Things to Do and See in Ragusa

Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002 along with Scicli and Modica, the city of Ragusa—known as the “city of bridges” due to the presence of three very picturesque structures (the Ponte Vecchio, the Ponte Nuovo, and the Ponte di San Vito), is one of the most important sites for its wealth of Baroque art, evident throughout its historic center. Following a devastating earthquake in 1693 that almost completely destroyed the city, the reconstruction divided it into two large districts: Upper Ragusa, situated on the plateau, and Ragusa Ibla, built from the ruins of the ancient city and reconstructed according to the original medieval layout. A dense network of stairways and bridges connects the two parts of the city and leads to the Cathedral of San Giorgio, a symbol of the provincial capital of the province of the same name and a prime example of Baroque style, rich in columns, friezes, and statues, and crowned by a large Neoclassical dome. Also noteworthy are the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, divided into five sections by large columns and adorned with three splendid portals, and the Church of Santa Maria delle Scale with its 14th-century portal—the only structure to survive the earthquake—featuring a 15th-century pointed arch made of pink limestone and decorated with carvings depicting Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon. The Baroque style is also evident in secular architecture, such as the 18th-century Palazzo Cosentini with its elegant balconies decorated with figures from the allegorical and fantastical worlds, Palazzo Bertini, Palazzo Zacco, Palazzo Schininà di Sant’Elia, and Palazzo la Rocca. Near Ragusa, the Donnafugata Castle—an architectural complex of great stylistic merit—is also worth noting, as is a visit to the archaeological site of Iblea, particularly the areas of Fontana Nuova, Kamarina, Monte Arcibessi, and the Trebacche Caves. As a seaside resort, Ragusa Marina is highly recommended—one of the best-equipped and most renowned beach resorts in southern Sicily. As for Modica, a small inland town and the birthplace of Salvatore Quasimodo, be sure to visit the Cathedral of San Giorgio and the Palazzo della Cultura. Meanwhile, in Scicli, don’t miss the strolls among balconies adorned with beautiful floral decorations and portals carved with frames and friezes, characteristic of the main stately palaces.