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Ragusa, one of the most beautiful towns on the island

As the “southernmost tip of Sicily”, Ragusa is among the most beautiful cities on the island both for its scenic beauty and for its cultural and architectural heritage.

Devastated by an earthquake in the 17th century, the city has been rebuilt even more beautiful than before in the two areas of Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla; here, the oldest area, are still preserved some examples of the most important and prestigious Sicilian baroque of all Sicily. 

Here’s what to see if you choose Ragusa as your holiday destination!

Cathedral of St John

The Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, main religious building of the city, is located in Superior Ragusa. What you see now dates back to 1694, after the devastating earthquake that destroyed the previous building dedicated to the patron saint. It has a Latin cross plan and its facade is enriched by columns and 3 portals. It also houses a museum space open to visitors. 

Cathedral of San Giorgio

The Cathedral of San Giorgio was once in the eastern part of the city; after being devastated by the earthquake of the seventeenth century, its fifteenth-century structure remains only a large portal in Gothic-Catalan style. The current building, on the other hand, is a great example of Sicilian baroque: the church is slightly oblique compared to the orientation of the square and is placed at the top of a flight of stairs, which gives it a deep sense of majesty. 

Ibla Scale

The Ibla Stairs, which once connected Ragusa Ibla with the new city, become a real spectacle at sunset, when the sun is low and temperatures allow you to walk peacefully. Walking along it is possible to notice how the city has been perfectly set in the rock, with its winding alleys that climb into steeper paths, between small houses leaning against each other. 

Ibleo Garden

The Ibleo Garden is the oldest in the city of Ragusa and stands out for its position on a rock spur located at almost 400 meters above sea level. Inside, the garden is home to numerous palm trees, stone vases, carved benches and an elegant balcony. Not only, because you can also admire the Church of San Giacomo, the Church of the Cappuccini and the Church of San Vincenzo.

Palazzo Zacco

In the upper part of Ragusa stands Palazzo Zacco, one of the best examples of Sicilian baroque applied to civil architecture. It dates back to the second half of the 18th century and was commissioned by Baron Melfi, then passed into the hands of the Zacco family in the 19th century. However, the coat of arms of the baron is still visible on one corner of the building, which has two fronts each with 3 balconies supported by mythological figures and grotesque masks, typical of the Baroque period. 

Inside the palace has been set up the Museum of Ragusane Traditions, to visit if you want to learn more about the city’s history. 

Marina di Ragusa

Marina di Ragusa is a beautiful hamlet located along the south-eastern coast of Sicily. It offers wide sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, so much to be a very sought after destination by tourists for their summer holidays.

Foto : Unsplash


Castle of Donnafugata

A symbol building of Ragusa is the Castle of Donnafugata, a sumptuous noble residence dating back to the nineteenth century. Its neo-Gothic elegance offers a visual spectacle simply unmissable and the same goes for the park that surrounds it, full of artificial caves and an evocative white stone labyrinth. Each room is richly decorated, transmitting luxury and power.

Trabacche Cave

The Trabacche Cave is a Roman underground cave, made famous by an episode of the television series “Il Commissario Montalbano”. It is located just outside the center of Ragusa and offers a truly unique experience: the catacombs consist of two rooms, inside which there are ancient tombs and underground corridors. Visiting it means immersing yourself in the real traditions of the Sicilian region.

Modica

A little town not far from Ragusa is Modica, known all over the world for its chocolate, as well as for its baroque style. The historic centre of Modica is part of the UNESCO World Heritage thanks to its baroque palaces and imposing churches. Not only because the town is characterized by picturesque streets, impressive stairways and a rich cultural history. Do not miss the Chocolate Museum, where you can taste a wide range of local delicacies.

Scicli

To conclude in beauty tour of Ragusa here is Scicli, another charming town in baroque style. It consists of a real architectural jewel, to the point of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extraordinary beauty: it boasts, in fact, majestic churches, noble palaces and lavishly decorated balconies, In addition to a very lively culture and a simply irresistible food and wine tradition.Copertina: Unsplash

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