. 1693 was a turning point for the city, then almost half of the population died. It was rebuilt, and Ragusa acquired magnificent monuments of the Sicilian Baroque, which mankind admires to this day. Learn about the most interesting placeswhich can be seen on a tour of Ragusa (Sicily).
Ragusa, Ibla
The capital of the province of the same name in Sicily - Ragusa - a city located in the young part of the Iblean mountains. Its second name is "island on an island". This is due to the high socio-economic level of development and the richest 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 stroll through the historic center. Wandering the spacious streets of Ragusa, or climbing the steps to the "upper town", enjoying magnificent and breathtaking views, or sitting in a cozy cafe in front of the Duomo with a cup of coffee in your hands - it's up to you. You can take great photos in Sicily, including Ragusa.
Like its neighboring cities, Ragusa was rebuilt in the Baroque style after a great earthquake. Its mansions and churches are graceful and are characterized by an abundance of ornate details in their decoration. The most grandiose building in Ibla is the Cathedral of San Giorgio, built in 1738 by the architect Rosario Gagliardi.
The main attraction of Ragusa in Sicily is the Duomo San Giorgio
The magnificent building is at the same time the main church of Ibla, the architectural dominant of the city and the immortal creation of Rosario Gagliardi. The cathedral was originally built in the Romanesque style in the 12th century.then it was supplemented with a Gothic column. However, the earthquake of 1693 left only ruins on the site of the church. Miraculously, only the Gothic portal survived, which can still be seen today. The authorities decided to rebuild the cathedral, but in a different place, the first stone was laid in 1739 (June 28).
At any time you can use the services of a guide. It is better to walk around Ragusa (Sicily) accompanied by a competent and knowledgeable interlocutor who will talk about history and culture, show the most interesting places in the city.
This is one of the most beautiful creations of Rosario Gagliardi. The building's extravagant domed façade rises like a three-tiered wedding cake, supported by gradually tapering Corinthian columns. The interior is not as luxurious as it might seem, although there are two paintings by Dario Gerci and a statue of Saint George on horseback.
The temple was built with a typical South Sicilian baroque façade with statues and three main entrances. The chapels in the interior are in the shape of a Latin cross with a nave and two aisles, decorated with ornamental gilded Rococo stucco and decorated with multicolored marble statues. The columns separating the aisles are also decorated with gold. Behind the church is a beautiful baroque presbytery.
Elegant church interior
The interior design was done by the famous architect Borromini. The church has a magnificent floor of marble and stone chips, inlaid with geometric patterns. On the aisle of the first column on the right is a fresco of a geniusProto-Renaissance - Giotto. This is all that has been preserved from a whole series of frescoes painted here by the master at the beginning of the 14th century. It depicts Pope Boniface VIII proclaiming the first Jubilee holy year at this very spot in 1300. This is important not only because Giotto was a contemporary of the Pope, but also because this event largely marked the beginning of modern tourism in Rome (pilgrims first, then tourists).
Museum at the Cathedral - 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 from earlier centuries from San Giorgio and other churches, drawings by Gallardo, some extravagant reliquaries, and dark religious paintings. The museum is small, but, according to tourists, very interesting. Here you can track the entire history of the construction of the cathedral.
The Church of Chiesa delle Santissime Anime del Purgatorio
The Church of Santissimi Anime del Purgatorio is located in Ragusa Ibla on Republic Square. It was built in the late Baroque style with a three-aisled basilica 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 the devastating earthquake. In 1729, the church and the entire flock came under the jurisdiction of the Cathedral of San Giorgio.
On the stones at the entrance to the church are carved images of souls in purgatory. Other inputsare false. This is interpreted as follows: there is only one true way to heaven.
The main altar made of polychrome marble from the end of the 18th century, painting by Francesco Manno depicting saints and souls in purgatory, and sculptures deserve the attention of visitors.
Archaeological Museum
This museum will be of interest primarily to lovers of history and archeology. It exhibits exhibits of the prehistoric, Greek and Roman period, found on the territory of both Ragusa itself (Sicily) and the surrounding countryside. The halls are arranged in chronological order. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of ceramics of the sixth century BC. e. from Attica. In the museum, you can see an incredibly beautiful mosaic floor, a reconstructed necropolis, ancient ovens and much more.
Church of Santa Maria della Scala
According to an undocumented local legend, the Church of Santa Maria delle Scale was supposedly 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 in the early fourteenth century.
The building is architecturally significant, as it contains the entire nave and several Gothic-style stone structures from the previous cathedral, which are reminiscent of the city's architecture before the 1693 earthquake. The earthquake didn't do much damage to the church.no less than in the second half of the eighteenth century, the building was expanded and partly restored. Reviews of the attraction in Ragusa in Sicily report the grandeur and beauty of the church, it is a must visit.
340 stone steps lead to the church, which connect the southern and northern parts of the city. The building stands out for its beauty and mixture of styles. Inside the church consists of three naves and chapels, but it does not have an apse. Before the restoration, the naves were occupied by a portico preceded by arches called the pinnate di Santa Maria. On the right side of the portico rises a bell tower with a chapel, on which a baptismal font was carved into one stone block in 1552.
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 there is an image of the Virgin and the child. The altar of the second entrance has a sculpture - Pieta. At the bottom of the third entrance are Gothic columns and at the top are Renaissance roses. The third altar has a beautiful terracotta decoration from 1538. The fourth entrance has a bunch of columns that rise up to form a pointed arch in the Gothic style.
Castello di Donnafugata
After seeing the city and its sights, you can go beyond. For example, in the castle of Donnafugata, located 15 km from Ragusa. This is a luxurious residence of the end of the 8th century, owned by the Arezzo de Spiches family. The building covers an area of 2500 sq. m, a large neo-Gothic façade crowned with two towers. The castle has more than 120 rooms, of which about twenty are open to tourists. Their interior is represented by original furniture of those times. It seems that you are entering the past.
There is a beautiful park around the castle (8 hectares). About 1,500 species of plants grow in it, and a labyrinth of stone is also equipped, the walls of which are entwined with roses. There is a coffee shop on its premises. In reviews of the castle near Ragusa in Sicily, tourists admire the place and recommend that you definitely include it in your itinerary.
Where to stay in the city: hotels, hostels, apartments
Thousands of tourists come to Sicily, including Ragusa, every year. 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 worthy places with four stars. For example, San Giorgio Palace (in the historical center), Hotel Villa Carlotta. A fairly large selection of hotels with 3and apartments. Prices for one night start from 20-30 euros, which is quite low for a European city of this level. There are also hostels in the city - a great option to save money if you are traveling with a large group.
Restaurants and cafes
Everyone knows that Italy is a gastronomic paradise. However, Sicily is a completely unique place. Not to try the local cuisine is a sin. One of the best restaurants is Ragusa La Rusticana (Corso 25Aprile, 68). A small establishment with friendly staff serving local and Sicilian cuisine, from classic lunches to exotic desserts. The charming interior is decorated with red and gold velvet wallpaper, chandeliers, crossed swords and autographs scrawled on the wall.
Another good place is the family restaurant Cucine e Vino (Via Orfanotrofio, 91), located in a stone vault. 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 a holiday in this town. Travelers recommend eating not only in expensive restaurants, but also in colorful eateries for locals, and be sure to go to the local market and taste the highest quality farm products.
Where to drink in the city
One of the most picturesque places - Caffe Al Borgo on the square in front of the cathedral. Small tables are right on the street. Nearby is the most famous gelateria in the region - Gelati DiVini, known for its special types of ice cream with wine and olive oil.
City climate
The weather in Ragusa, 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 temperate. However, rainfall is rare, with most of the precipitation falling in winter. The driest month is July (only 3 mm of precipitation). The peak of rain falls in October. The average annual temperature is about +15 °C. warmest month of the year- August (on average about +23 ° С). In January, the coolest weather is observed - an average of +8.1 °С.
Ragusa in Sicily: how to get there
In the reviews, tourists who have visited Sicily recommend visiting Ragusa in addition to Palermo. They call it the fabulous pearl of the Sicilian Baroque. Emphasize the unique geographical position (the city is located near the southern coast of the island). Ragusa is like a natural bastion that withstood cataclysms, wars and rose from the ruins even more beautifully. The question is quite logical, how to get to Ragusa in Sicily. In the reviews, tourists recommend car rental. This is convenient, as 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, Gela, 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 receives flights from all over Europe, including from Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg). There is an Etna shuttle bus 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 slowly wandering through the narrow streets, looking into courtyards, 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. In this case, we recommend hiringprivate 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.
In addition, you can purchase sightseeing tours. Excursions from Ragusa to Sicily are in demand. If you contact a private guide, you can even create a personalized itinerary.
