Ragusa

Tucked into the southeastern corner of Sicily lies Ragusa, a city of two souls, breathtaking architecture, and romantic hilltop charm. With origins dating back to ancient times and a skyline dominated by golden limestone domes and ornate Baroque facades, Ragusa is one of the island’s most fascinating and visually stunning destinations.

Map of Ragusa

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Divided into two distinct areas, Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla, this city was reborn from the rubble of the 1693 earthquake that devastated southeastern Sicily. The result is a masterpiece of Baroque town planning and architecture, so unique and cohesive that Ragusa Ibla is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other towns in the Val di Noto.

Whether you're drawn by the drama of its topography, the elegance of its churches, or the seduction of its cuisine, Ragusa is an unforgettable destination where every alley tells a story.

A Tale of Two Cities: Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla

After the 1693 earthquake, Ragusa’s citizens split on where to rebuild. Some moved uphill and built Ragusa Superiore, while others reconstructed on the older site, forming Ragusa Ibla. Today, the city offers two very different but equally charming experiences.

Ragusa Ibla is the heart of the old city. Winding staircases, cobbled streets, and sweeping panoramas frame the town’s beautiful palaces and churches.

A scenic staircase of over 300 steps, lined with beautiful homes and views, connects the two districts. Walking it is like climbing through time.

Duomo di San Giorgio: The Symbol of Ragusa Ibla

The crown jewel of Ragusa Ibla is undoubtedly the Duomo di San Giorgio, a magnificent Baroque cathedral designed by Rosario Gagliardi, whose architectural genius helped define the post-earthquake Sicilian Baroque style.

Built on a grand, sloping piazza, the Duomo’s imposing dome, ornate façade, and sweeping staircase are pure theatrical beauty. Inside, its stained-glass windows and marble floors reflect the light with reverence and grace. Surrounding the cathedral, Piazza Duomo is a lively hub of cafes, palazzi, and stunning views.

Hidden Churches, Noble Palaces, and Baroque Streets

Ragusa Ibla is home to over 50 churches, each with unique features, including:

Chiesa di San Giuseppe: With its curved façade and interior frescoes.

Chiesa delle Santissime Anime del Purgatorio: An intimate, haunting church with emotional sculptures.

Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti and Palazzo La Rocca: Noble residences showcasing the intricate balconies and wrought-iron artistry of Sicilian Baroque.

Every turn in Ibla reveals another quiet square, a curving stairway, or a flower-draped balcony. It’s an open-air museum where life and history blend seamlessly.

Ragusa Superiore: Panoramic Vistas and Everyday Life

While many visitors focus on Ibla, Ragusa Superiore offers its own set of delights:

Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista: A Baroque cathedral with a spacious piazza and lively street life.

Corso Italia and Via Roma: Main streets lined with shops, bars, and viewpoints overlooking the valley below.

Panorama from Santa Maria delle Scale: One of the best viewpoints in Sicily, offering a perfect photo of Ibla nestled among hills and stone.

Superiore feels more contemporary but offers real insight into the everyday life of Ragusans, from local markets to traditional pastry shops.

UNESCO Status and the Val di Noto

Ragusa is part of the Val di Noto, a group of towns rebuilt in late Baroque style after the 1693 earthquake. Along with Noto, Modica, Scicli, and others, Ragusa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

This recognition celebrates not only the beauty of the architecture but also the urban harmony, artistic expression, and historical resilience found in these towns. Ragusa, with its split personality and spectacular setting, is perhaps the most photogenic and atmospheric of them all.

Gastronomy: A Feast for the Senses

Ragusa is also a culinary paradise. It was one of the first cities in southern Italy to receive Michelin-starred recognition, and the food here fuses traditional Sicilian ingredients with innovative flair.

Local specialties include:

Cavatelli with ricotta and pork ragù.

Scacce ragusane: Rolled and baked stuffed breads filled with ricotta, tomato, or eggplant.

Ragusano DOP cheese: A semi-hard cheese aged and often served grilled.

Cannoli, cassatelle, and almond-based pastries from traditional pasticcerie.

You’ll also find fine wines from the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG zone, Sicily’s only DOCG wine, produced just a short drive away.

Parks, Festivals, and Film Locations

Giardino Ibleo: A peaceful public garden in Ragusa Ibla offering stunning views and a break from the sun.

Hyblean Festival (Ibla Grand Prize): A summer music event attracting classical and jazz performers.

Television fame: Ragusa Ibla is a key filming location for the popular Italian series *Inspector Montalbano*, which has helped bring international attention to the city’s dreamy streetscapes.

Practical Travel Tips

Getting there: Ragusa is reachable by car, bus, or train from Catania (about 2 hours). A small airport in nearby Comiso also serves regional flights.

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer ideal weather for walking. Summer is hot but lively with festivals.

Getting around: Ragusa is very walkable but be prepared for hills and stairs. Taxis and local buses are available.

Why Visit Ragusa?

Ragusa is where elegance meets authenticity. It’s a place of contrasts, between ancient and modern, stone and sunlight, grandeur and intimacy. With its soaring churches, exquisite views, and exquisite cuisine, Ragusa is both a romantic escape and a cultural journey.

Whether you're drawn by the art, the food, the architecture, or simply the atmosphere, Ragusa will capture your imagination and leave a lasting impression. Far from the crowds yet rich in treasures, it’s one of Sicily’s finest destinations.