Ragusa Travel Guide
Wonderful Monument to Sicilian Baroque
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Ragusa and its province are off the beaten track making it one of the most tranquil of Sicily’s nine provinces. Due to the few visitors it receives the beaches are some of the cleanest and least crowded on the island but it is for its Baroque architecture for which it is best known today. Stunning churches and other significant buildings grace the town and a visit is a must for anyone in the region.
From the 3rd century B.C. to the 2nd century A.D. Ragusa, fell under the rule of the Roman Empire. After the fall of the empire, the Byzantines took over from the Romans and kept power for some five centuries. A prosperous period for Ragusa occurred between the 8th and the 13th centuries when the area was run by the Arabs before the Normans took over, ruling of the city around 1091.
After falling under the rule of the Spanish Aragon dynasty around 1400 another dynasty took over, this time that of the Cabrera family. Tragedy struck in 1693 when a devastating earthquake hit the area, destroying everything. Ragusa recovered and the city was rebuilt to become a wonderful monument to Sicilian Baroque style.
Attractions in Ragusa
Really two towns combined into one, Ragusa is divided into Lower Ragusa (Ragusa Ilba), the ancient city, and Upper Ragusa (Ragusa Superiore), the main part of the new city built in the early 1700s where most of its churches and main buildings were constructed in the Baroque and Neo-Classical styles.
The best-known church in Ragusa Ibla is the imposing Basilica of St. George (Basilica di San Giorgio), with its majestic dome, the church dominates the Piazza del Duomo. The Church of San Domenico is noted for its bell-tower decorated with majolica ceramic tiles from Caltagirone.
For spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, a visit to the "Giardino lbleo" or lbla Gardens is highly recommended. Dating from 1590, the Church of San Giuseppe contains beautiful galleries within its oval-domed interior.
Activities in Ragusa
Allow a long half day or day to explore the most important architectural and cultural sights of the city, longer if you intend to spend a peaceful afternoon at one of the nearby beaches.
Relaxing
The stunning Ibla Gardens are the perfect place for a picnic and a chance to admire the spectacular views.
Getting Around
Walking is the best way to get around the city however if you don’t want to attempt the steep climb linking Ragusa Ibla with Ragusa Superiore, you can take city bus No. 3 departing from outside the cathedral or from Piazza del Popolo which will drop you off in Ibla at Piazza Pola or Giardinio Ibleo, central for exploring the medieval and Baroque town.
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