Welcome to Ragusa, a picturesque baroque city split into two distinct districts. Get lost in Ragusa Ibla's labyrinth of ancient streets, charming alleys, and curving lanes. The splendid Baroque architecture, embodied by the stunning Cathedral of San Giorgio, alongside quaint restaurants and cafes, will delight your heart. Traverse the divide via one of three bridges — Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Nuovo, or Ponte Papa Giovanni XXIII — to discover Ragusa Superiore. Your climb will be rewarded with breathtaking views, the majestic Cathedral of San Giovanni, and a wealth of historic palaces, including the lavish Palazzo Zacco. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a beautiful getaway, Ragusa has something for everyone to enjoy.
Top Highlights of Ragusa
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Donnafugata Castle
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
On a hill 15 kilometers from Ragusa stands the impressive Castello di Donnafugata, whose history dates back to the 14th century with the Chiaramonte family. The castle's current neo-Gothic appearance, featuring its characteristic towers and monumental staircase, is largely due to renovations by Baron Corrado Arezzo de Spuches in the 19th century.
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Duomo of San Giorgio
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
Majestically, the Duomo di San Giorgio stands at the end of an impressive staircase overlooking the old town of Ragusa - a masterpiece of Sicilian late Baroque from the 18th century. The cathedral, built by Rosario Gagliardi between 1739 and 1775, captivates with its monumental tower facade and characteristic dome, and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
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Ragusa Cathedral
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
The majestic Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista stands as the most important church overlooking the modern district of Ragusa and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto." After the devastating earthquake of 1693, the cathedral was rebuilt in record time and continuously expanded throughout the 18th century.
Giardino Ibleo
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
High above the Irminio Valley, the Giardino Ibleo stands proudly, the oldest of the four main gardens in Ragusa, perched on a rocky outcrop at an elevation of 385 meters. Initiated by local nobles in 1858 and created by the community, the park impresses with its well-maintained grounds featuring intricately designed stone benches, vases, and an elegant limestone balustrade.
Kamarina
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
On the southern coast of Sicily, you will find Kamarina, one of the most significant Greek colonies on the island, founded by the Syracusans in the early 6th century BC. The archaeological site on the Cammarana hill features impressive remains of an ancient harbor canal, graves, and the Temple of Athena, whose foundations were integrated into the later Church of Madonna di Cammarana.
Demanio forestale di Randello
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
On the coast of Sicily, you will find the Demanio Forestale di Randello, a distinctive coastal area where a pine forest stretches right down to the sea. This former private hunting ground is home to Mediterranean vegetation such as cork oaks, mastic bushes, and cypress trees, as well as archaeological treasures - here you can discover remnants of the necropolises of ancient Kamarina.
Santa Maria delle Scale
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
Between the neighborhoods of Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore, the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale stands as an impressive example of Sicilian church architecture. Originally built in the 13th century by Cistercian monks, the church was largely rebuilt in the Baroque style after the devastating earthquake of 1693, while retaining some Gothic elements. Inside the three-nave church, you'll find a remarkable collection of artworks from various periods, including a terracotta relief from 1538 and frescoes from the 16th century. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto," the building is particularly striking for its four original portals, each showcasing different architectural styles.
Lago di Santa Rosalia
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
Nestled in a forested landscape, you will find Lago Santa Rosalia, an artificial reservoir created by damming the Irminio River. The rugged shores and untouched surroundings make the lake a picturesque retreat, easily accessible via the SS 194 road between Ragusa and Giarratana.
Portale di San Giorgio
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
The Portale di San Giorgio is an impressive remnant of a church built in the early 12th century and demolished in 1718, which was one of the most significant places of worship in Ragusa. The portal, made of light pink limestone in the Italian Gothic style, features a tympanum depicting Saint George battling the dragon, while the kneeling Queen of Berito witnesses the scene.
Hybla Heraea
Ragusa, Sicily, Italy
In the ancient Greek colony of Hybla Heraia, whose exact location remains uncertain to this day, a fascinating piece of Sicilian history awaits you. The significant settlement, which likely existed in the area of present-day Ragusa Ibla, was mentioned by important figures like Cicero and was the site of historical events—here, the tyrant Ippocrate met his end during his campaigns.
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Travel Information
Best time to visit
The ideal time to explore Ragusa is during the spring months from April to June, when temperatures are pleasantly warm and nature is in full bloom. Autumn, from September to October, also offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the city in peace, with its mild climate and fewer tourist crowds.
How to get to Ragusa
Getting to Ragusa is relatively straightforward. The nearest airport with good connections to Europe is located in Catania. From there, you can reach the city in 1.5 hours by rental car or bus (Etna Transporti ET01). There's also the closer Comiso Airport, which, however, mainly offers domestic flights.
Ragusa, a city in Sicily with a rich history that dates back to antiquity, is renowned today for its impressive Baroque architecture. The city is divided into two main parts: Ragusa Ibla, built on the ruins of the ancient city and known for its splendid 18th-century Baroque buildings, and Ragusa Superiore, the upper town, laid out in the 18th century in a sober, geometric style. These two parts of the city are separated by a gorge and connected by three bridges.
The history of Ragusa is marked by various dominions and cultural influences. In the 19th century, Ragusa, along with other towns like Modica and Scicli, rebelled against Bourbon rule. A significant turning point was Garibaldi's Expedition of the Thousand in 1860, which led to the unification of Italy and ended Bourbon rule in Sicily. In the 20th century, Ragusa became a center of socialist thought, attracting the attention of fascist politics. In 1927, Ragusa was named the provincial capital.
Ragusa is not only a testament to Sicily's complex history but also an impressive example of the city's ability to reinvent itself over the centuries, preserving its unique cultural and architectural identity.
