You are on holiday in Ragusa and want to visit the city center but don’t know exactly what to see, where to eat, and where to stay? Well, we’ve got you covered, and we’ll answer all your questions in today’s lines. Let’s start by talking about the city of Ragusa and delving into its history in detail.
Unfortunately, like many other beautiful cities, Ragusa also suffered the misfortune of a devastating earthquake in the seventeenth century, followed by reconstruction. Initially, Ragusa was rebuilt higher up, but the nobles wanted to return to the original nucleus of the city. The result is a fascinating city divided into two distinct areas, connected by steep staircases: Ragusa Ibla (the historic center) and Ragusa Superiore, built on a plateau.
The historic center of Ragusa is Sicily as you would expect it, with narrow streets lined with palaces and elderly people sitting on benches observing the passersby. Interestingly, Ragusa is much less popular than other cities, making it a more budget-friendly destination, perfect for low-cost travelers seeking culture and seaside relaxation.
Moreover, a visit to Ragusa is also a feast for the taste buds, as here you can taste the typical cheese, Ragusano, a PDO cheese made from cow’s milk, and indulge in delicious treats like the typical Sicilian gelato-filled brioche or original wine-flavored gelatos to enjoy with local dishes. Need some suggestions? Try the Pasta alla carrettiera with garlic sauce and sprinkled with salted ricotta, sfogghiu (a savory puff pastry cake filled with ricotta and sausage), and trippa alla ragusana. So, bon appétit… I mean, enjoy your vacation.
What to do in Ragusa centro? Here’s everything you need to know
The shadow of majestic palm trees, the exuberant Baroque architecture, historic palaces with decadent charm, and churches are some of the must-see stops during a stroll in the center of Ragusa, discovering its beauty. The best way to start this exploration is to arrive at Piazza Duomo from Via del Mercato, to enjoy a splendid view of the valley below while walking and admiring the square in all its splendor.
After this, we recommend visiting the Cathedral, rather recent as it was built forty years after the earthquake on the ruins of a much older church, representing one of the most important examples of Sicilian Baroque. Its dome in full neoclassical style is simply stunning, but there are many art treasures inside. At this point, we suggest moving to the Ibleo Garden, the oldest public garden in the city. Built in the nineteenth century by the will of three Ragusan citizens, it stands in a panoramic position on a rocky promontory overlooking the valley. Undoubtedly, it is the ideal place for a picnic but also for taking beautiful souvenir photos.
