Are you eager to go on vacation to Ragusa and want to know what there is to see in Ragusa? Well, among the destinations in southern Sicily, Ragusa is one of the most fascinating. Devastated by an earthquake in the 17th century, the city was rebuilt even more beautiful than before in the two areas of Ragusa: the upper part and Ragusa Ibla, the oldest, which still preserves some of the most important examples of Sicilian Baroque.
If you’re considering Ragusa as a day trip, note that it’s well connected to several cities in Italy, and we recommend arriving by bus starting from 5 euros, then exploring the many wonderful areas of interest on foot.
The first thing to see is the Cathedral of San Giovanni, located in the upper part of the city and is also the main religious building. The church we see today was built in 1694 following the earthquake of the previous year, which damaged the previous one dedicated to the patron saint and located further west. The current church is elevated above the square, and its forecourt is protected by a stone balustrade. It has a Latin cross plan and is distinguished by its majestic façade enriched with columns and three portals. Inside, the church houses a museum space that can also be visited for a fee.
The Cathedral of San Giorgio originally stood in the eastern part of the city, opposite to the Cathedral of San Giovanni. It too was damaged by the earthquake of the 17th century, and all that remains of the original construction today is a large portal in Catalan-Gothic style. However, the current building is an example of Sicilian Baroque; the church is slightly oblique and is placed at the top of a flight of stairs to enhance its majesty.
What are the things to see in Ragusa?
At sunset, when the sun is low, the ancient stairs are one of the most beautiful and panoramic pedestrian paths in the entire city. Originally, the stairs were the only connection between Ragusa Ibla, the old town center, and the new city, and descending them allows you to see how the city is nestled in the rock, admiring the small winding streets climbing up rather steep paths between the attached houses. These stairs also serve as a bridge between the old city and the new city. It is recommended to walk down the stairs from the new city to Ibla, and it is a path that has 340 steps, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
In Ragusa, there is also the beautiful Iblean Garden, which is also the oldest garden. It is characterized by its peculiar position, perched on a rocky outcrop and located at almost four hundred meters above sea level. The garden includes many palm trees and still retains all its nineteenth-century charm with stone vases and carved benches.
Finally, we suggest visiting the Donnafugata Castle situated on a sumptuous noble residence dating back to the late nineteenth century, which, with its neo-Gothic architecture and sumptuous elegance, offers a truly enchanting visual spectacle. The entire complex boasts suggestive artificial caves as well as a fascinating maze of white stone.
