After we left Syracuse and visited Noto we were heading to UNSESCO site Ragusa.
Table of Contents
Short History of Ragusa
Tracing its origins back to the 2nd millennium BC, Ragusa was originally founded as Hybla Heraea by the Sicels, an ancient indigenous tribe of eastern Sicily. Furthermore, over the subsequent centuries, the settlement evolved under a succession of dominant powers, coming under the control of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans. In addition, Arab rule in the 9th century introduced advanced agricultural techniques and terrace farming to the surrounding valleys, which laid the foundation for the region’s enduring agricultural prosperity. On the other hand, the 12th century marked a pivotal shift when the city was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sicily under Norman monarch Roger II, subsequently flourishing as a thriving commercial hub. Likewise, by the 15th century, the Chiaramonte family had established the County of Modica and Ragusa as one of the most powerful feudal territories in Sicily, transforming the city into a prominent centre of culture, art, and scholastic literature.
Catastrophe struck in January 1693 when a devastating earthquake flattened much of eastern Sicily, completely destroying the historic settlement and claiming thousands of lives. Furthermore, rather than rebuilding identical structures on the original ruins, a dramatic division occurred among the local population. In addition, the upper nobility opted to build an entirely new town on a higher plateau, known as Ragusa Superiore, while the traditional working-class residents chose to rebuild their homes directly over the ancient ruins down in the valley of Ragusa Ibla. On the other hand, both districts were constructed using the opulent Sicilian Baroque style, characterised by theatrical limestone facades, elaborate balconies, and ornate grotesque carvings designed by master architects like Rosario Gagliardi. Consequently, this architectural rebirth helped establish Ragusa as a premier travel destination, culminating in its official recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002 alongside other historic towns in the Val di Noto.
Today, Ragusa captivates visitors with its striking Baroque architecture, grand historic churches such as the Duomo di San Giorgio, and sweeping panoramic views across the rugged Iblean landscape. Furthermore, the city has earned a stellar reputation as a paradise for food lovers, showcasing rich Sicilian culinary traditions alongside innovative modern dining. In addition, local trattorias serve iconic regional classics such as savory pasta alla Norma, crispy stuffed arancini, and the distinctive local Ragusano DOP cheese. Similarly, the city excels in traditional confectionery, delighting visitors with rich ricotta-filled cannoli, vibrant cassata cakes, and refreshing almond or lemon granita. Consequently, exploring both the winding alleys of Ragusa Ibla and the grand streets above offers a thoroughly immersive journey through centuries of Sicilian history and culture.
Some movies such as Inspector Montalbano (1999–2021), Divorce Italian Style (1961) and many others were filmed here.
Panoramic Views of Ragusa
Driving towards Ragusa after coming from Modica rewards motorists with truly amazing panoramic views of the city as it appears on the horizon. Furthermore, the sweeping vistas stretching across the valley offer a breathtaking first glimpse of the stunning hillside architecture. Finding a safe place to pull over along that stretch of road presents quite a challenge, making it almost impossible to stop for a proper photograph. Taking in those impressive scenery views through the car window remains the best way to enjoy the approach.
The Church of the Most Holy Souls of Purgatory of Ragusa
The Church of the Most Holy Souls of Purgatory is also known as the Church of Santissime Anime, is a Roman Catholic church located in the city of Ragusa, in the southeastern region of Sicily, Italy. The church was built in 1690 and was originally dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. The church was then remodeled in 1724 as a Baroque style church and re-dedicated to the souls in purgatory.
The building is composed of a single nave and its walls are decorated with 17th century frescoes, which depict scenes of purgatory. The church also has a large altar made of marble, which is dedicated to the souls in purgatory. The church is also home to a large wooden crucifix, which was donated by a local merchant in 1722.
Duomo di San Giorgio
The Duomo di San Giorgio is a Roman Catholic cathedral and it was originally built in the 11th century, in the Romanesque style. It was rebuilt in the 17th century after being destroyed in an earthquake in 1693. The new structure was designed by the architect Rosario Gagliardi, who combined Baroque and Sicilian Baroque architecture. The new building was completed in 1739.
The Duomo di San Giorgio is a large and impressive building, with a façade of white marble and a tall bell tower. Inside the cathedral, there is a grand marble altar, a marble pulpit and a painting of Saint George slaying the dragon. The interior is decorated with frescoes and sculptures.
Fontana di Piazza Duomo in Ragusa
Fontana di Piazza Duomo, or the Fountain of the Cathedral Square, is an iconic landmark in Ragusa. Located in the main square of the city, the fountain was designed by architect Giovan Battista Vaccarini in 1742. It is a spectacular example of Sicilian Baroque architecture and is composed of a central column topped with a spire, four lion-shaped basins, and four statues of Sicilian saints.
The fountain was originally built to provide a source of fresh water for the citizens of Ragusa. It was connected to an underground aqueduct that brought water from a spring located outside the city walls. The fountain was an immediate success and became a popular gathering spot for the citizens of Ragusa.
Throughout the years, the fountain underwent several renovations and was eventually restored to its original glory in the mid-1980s
The Church of Saint Joseph of Ragusa
The Church of Saint Joseph (Chiesa di San Giuseppe) is an 18th-century Baroque-style church located in the city’s historic centre. The church was built by the architect Rosario Gagliardi between 1755 and 1760, and consecrated in 1761. It is built in a typical Baroque style with a single nave, an imposing dome and a prominent bell tower.
The church is dedicated to Saint Joseph, the father of Jesus, and contains several works of art by local and international artists. The main altarpiece is a painting by the Sicilian artist Giuseppe Patania depicting the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph. Other works include a painting of the Immaculate Conception by the French painter Louis-Léopold Boilly, and a painting of the Last Supper by the Italian artist Giacomo Serpotta.
Lush Giardino Ibleo
The Giardino Ibleo is a botanical garden, which was established in 1872 by the Italian botanist, Don Antonio Giardina, who dedicated it to the study and preservation of the native flora of Sicily. It is now the largest botanical garden in the region and one of the most important in Italy.
The garden contains a large variety of plants, trees and flowers, including many rare species, and is divided into different sections, including a citrus grove, a cactus garden, a rose garden and a medicinal plant garden. It also houses a herbarium and a laboratory for research and experimentation.
Over the years, the garden has been a popular destination for tourists and botanists alike, offering a wide range of educational activities and tours. It is also home to many species of birds and animals, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Today, the Giardino Ibleo is managed by the local government, and receives funding from the European Union and the Regional Government of Sicily.
Chiesa di San Giacomo Apostolo of Ragusa
Chiesa di San Giacomo Apostolo in Ragusa is a Baroque style church that was built in the late 17th century. The church was commissioned by the Order of St. James, which had been established in Ragusa in 1674. The church was designed by the architect Domenico Gagini and construction began in 1678. The church was completed in 1690 and consecrated in 1700.
The church is built in the Baroque style with a wide central nave and two aisles. The facade of the church is decorated with statues and the interior is ornately decorated with frescoes, stucco, and marble. The church also contains an organ and a bell tower.
The church has been restored several times over the years, most recently in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Why wooden ceiling you ask? The church has a wooden ceiling for a few reasons. Firstly, wood is a traditional material used in churches in Sicily, and the wooden ceiling in this church dates back to the 18th century when it was first built. Secondly, wood is an effective material to use in churches because it helps to create a warmer, more intimate atmosphere. Thirdly, wood is a strong and durable material that can last for centuries, making it ideal for churches or other buildings that need to have a long-lasting roof. Finally, wood is an attractive material that can be carved and decorated in a variety of ways, which allows the ceiling to be customised to the church’s specific aesthetic.
The main dome was painted by the Sicilian artist Vincenzo Borremans in 1753. The painting depicts the ascension of the Virgin Mary and is based on the Baroque style. The painting was created using a technique called “battuto a sfumato” which creates a soft, airy effect. The painting is surrounded by a garland of flowers and fruits, symbolizing the joy and happiness of the Virgin Mary’s ascension.
The other four domes in the church were also painted, each depicting a different scene. The first dome was painted by Gioacchino Martorana in 1750 and depicts the Coronation of the Virgin Mary. The second dome, painted by Giuseppe Lojacono in 1751, depicts the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The third dome, painted by Giuseppe Lojacono in 1753, depicts the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The fourth dome, painted by Domenico Zumbo in 1754, depicts the Marriage of the Virgin Mary.
And finally, I found this pasta shop fascinating. All shapes and forms for everyone’s taste! Unfortunately can’t remember the name of the shop. Next we were heading to our next appartment at La Casa sulla Collina d’Oro.
Somehow I liked Ragusa much more than Noto. Though they both were very charming towns definitely worth visiting.