ragusa ibla tourist train

Baroque train in Ragusa Ibla

The history of ragusa ibla.

Considered the capital of Sicilian Baroque, Ragusa Ibla is the oldest neighborhood in the city of Ragusa, on the Iblei Mountains, a Unesco World Heritage city that proves to be an authentic treasure chest.

The ancient historic center, in a dominant position on a hill, welcomes us with over fifty churches and numerous noble palaces, including thirteen Unesco sites, in which the rich Baroque architecture in local limestone takes the form of scrolls, empty and full voids with columns and capitals, statues and decorations of various kinds.

Following the domination of the Greek and Roman populations, was then conquered by the Arabs in 848, remaining under their dominion for two and a half centuries, and later by the Normans.

After the earthquake of 1693, which razed a large part of the Val di Noto to the ground, Baroque palaces were born near the churches, with protruding balconies supported by huge masks to amaze, impress and amaze.

Ragusa Ibla, the ancient heart of the city, is full of baroque wonders, such as Piazza Duomo, dominated by the majestic Cathedral of San Giorgio, one of the most evocative works of Sicilian Baroque and from which the beautiful and white baroque streets wind, as well as ancient noble palaces, such as Palazzo La Rocca, with its splendid masks, and Palazzo Sortino Trono, a magnificent noble residence.

Ibla is also rich in imposing churches such as the Church of the Holy Souls of Purgatory, the Late Baroque Church of Ss. Trova and the Church of San Giuseppe.

Baroque Train will amaze you by showing you the impressive and elaborate architectural beauties of this magnificent ancient land, telling you the story behind them.

Another place of interest in Ragusa Ibla is the famous Portal of the ancient Cathedral of San Giorgio, which survived the earthquake of 1693, flanked by the wonderful Iblei Gardens.

Ragusa Ibla is famous for the evocative feast of the patron saint San Giorgio, which takes place on the last weekend of May.

Expression of Sicilian liveliness and folklore, the feast of San Giorgio is divided into various events, which include the procession with the characteristic “abballata” of the statue of the saint, various concerts, fireworks and parades of flag-wavers. In addition to the religious event, cultural and sporting events and markets are also held on the occasion of the festival.

But the highlight of the festival is Sunday, the day when the statue of St. George is carried on the shoulder to the rhythm of music and followed by a large crowd cheering the saint with the cry of “all Truonu!” which means that he is the patron saint of the city.

Ragusa Ibla is also the site of demonstrations and events, such as Ibla Buskers, the great festival of street artists and Ibla Grand Prize, an international music competition open to composers, pianists and instrumentalists of all ages and from all over the world.

Ragusa Ibla with its places and its views has been chosen several times as the setting for the fiction “Il Commissario Montalbano”.

It is undoubtedly a must-see in Sicily with its splendid monuments declared a World Heritage Site.

• Ragusa office: +39 379 28 69 608

The places of the Tour of Ragusa Ibla

Piazza Duomo

Duomo S. Giorgio

Palazzo La Rocca

Palazzo Sortino Trono

Chiesa Anime Purgatorio

Chiesa S. Maria dei Miracoli

Chiesa SS. Trovato

Portale S. Giorgio

Giardini Iblei

Chiesa S. Giuseppe

Palazzo Arezzo di Donna Fugata

The baroque train tours.

• Baroque train Ragusa Ibla
• Baroque Modica train
• Baroque Scicli train
• Baroque Palazzolo Acreide train
• Ragusa Ibla: +39 392 1422893
• Modica: +39 379 28 69 587
• Scicli: +39 379 28 69 568
• Palazzolo Acreide: +39 351 61 47 130
• [email protected]

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Visiting Ragusa Ibla 2024: The Ultimate Guide

Planning a visit to ragusa ibla in sicily.

Even in the rain, Ragusa Ibla-Sicily’s UNESCO world heritage site is beautiful. The pastel buildings tumble down on top of each other, hiding cobble-stoned pathways and enticing Sicilian restaurants and cafes.

You’d be crazy not to visit Ragusa Ibla during a stay in Sicily, and we’ve got the ultimate guide for when you do!

We visited on a rainy afternoon, without high hopes. There was little information in our guidebook, and from the few months we had been staying in Marina di Ragusa we had heard very few good things about it.

People seemed to much prefer the more famous Syracuse, so we didn’t hold high expectations for our visit here, and in fact, it was only the rain that forced us here in the first place!

It turned out to be one of our favourite spots, even after two months of living in Sicily, and we are thrilled that the rain led us here.

Even though Sicily is part of Italy we found it has such a different feel. It’s like its own little country. Ragusa Ibla was nothing like any other Italian town we visited so it was an exciting place to explore, and we’re sure you will love it just as much!

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Quick Guide To Ragusa Ibla

A little history, where is ragusa ibla.

• When To Visit
• What To Do In Ragusa Ibla
• Where To Stay
• Where To Eat
• Must-Knows Before You Go

What Is The Difference Between Ragusa And Ragusa Ibla?

We discovered there are two sides to Ragusa. Ragusa Superiore, the modern-day Ragusa full of shops and businesses, and Ragusa Ibla, the old town.

The modern town was built higher up the mountain after an earthquake destroyed most of the old town in 1693. It was rebuilt and the two towns merged to become the provincial capital in 1927.

We enjoyed Ragusa Ibla the most, as it is full of history and charm. Make sure you give this area a decent amount of your time, as it is by far the prettier of the two areas.

Like all of Sicily’s best tourist destinations, Ragusa Ibla is steeped in history. In 1693 Ragusa was devastated by a huge earthquake, which killed around 5,000 inhabitants.

The city was largely rebuilt, and many beautiful Baroque buildings remain in the city. However, after the earthquake most of the population moved to a new settlement called “Ragusa Superiore”, meaning upper Ragusa, due to the fact it was up on the hill.

The two cities remained separated until 1926 when they were fused together to become a provincial capital in 1927. The difference between the once two cities is still obvious, with Ragusa Superiore being more modern and where a lot of the commercial industries are based.

Ragusa Ibla is very much a tourist attraction with its incredibly beautiful baroque buildings and churches.

Ragusa Ibla is in the southern ‘nose’ of Sicily and is the perfect place to stay if you’re planning on doing day trips to some of the most famous landmarks in Sicily . From Ragusa Ibla it is easy to reach Syracuse, Catania, and Mount Etna, and go over the Valley of the Temples and The Turkish Steps.

We were based just half an hour from Ragusa Ibla during our two-month stay in Sicily and we found it the ideal location for getting out and exploring the country.

When To Visit Ragusa Ibla

We visited Ragusa Ibla in the pouring rain and it was still breathtakingly beautiful, so whenever you decide to go I have no doubt that you will have the most incredible time! There isn’t a best time to visit Sicily .

That being said, if you do have a choice of when to go then here are some things to bear in mind!

Sicily gets very hot! The summer months may seem like the ideal time to visit Ragusa Ibla, but in reality, Sicily really does get scorching in the months of July and August.

This doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best times to visit – the sun will almost certainly be shining for your visit – it just means plan around the heat of the day and perhaps don’t squeeze in too much (a long, boozy lunch should definitely be scheduled in!) It’s also the time of year that Ragusa Ibla will be at its busiest with school holidays in full flow.

The shoulder months of Spring and Autumn will be a little less predictable weather-wise but also less crowded (unless visiting over Easter). It will be cooler too, though in September the sea will probably still be nice and warm if you’re planning a little beach time.

Winter was mostly sunny but cooler. For those used to the English winters, you’ll probably still be fine in just a jumper, though the locals are all dolled up in huge coats and hats!

Be aware that there can be some big winter storms over the winter months, but don’t let it put you off. Sicily is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit!

Things To Do In Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa Ibla is set on the hillside. It is a mass of beautiful stone houses and baroque churches and we are not exaggerating in saying we could have wandered the fascinating alleyways here for hours, each one full of character and charm.

There is a lot to see here, a lot of it in the form of churches and historic buildings.

But if history isn’t your thing then not to worry, we’ve included some alternative suggestions of things to do here too so no one will be bored – there’s plenty to showcase what Sicily is so famous for !

Ragusa Cathedral In Ragusa Superiore

Start off in Ragusa Superiore (this is where you’ll end up if you come on the bus and where you’ll find most parking, see below for details ). Ragusa Cathedral is located in Ragusa Superiore.   

It is also known as the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista or Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, translated as the Cathedral of John the Baptist. 

The church was built in the 18th century and is very similar in style to most of the churches you will find in Ragusa Ibla. It has some cute cafes around it if your legs are getting tired!

Opposite you will find the tourist office which is very helpful and informative. Grab a map from here and get exploring!

Take In The Views

Once you’re armed with a map then walk towards the old town of Ragusa Ibla. You will hit a long winding set of steps that leads you down into the old town, and the most incredible view of all the beautiful old buildings.

It is these same views that were used many times in the hit Italian detective series, ‘Inspector Montalbano’. The photos don’t do the view justice.

It’s a stunning sight, with the pastel-coloured houses rising on top of one another and the hills stretching out beyond.

If you stay until it starts to get dark then you will see the old town lit up with the orange glow of street lights, making it even more magical than it was in the day.

We would suggest you visit Ragusa Ibla in the afternoon so that you get the daytime views on the way down and the evening views when you come back up.

The Church Of Santa Maria Delle Scale – Between Ragusa Superiore And Ragusa Ibla

The Church of Santa Maria delle Scale is sat between Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore, on a winding street that connects the two parts of the city. 

If you walk down the stairs from Ragusa Superiore to Ragusa Ibla you can’t really miss it.  Santa Maria delle Scale actually means “St. Mary of the Stairs”, since the church is located along the stairway.

It’s a pretty spot to take a photo or two. The church was built in the Gothic style by Cistercian monks in the 13th century but in the 18th century, the church was enlarged and rebuilt in the popular Baroque style.

The Basilica Of San Giorgio

The Basilica di San Giorgio was built in 1738 by Rosario Gagliardo. It lies at the top of some 200 steps and has an impressive neoclassical dome that was added in 1820. This dome can be seen from many points all over Ragusa Ibla, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding your way back to the square it lies in!

The facade of the church is an excellent example of Sicilian Baroque architecture and one of the main reasons Ragusa is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Baroque art.

 San Giuseppe Church In Ragusa Ibla

Built in the 18th century, the church of San Giuseppe can be found in Ragusa Ibla (the historic old town) and stands out because of its especially fancy Baroque facade, which is decorated with statues of the Saints of the Benedictine orders.

The Church Of The Souls Of Purgatory

Chiesa del Purgatorio is one of the only churches to have survived the earthquake of 1693 and dates back to the early 17th century. Again, it is a stunning example of the baroque architecture that Ragusa Ibla is so famous for.

Santa Maria Dell’ Itria

This is one of the older churches built in Ragusa Ibla, dating back to the 14th century under the direction of the Knights of Malta (a medieval Catholic military order). 

The church features a stunning Maiolica bell tower and a beautiful interior with Corinthian columns. It is a little different from the other churches you will find in Ragusa Ibla and so is worth a little look!

The Church Of San Filippo Neri

The Church of San Filippo Neri was again, built in the 17th century and is another example of Baroque architecture in Ragusa Ibla.

Top Tip: If you leave wanting more history then it would be remiss of me not to mention Sicily’s incredible Valley of the Temples . Only a few hour’s drive from Ragusa and full of ancient wonder, this historical site will not disappoint.

Time To Relax

If your feet have had enough of sightseeing then The Piazza Duomo, overlooked by the stunning Duomo di San Giorgio, makes for a beautiful spot to nurse a coffee (or something a little stronger!)

Or grab a cold drink from a local newsagent and head to the Giardino lbleo. The Hyblean Gardens are an unexpected corner of peace and tranquillity and they also offer some beautiful views.  

Ragusa Ibla is full of boutique shops and souvenirs. You could spend an afternoon pottering around the little alleyways and exploring what the shops have to offer.

Mixed in among the shops there are numerous cafes and restaurants offering a range of food and snacks for a variety of prices.

Take A Private Cooking Course

If you’re looking for something a little different to do in Ragusa Ibla then you won’t get much more authentic than taking a private cooking course with a local .

Sicily is famous for its great food and on this cooking course, you’ll learn the secrets of the most famous dishes of the region. And don’t worry, you get to tuck into the starter, main, and pudding you prepare along with paired wines of the region!

✅ Book a Sicilian cooking course

Private Tour Of Ragusa Ibla

This is a private tour with a difference! On this 3 hour tour of Ragusa Ibla you’ll get to take in the incredible historic sights alongside a true Sicilian wine tasting experience.

If there’s one thing better than the sights of this beautiful city, it’s the sights of this beautiful city with Sicilian wine!

✅ Book your private tour here

Where To Stay In Ragusa Ibla

There are lots of beautiful places to stay in Ragusa Ibla, but here are a few of the best!

Intervallo Guest House

You can stay right in the centre of Ragusa Ibla for all the romantic atmosphere, as Intervallo Guest House is situated in the historical centre of Ragusa.

There is free WiFi throughout the property, a shared kitchen, a terrace with panoramic views, and BBQ facilities.

✅ Head here for more information and prices

La Casa Del Gelsomino

A central location and a garden to die for. In fact, you probably shouldn’t stay here or you’ll never leave and explore the beautiful town!

This is definitely the place to stay in the summer, with a natural pool for lazing in while you read, hammocks overlooking the incredible views, and swish boutique rooms.

Locanda Don Serafino

For pure luxury head to Locanda Don Serafino, a 19th-century building set in the heart of Ibla, Ragusa’s historic centre. It is only a 5-minute walk from the San Giorgio Cathedral, and check out those rooms!

✅ Book your stay here

Where To Eat In Ragusa Ibla

Given the weather when we visited we opted for hot chocolate and pastries and we weren’t disappointed. The hot chocolate in Sicily is more like a melted chocolate bar! So it’s a must-try for those with a sweet tooth!

Check out Salumeria Barocca for some traditional Italian food or Monsu for something a little more extravagant.

Need to knows

Top Tip: Avoid wearing shorts and strappy tops if you want to visit the churches here.

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Ragusa Ibla is to drive, much like most of Sicily. There is plenty of parking in Ragusa Superior, just follow the parking signs.

From there Ragusa Ibla is a pleasant walk and it will mean you don’t miss the stunning view down to the old town.

How long to spend in Ragusa Ibla

You could easily spend a day here if you are happy just pottering around the windy back streets. But if you have more to see then a morning or afternoon gives you plenty of time to take in the main sights and get a feel for this beautiful town.

If you’re short on time then head straight to the old town, which is the most beautiful area of Ragusa.

Ragusa Ibla for kids

There are lots for children here so don’t hesitate when visiting as a family. Ragusa Ibla’s gardens have a large play park that should amuse kids for an hour or two.

There is also a mini sightseeing ‘train’ that you can catch from the main square and some interesting museums to visit.

Sicily felt very safe when we visited and we can imagine it’s the perfect destination for family holidays.

What to bring

• The usuals like suncream (or a raincoat in our case!), a water bottle and sun hat.
• Money for parking (or an ice cream or three!)
• Good walking shoes are a must. Most of the streets are cobblestones so avoid heels at all costs!

Further Reading

Visit the incredible Valley of the Temples in Sicily . You won’t be disappointed!

Follow your visit to The Valley of the Temples with a trip to see the Turkish Steps at sunrise .

Visit Syracusa and make sure you take a trip to the famous archaeological park just 5 minutes from the historic centre.

Follow us on social media for more articles on exploring Sicily and beyond.

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Beautiful – we visited St. Giovanni Battista Cathedral.

Isn’t it stunning! Was that your favourite part?

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Trenino Barocco - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Ragusa Ibla, Sicily – A guide to the city split in half.

Ragusa is one of Sicily’s most unique towns. It is definitely one of the prettiest and most genuine experiences we have had in a long time. Ragusa is such an interesting place, it is actually split in half. An earthquake in 1693 ruined part of the town and the new part was built further up the valley, creating Ragusa Ibla and the newer Ragusa Superiore. Both are equally beautiful!

Is Ragusa worth visiting?

Ragusa is absolutely worth visiting! It has so much history and really feels like you are experiencing the real Sicily , before tourism. This is particularly true in Ragusa Superiore as Ragusa Ibla is better set up for tourism.

How to get to Ragusa Ibla?

There is no airport in Ragusa, you would reach it via bus or train from most other cities and towns.

Catania to Ragusa:

Starting in Catania you can get to Ragusa in a few different ways. There is a bus that goes from the airport direct to Ragusa, it takes about 2 hours and does make stops along the way. The cost is approximately 9€ and tickets can be bought on the bus.

The bus will stop at Ragusa Piazzale Zama, which is a bus terminal (Autostazione di Ragusa -Nodo Zama) just outside of the main area in Ragusa Superiore. From here you can catch another bus or taxi to Ragusa Ibla or into Ragusa Superiore. If you don’t have a lot of baggage you can walk into Ragusa Superiore (24 minutes and 1.8km).

Alternatively you can get a train from Catania to Ragusa with one change at Syracuse. From the train station in Ragusa take a taxi or city bus Number 1 or 3 to get to Ragusa Ibla.

The buses are ok to get around on but in our experience unless it is high season it can be a little difficult in that they don’t come very often. Some hotels will also arrange pick up ( at a fee) from the bus or train station in Ragusa.

Palermo to Ragusa:

From Palermo you can get a bus from Palermo Central to Ragusa with a change at Gela or Caltanissetta. This takes about 5 hours in total and cuts through the centre of the island at a cost of 15€.

Ragusa to Syracuse

Syracuse is a really popular town near Ragusa and we really recommend visiting it if you are going to Ragusa. We went there once we left and stayed in Syracue for 3 days which was wonderful. Take the train to Syracuse, it costs about 10€ and takes around 2 hours.

Where is best to stay in Ragusa?

Both have their benefits. Ragusa Ibla is very much set up for tourism and there are lots of things to see here. It really is the prettiest part of Ragusa and staying here would make it easy to see it all.

These are the best places to stay in Ragusa Ibla:

Budget: Terra di Venere Inn , Bella Epoque , Ragusa Inn ,

Midrange: Incanto barocco , Centosedici Rooms , Casa Vacanza B&B Sangiovanni

Luxe: Hotel Vittorio Veneto , Locanda La Meridiana

Ragusa Superiore is more authentic and less touristy. It does have the cheaper accommodation options and is closer to the train station. It is beautiful and feels like you are living in the real Sicily. Not as many tourists stay here so you will be walking amongst the locals mostly.

These are the best places to stay in Ragusa Superiore:

Budget: Oikos – Ragusa Ibla , Specula Domus – Ibla , Bella Giulia

Midrange: B&B Loft Famiglia Arezzo , Il Giardino Dei Sospiri , IBLA ROOMS

Luxe: A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel , Epoca – Camere con stile , HyblaLifeRooms

What to do in Ragusa Ibla

Ragusa Ibla has so many incredible sights, these are our favourites.

Walk the old streets

Of course the first thing you have to do in Ragusa Ibla is to wander the old streets. They are so beautiful and charming with their lovely baroque buildings. Consider doing a guided walking tour of Ragusa Ibla , these are great ways to learn about the place you visit from a local.

Visit Duomo di San Giorgio

The Duomo di San Giorgio is the biggest and most incredible building in Ragusa Ibla. Before the earthquake and the splitting of the town this was the main church in Ragusa. It is beautiful inside and outside, you can take a tour to learn about it or just happily explore it yourself. Please remember to dress respectfully, there is a sign requesting no shorts or singlets.

Other churches nearby to visit are: Chiesa di Santa Lucia / Santa Maria dello spasimo, Church of Saint Joseph and Chiesa di Sant’Agnese.

Piazza Duomo

The square in front of the Duomo, Piazza Duomo, is such a great spot to sit and enjoy a granite or meal at any of the cafes and restaurants that line it. The perfect place for people watching with a scoop of gelato or a coffee it is guaranteed to be the busiest and prettiest part of Ragusa Ibla.

Circolo di Conversazione (Caffè dei Cavalieri)

This elegant building was a club for the aristocracy. The building is pretty from the outside and you can take a tour of the rooms inside. They were used on the show Inspector Montalbano, if you are a fan I recommend a visit! This is located at the start of the Piazza Duomo.

Giardino Ibleo

Giardino Ibleo is a beautiful garden area right near a bus stop in Ragusa Ibla. Walk through the lush surrounds and take in the views from the edge. It is a great spot for a picnic, to take a drink or just to relax out of the sun. While we were there we saw a lady singing opera for a group, which was mesmerising! Amble down the paved pathways and visit the church, Chiesa di San Giacomo Apostolo , fountain and statues. There is also a playground for children.

Portale di San Giorgio

Portale di San Giorgio is a symbolic monument of Ragusa, built in the 8th century as part of a church that is now gone. It is one of the few relics that survived the 1693 earthquake.

Find the best viewpoints for Ragusa Ibla

These are the best viewpoints over Ragusa, the names are all linked to find them on Google Maps:

Mirador de Ragusa Ibla , Panoramica su Ragusa Ibla , Ragusa View point , Percorso delle Scale .

What to do in Ragusa Superiore

Watch passeggiata.

This Italian tradition is particularly noticeable in Sicily and honestly moreso in Ragusa Superiore. It is so noticeable that we were ordering pizzas (early for Italians but dinner time for us!) and were standing outside the local pizzeria takeaway. I suddenly noticed that locals were coming out of their homes, standing on the street, children running around while they chatted, some drinking coffee. We watched as they milled about, some men popping into the pizza takeaway, not to order food but to chat.

I was confused thinking something had happened, until I learned about passeggiata! This is the tradition. Every evening around 5pm locals leave their homes, walk along the street, chatting to neighbours or heading to the squares to do so. It is so lovely, such a charming tradition that I haven’t seen before. If you are staying in Ragusa make sure to be outside around this time and sit and watch the slow catch up, some people dress up for the occasion which is just lovely. Walking back to our accommodation with our pizzas we watched a couple go into an older mans store, he turned up the radio and all started couples dancing, it was just the sweetest moment to witness!

Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista

Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista is the Ragusa Cathedral located in Ragusa Superiore. It is decorated in the baroque style and is very impressive internally, free to visit it is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm and then again from 2.30pm. Behind it there is a lovely square to sit and enjoy a meal or drink in the afternoon. You can also climb the clock tower of the church.

Chiesa Ecce Homo

This beautiful church is really impressive inside. Not as many tourists visit here although it really is worth visiting.

Sanctuary of Carmine (Santuario Madonna Del Carmine)

This is another beautiful church that is not heavily visited, you will find it in the streets of Ragusa, it is very peaceful and pretty.

Ponte Vecchio (Ragusa)

This beautiful bridge with arches is a really nice sight across the Vale. It is a transport bridge so you can drive over it but it really makes a great photo from one of the other bridges as well.

Rotonda di Via Roma (Belvedere)

Great views over the valley below. It is a place where people sit and hang out, there are lots of young people here in the evenings.

Palazzo Zacco

Palazzo Zacco is a mansion in Ragusa which has a decorated exterior. Built in 1750 the most notable feature is the balconies that are supported by baroque faces.

Prefecture Ragusa

This is a council building which has a lovely round garden inside. You can wander around the interior home to government buildings.

Ragusa Post Office

The post office is another building that is worth stopping by. Built in the 1930s it is declared a cultural heritage site, the architecture is very much in the imperial style with its 9 columns holding up 9 statues.

Walk between Ragusa and Ragusa Ibla

This is an absolute must do! We walked from Ragusa Superiore to Ragusa Ibla and the incredibly picturesque views, charming buildings made it such a unique experience. We felt like we were the first people to have walked it as the gardens were all overgrown and rambling across the path and stairs.

Where to eat in Ragusa

Ragusa chocolate.

Ragusa chocolate is a must! It is actually from Modicia which is a town nearby. It is the local and authentic chocolate of the area and originates from Amazon. You will find this all over Ragusa in every store.

This Despar supermarket is the one closest to the centre, it is not huge but convenient if you are staying in the centre of Ragusa Superiore.

Pizza ___ is the best pizza place in Ragusa Superiore. We got takeway pizzas to enjoy at our accommodation and loved it so much we went back again. They make an excellent gluten free pizza also!

Best tours and activities in Ragusa

2-Hour Pottery Making Workshop in Ragusa – This would be such a unique activity! I’m hoping to do this on my next trip, the pottery is so iconic in Sicily so to have the chance to make your own is very cool.

Traditional Sicilian Cooking Class , Ragusa: Small Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class , Ragusa: Private Cooking Class at a Local’s Home These cooking classes look great, learning how to cook local food by locals is always a great experience.

Dining Experience at a Local’s Home Don’t want to cook but want to experience locals home cooking in a traditional setting? This is the activity for you!

Guided walking tour of Ragusa Ibla ! Learn about this beautiful city from a local.

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13 Things to do in Ragusa: Sicily’s Town of Two Faces

Planning on visiting Ragusa , the Baroque hilltop town in Sicily? In my easy guide to Ragusa , you will find the best things to do in Ragusa Ibla and around, recommended accommodations, great places to eat, and useful tips for getting to and around the town. 

Rising on the Hyblaenian Mountains in the heart of Val di Noto, Ragusa is one of the most picturesque towns in southeast Sicily . Beige hue buildings line up narrow steep alleys while towering baroque churches and sumptuous palazzi pamper Ragusa’s skyline which can be admired from several elevated viewpoints. 

Holding UNESCO heritage status, elegant Ragusa was raised like Phoenix from ashes after the devastating earthquake in 1693 destroyed many towns in the area. 

This is when a split into  Ragusa Superiore (Upper) and  Ragusa Ibla (lower) happened and shaped two completely different faces of the city. 

The modern and more practical residential part of Ragusa Superiore was built on a higher plateau of the mountain. However, not all the residents wanted to leave their former homes. Instead, they rolled the sleeves up and rebuilt Ragusa Ibla atop the network of medieval streets in a decorative Baroque style. Indeed they did not imagine today’s Ragusa Ibla will be praised as an architectural masterpiece visited by tourists from around the world and even featured in the well-known TV series Inspector Montalbano. 

Illustrated with many photos, this guide will help you easily plan your visit to Ragusa in Sicily . 

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

How to visit Ragusa in Sicily

Ragusa quick links.

• HIRE A CAR : The best way to explore Sicily is by self-driving. Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
• CHEAP FLIGHTS: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Sicily from your location.
• WHERE TO STAY: Amaca Iblea (budget); Terrazza Dei Sogni (mid-range); Epoca (high-end); A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel (boutique).
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo , a travel insurance provider.
• GUIDED TOURS:  Find the best day tours from Ragusa on  GetYourGuide .
• AIRPORT TRANSFER: Book a private hotel transfer from Sicily Palermo, Catania, or Trapani Airports .
• Learn Italian: take a fun interactive online course Rocket Italian , which will help you quickly learn spoken and written Italian. Study at your own pace either on a desktop or using a mobile app, lifetime access, and a free trial available upon signing up.

Why visit Ragusa? 

Sophisticated Ragusa Ibla pulsates with the old world’s charm and is a must-visit place in Sicily if you love romantic small towns characterized by a maze of narrow streets and beautiful architecture. 

To me, Ragusa was one of the highlights of our Sicily road trip . From stunning viewpoints of Ragusa, waking up to the ringing bells of ages-old churches, watching elegant gentlemen stepping out from their palazzi for a morning catch-up over a cup of coffee, to recording timelapse of the street lights coming up, and discovering how surprisingly different are the two faces of Ragusa. 

The best time to visit Ragusa in Sicily

You can visit Ragusa any time of the year. However, you may want to take a few notes when choosing the time to go.

Best time/shoulder season: For the most pleasant temperatures, early-mid autumn, and mid-spring is perfect.

For the least crowds but colder weather: Although Ragusa is not particularly crowded with tourists, to have the town completely to yourself, come in winter. 

Avoid: It gets particularly hot in summer (June, July, and August) with temperatures soaring over 30 degrees celsius, which feels way worse inland. I visited Ragusa in mid-May and even then the temperatures already started hitting 30 degrees celsius at midday.

Should you stay in Ragusa Ibla or Superiore ?

On my 2-week road trip in Sicily , I picked Ragusa as a base for a couple of nights. If you are wondering which Val di Noto town you should stay at, then I strongly recommend staying in Ragusa Ibla (the old lower part). The old Ragusa is filled with amazing guesthouses, elegant hotels, and cozy self-contained apartments in the old atmospheric buildings. Many of them have balconies or terraces with superb views over the town.

My top picks for accommodation in Ragusa Ibla:

• Amaca Iblea (budget);
• Terrazza Dei Sogni (mid-range);
• Epoca (high-end);
• A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel (boutique).

Top Tip: if you are driving in Sicily, before booking your accommodation in Ragusa Ibla make sure that it provides free parking as it can be tricky to find a spot. 

If you don’t want to deal with parking drama in the old town, you can always choose to stay in a less romantic Ragusa Superiore, where it is easier to drive around and park. You can always walk down to Ragusa Ibla. Remember though, that most of the attractions lay within Ragusa Ibla, where you must likely spend most of your time. To get to and back from Superiore to Ibla, you will have to tackle lots of steep steps connecting the two faces of the city. 

Parking in Ragusa

Ragusa Ibla has narrow streets and also ZTL zones which you as a visitor, should not enter with a car by any means if you don’t want to receive a hefty fine. If you booked accommodation in the old town, make sure to ask your hosts to advise you about parking and the ZTL situation.

Our host showed us a ZTL-free street to park our car (although it was a tough search even for him). Alternatively, there is a small free parking lot at the bottom of Ragusa Ibla called “Via Avvocato Giovanni Ottaviano Parking” (type it on Google Maps and it will show up). There aren’t many spots, but you can get lucky (we did when we came back from our day trip to Modica). You can leave your car there and if you are just staying in town, walk everywhere instead as it doesn’t make sense driving the confusing narrow alleyways of Ragusa Ibla.

Also read: 21 tips for renting a car and driving in Sicily stress-free . Here you will find more details about ZTL and parking rules in Sicily. 

If you are looking for a great deal to rent a car in Sicily, I recommend checking Discovercars . This search engine gives some of the best rates in the market, and that’s where we got our ride from. You can also cross-check with Rentalscars-one of the largest car search aggregators in the market. 

• Compare the best car rental rates in Sicily with international car hire companies at  Discovercars .
• I also recommend cross-checking the offers with the biggest car search engine Rentalcars .

If you are staying in Ragusa Superiore, the parking should be much easier. The only challenge (or maybe an excuse to get a workout) you will have is to walk up and down to the old town.

13 amazing things to do in Ragusa, Sicily  

1. admire panoramic viewpoints of ragusa ibla.

One of the reasons I chose to visit Ragusa was the magical views I have seen in the pictures on the Internet. Indeed Ragusa is a photographer’s dream! The panoramic views over the rooftops of the Ragusa Ibla are one of the best you will find in the whole of Sicily. Sunset and dusk are ideal times to enjoy the iconic elevated view over Ragusa Ibla. 

There are two viewpoints of Ragusa you should not miss:

• Church of Saint Mary of the Stairs ( Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale ) viewpoint . A staircase of 243 steep stone steps connects Ragusa Ibla to Ragusa Superiore. Following them from the old town of Ragusa, you will reach the Saint Mary church at the top. Your effort will be rewarded with the perfect postcard view of Ragusa’s rooftops framed by the Saint Mary church bell tower. 

• Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Itria viewpoint . Just 200 meters down from Chiesa delle Scalle following Corso Mazzini street you will reach a small viewing platform with an unobstructed view over Ragusa Ibla. The beautiful little blue dome of Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Itria stands out among the honey-hued buildings. This is the other iconic place to photograph Ragusa Ibla from.

Top Tip: Some of the best views of Ragusa Ibla are during the blue hour (at dusk) when the street and building lights come up. Thus once the sun sets, stick around to witness the beauty of illuminated Ragusa Ibla. 

2. Soak up the atmosphere of Ragusa Ibla by wandering the maze of tangled alleyways

Ragusa Ibla is one of those cozy historic old towns with many intertwining narrow streets. Aimlessly follow the maze of cobblestone alleyways to discover pretty corners, courtyards, and yet more different viewpoints and perspectives of Ragusa Ibla.

Ragusa Ibla is a type of place where you find your way around by getting lost. Notice intricate details on the balconies and building. Baroque architecture is extremely decorative and elaborate. Therefore, you will find yourself busy spotting many surprising elements.

3. Appreciate Baroque architecture at Piazza del Duomo di San Giorgio- the beating heart of Ragusa Ibla

As accustomed to every historic town in Sicily and Italy , there is a central square ( piazza del duomo ) where the main Cathedral building is located. Moreover, most of the action in town is usually happening around it.

Duomo di San Giorgio Cathedral is the central piece of the finest Baroque architecture examples not only in Ragusa but also in all of Sicily. Located on a sloped hill with a flight of over 200 stairs leading to its facade, 18th century San Giorgio Church took 40 years to complete. An impressive neoclassical dome was added later in 1820. The credit for the creation of this imposing building goes to Rosario Gagliardi, a Sicilian architect, who had a significant impact on the further development of the Baroque architectural style in Sicily. 

Make sure to also visit Duomo di San Giorgio after dusk (late evening). The church illuminated with lights looks even more magical and mysterious. Meanwhile, the piazza del duomo comes to life at night with people gathering in lively Sicilian tavernas, restaurants, and bars. 

4. Discover more of the wonderful Baroque churches

There are at least 50 baroque churches in Ragusa, and you must be really obsessed with churches to visit them all in a day or two. Nonetheless, since most travelers have limited time, here are a few other important beautiful baroque churches of Ragusa:

• Chiesa di San Giuseppe . Located just a hundred meters downhill from piazza del Duomo, this 18th-century church is known for its elegant Baroque facade and a beautiful fresco of the internal cupola. 
• Chiesa di Santa Maria dell’Itria . Characterized by the Maiolica roofed blue bell tower- one of the most distinctive elements of Ragusa’s skyline. You will notice the blue dome immediately from the viewpoint mentioned above. Situated in the former Jewish quarter of Ibla, this church dates back to the 14th century. Surviving the earthquake with minor damage, it was modified to match the baroque style of the 18th century.
• Chiesa della Santissime Anime del Purgatorio . Located in the Piazza della Repubblica this church was practically untouched by the devastating 1693 earthquake. The church is dedicated to all the souls in Purgatory and is known for Francesco Manno’s painting, Anime in Purgatorio.
• The Cathedral of San Giovani Battista . Located in Ragusa Superiore, this evocative cathedral rich in elaborate details and sculptures is the central house of worship in “modern” Ragusa. Created by the same superstar architect Rosario Gagliardi, the Baroque facade of the cathedral is characterized by asymmetrical design. 

TIP: If you are hungry for more wonderful views over Ragusa, you can climb to the campanile of the Cathedral of San Giovani Battista. Tackling 129 steps will cost you 2 euros. 

5. Spot street art in Ragusa Ibla and Superiore

Ragusa Ibla doesn’t leave any of its corners blank. While strolling along one of the main streets, we stumbled upon a mural, creatively decorating a boring gray wall that would otherwise have looked like a blank empty spot. Instead, a colorful mural fills up the grey space and adds more character and a modern twist to the old city. 

There is more street art scattered between the upper and lower parts of Ragusa. In fact, these murals are the result of the famous street art event The FestiWall . During the event, Ragusa’s walls were used as a canvas by famous international artists, such as Guido Van Helten (look for Una Madre Siciliana mural) and Sebastián Velasco. 

6. Find a shade in Ibleo Gardens-green heart of Ragusa Ibla

Following Corso XXV Aprile you will reach the green space of Ragusa- an elaborate garden Giardino Ibleo lined with elegant palm trees and filled with various Mediterranean plants. This beautiful natural corner established in 1858, offers relief in the shade on a hot summer day and a refreshing escape from the stone-paved streets and buildings. Yet, in the garden, you will still find three baroque churches (San Domenico, San Giacomo, and the Capuchin Church) and an archeological excavation with some important findings from the ancient times of Ragusa Ibla. 

Once in the garden, make sure to stroll until the far end for some wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. 

Do not miss the gothic portal of Portale San Giorgio Vecchio –  the only remaining element of the destroyed cathedral. It is located in the small street on the right-hand side of the Ibleo Garden entrance. 

• The Gardenio Ibleo opening hours are 8 AM – 8 PM. The entrance is free.

7. Explore the gritty corners of Ragusa Superiore

Ragusa Superiore, although considered a modern part of the town, is not that new or modern after all. In fact, it is still quite old, granted it was established immediately after the 1693 earthquake. Superiore doesn’t lack interesting architectural elements, and decorative details, just buildings here are somewhat taller and less manicured than in Ibla. 

Yet the atmosphere of the upper part of the town is far from dreamy and romantic. 

Continuing up, past the viewpoint at Church of Saint Marry of the Stairs, you will immediately encounter a different face of Ragusa- gritty, rough around its corners, and I would dare to say tired working-class city, vibing more with Palermo or Catania than a tranquil mountain town. 

The audience of locals instantly changes from elegantly dressed elderly aristocrats to let’s admit suspiciously looking groups of mid-aged men in tracksuits. 

Gathering at the piazza San Giovani, the main square of Ragusa Superiore, those dudes were staring at us as if they have never seen foreign visitors before.

Meanwhile, we were admiring the Grand Cathedral of San Giovani – the above-mentioned baroque church you shouldn’t miss. Apart from it, and a few other old churches, there aren’t as many historically acclaimed attractions. Nonetheless, Ragusa Superiore is a place to be experienced rather than visited with the aim of ticking off the list of famous buildings. 

After a few more leg muscle-killing inclines, before turning downhill to Ragusa Ibla, we grabbed some great takeaway pizza. The pizzeria that I found on Google Maps turned out to be featured in several publications because of its skilled Pizzaro who proudly displayed his certificates of excellence on the pizzeria’s tiny walls.

While walking in Ragusa Superiore, I noticed quite a few funky bars based on the ground floors of characteristic old buildings. Something that you do not see in a more sophisticated Ragusa Ibla. 

When visiting Ragusa, definitely make sure to visit the upper part (“new” part) to fully comprehend what this town of two faces is about. 

8. Cross the bridges in Ragusa Superiore

Ragusa Superiore is also called “the city of the bridges”. Three picturesque arched bridges are crossing a green valley. 

Those are Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Nuovo, and Ponte Giovanni XXIII (or Ponte San Vito), overlooking Cava di Santa Domenica, the valley beneath. It is a place we missed out on but it looks pretty cool from a photography perspective. 

9. Try the local cuisine of Ragusa

Sicily is definitely a destination you come to not only for architecture and natural vistas but also for great food. Each town, however, has its own specialties and so does Ragusa. 

Here is a list of local dishes that are typical of Ragusa:

• Scacce -stuffed flatbread, vegetarian friendly and a great snack for lunch, available in most of the bakeries around the town. 
• Caciocavallo Ragusano -typical cow milk cheese which differs in flavor depending on aging. Look for it in specialty cheese shops. I found Casa del Formaggio (house of cheese) family-run cheese shop which also offers tastings so you know what you buying. 
• Pastieri – pastry stuffed with minced lamb, offal, and cheese (available in pastry shops). 

Ragusa Ibla is a foodie’s dream come true. And if budget permits, then you should know that the small historic town is proud of being home to three Michelin-starred restaurants :

• Duomo -rewarded with 2 stars this Michelin restaurant prides itself on chef Ciccio Sultano’s ability to creatively experiment with different cultural influences and still stay true to Sicilian roots when creating his signature dishes. Reservations are strongly recommended. 
• La Locanda di Don Serafino -located in the old palazzo which is turned into the luxurious hotel of the same name, this restaurant offers atmospheric candlelight dinner for a slightly lower budget than Duomo. 
• La Fenice – located outside the old town of Ragusa in a 19th-century farmhouse this restaurant is highly rated for the very skilled chef who makes some magic in the kitchen using the top quality ingredients. 

Are you obsessed with Sicilian food yet? Why not try to learn to make some dishes before you return home? Ragusa has some amazing cooking classes held at local’s houses (bummer, I only found out about it later after the trip).

10. Take a day trip to Modica and Scicli (or Noto) 

Ragusa is a great base for visiting other Val di Noto towns ((Caltagirone, Militello, Catania, Modica, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, and Scicli). The closest ones, however, if you only have one day to spare for a side trip, are Modica and Scicli. They are also close to each other, thus it would be viable to combine them both in a one-day trip. 

Modica, apart from baroque architecture, is famous for its unique granulated chocolate. If you are like me, obsessed with chocolate, you can even visit a factory of chocolate and totally overdose on various flavors. Add some chocolate granitas available in every gelateria and bar, these special flavor granitas are exclusive to Modica. 

Meanwhile, Scicli is much smaller than Modica and Ragusa, making it easy to navigate. Set at the foothills of the craggy rock, Scicli is an atmospheric baroque town that you can easily explore in a couple of hours. 

If you have more days in Ragusa, you can definitely go on a day trip to Noto (the main Baroque town in Sicily), or venture to Caltagirone-the town of Ceramics famous for its colorful tiled staircase. 

Read more: 17 Most beautiful mountain towns in Sicily . 

11. Swim at Ragusa beach

Ragusa, although a hilltop town and doesn’t have direct access to the beach, managed to claim its own beach resort Marina di Ragusa  which is located 20 kilometers south of the town. It is a public beach (not a paid resort) filled with facilities and is very popular during the summer month,s, especially among young people who come here to have a great time and party in the evening. Also called Mazarelli this sandy beach can be reached by car or a public bus. 

Other beaches to check are Polazzo and San Maria del Focallo. 

Public transport from Ragusa to Marina di Ragusa: there are frequent buses available with TUMINO . All buses leave from the Ragusa bus terminal.

12. T ake a cooking lesson in Ragusa

If you love cooking and want to learn some Sicilian cuise secrets, there is no better way than to be taught by a local. GetYourGuide offers this unique experience of a Cooking class at a local’s home in Ragusa .

13. Unfold tragic love story hidden behind the walls of Donnafugata Castle

20 kilometers from Ragusa, the Donnafugata Castle is a pseudo Venetian-Gothic 19th century mansion with an exquisite garden rich in Mediterranean and exotic plants. The fans of Inspector Montalbano will definitely recognize this setting. But there is more to it- the walls of high life hide some tragic love story (a legend to be precise) which you can find out about if you visit the castle. 

How to get to Ragusa in Sicily

• Flying to Sicily-the closest airport to Ragusa

The closest international airport to Ragusa is Catania Airport in east Sicily (110 km away from Ragusa). 

Alternatively, there is a small Comiso Airport around 15 kilometers away from Ragusa. This airport serves mostly domestic flights in Italy and a few European destinations. 

• Visiting Ragusa by car

Once in Sicily, the easiest way to get around is by car. If you are renting a car for a road trip around Sicily, which is a great idea if you want to easily explore smaller towns, then reaching Ragusa will be straightforward, just follow Google maps directions. 

• Visiting Ragusa by bus

Although not as convenient as driving your own vehicle, it is possible to visit Ragusa by public bus.

From Catania you will have to catch a bus from Catania airport to Catania city center and from there take a bus to Ragusa. Catania (via Catania airport) with ETNA Trasporti.

TIP: Search “Catania – Via Archimede – Autostazione” to “Ragusa – Via Zama – Autostazione” to find the latest timetables. 

From Syracuse, Noto, Modica, and Agrigento (via Gela) connections to Ragusa are available with AST , or ETNA Trasporti.

• Visiting Ragusa by train

Train connections are available between Ragusa and Noto, Syracuse, Modica, Vittoria, and Gela. 

For timetables, as well as the option to book tickets in advance, see Trenitalia . 

TIP: The train station is located in Ragusa Superiore, from which you can jump on one of the local AST buses to Ragusa Ibla. 

Note: public transport in Sicily is known to be not very reliable. Thus allow yourself plenty of time for commuting. Also, on Sundays buses might not be running (it is a day off for everyone). 

• Private transfer

Definitely the costliest option, but if you opt for it, then Getatransfer is a great private transfer provider which you can pre-book online. Getatransfer can virtually organize pick-up from anywhere in Sicily (the transfer price depends on the destination and distance). 

Places to eat in Ragusa

For those of you who do not fancy the fancy Michelin-starred restaurants and prefer something more reasonably priced yet local, you are no short of options:

• That’s A Moro. Known for great pasta and good wine, this is a popular restaurant around the corner from the main piazza del Duomo in Ragusa Ibla. The outdoor dining area is extremely popular during dinner time (7-8 pm), thus book in advance or show up early so you don’t have to wait forever as we did on our first night in Ragusa.
• Terrazza dell’Orologio. This rooftop restaurant boasts sweeping views across Ragusa. A great option for lunch. 
• Trattoria Agli Archi. Trattoria is a term for a family-run restaurant, and just what it is, Agli Archi offers some delicious antipasti, or if you are up for something more serious, you can also have mains. This trattoria is located at the bottom part of Ragusa Ibla. 
• Gelati DiVini . No Sicily and Italy trip is complete without at least one gelato a day. Gelati DVini (divine ice cream) is beloved by locals which is a sign of good stuff. Located in the main piazza in Ragusa Ibla this gelateria offers some of the best gelatos in town. If you feel more experimental or craving more carbs- go for brioche with gelato-it is Sicilian specialty-an ice cream in a bun. Note it is very filling.

Where to stay in Ragusa-my best accommodation picks

Here are my top picks for staying in Ragusa Ibla (old town), Sicily:

Amaca Iblea $. A cozy one-bedroom apartment in a historic building featuring fantastic views of Ragusa Ibla. We stayed here and it was one of my favorite places in Sicily. Parking is free but not easy to find in the old town, however, the host will help to sort this out.

Terrazza dei Sogni $$. At the heart of the historical center, this hotel is proud of its terrace with gorgeous 360 views over the old town and valley. Rooms are also bright and tastefully furnished, and superb breakfast is served on the terrace.

Itria Palace $$. Located at a lower part of Ragusa Ibla, this hotel has nicely decorated rooms featuring stone walls, a private bar, free parking, and superb breakfast included in the rate.

Epoca $$$.  Enchanting rooms in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, have a beautiful terrace, and breakfast is included, free parking is also available. 

Giardino Sul Duomo $$$.  Modern rooms with wood-beamed ceilings in a guesthouse offering a garden and a pool, a great view of Ragusa Ibla, and some rooms overlooking the Cathedral.

A.D. 1768 Boutique Hotel $$$.  The gorgeous boutique hotel perfectly combines art, contemporary design, and classic Baroque architecture. Each room is also different. Located at the very heart of Ragusa Ibla.

Have you visited Ragusa Ibla yet? If you have any questions or would like to share your experience, please share your comments. Make sure to also check other Sicily travel guides below.

More Sicily and Italy travel guides and resources

Sicily travel guides.

• Useful Tips for Renting a Car in Sicily and Driving Stress-Free
• Renting a car in Catania, Sicily
• Renting a car in Palermo: what you need to know
• Epic Road Trip for 2-weeks in Sicily itinerary
• Essential Sicily Travel Tips .
• 21 spectacular places to visit in Sicily 
• How to visit Favignana island, Sicily
• Guide to hiking Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve
• Visit Gangi mountain town in Sicily
• The most beautiful small coastal towns and fishing villages in Sicily.
• The most charming mountain towns in Sicily .
• Which is better: Amalfi Coast or Sicily?

General Italy travel guides

• Browse all my  blog posts about Italy   HERE .
• Looking for romantic road trip ideas in Italy? Check my list of  15 Best Road Trips in Italy.
• The ultimate guide to renting a car in Italy
• Tips for driving in Italy for the first time
• Thinking of renting a car in Rome? Read my guide to  How to rent a car in Rome .
• Best coastal towns in southern Italy.
• Explore Calabria- the least visited region in Italy.
• Visit Sicily- the biggest island in Italy.

Italy travel resources

Here are links to essential travel resources and services I always use when organizing my trips.

• HIRE A CAR : Rent a car at the best rates at Discover Cars .
• CHEAP FLIGHTS: find the cheapest and the best flight combinations with Skyscanner .
• ACCOMMODATION: find your perfect stay on Booking.com .
• VISA: apply for a Schengen visa easily at iVisa . Use OneWayFly to reserve dummy flight tickets/hotels if required for your visa application.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo , a travel insurance provider. For the cheapest travel insurance on the market check SafetyWing .
• eSIM CARD: Stay connected before you land. Airlo offers an eSIM card with up to 20 GB (7 to 30 days) data packages for Italy and Europe for reasonable rates.
• GUIDED TOURS:  Find the best day tours in Italy on  GetYourGuide , outdoor tours and activities with Manawa .
• PRIVATE TRANSFER: Book a private transfer to any location in Italy with GetTransfer .
• FLIGHT GOT CANCELLED OR DELAYED? You may receive compensation of up to 600 EUR. Consult and get support from AirHelp or Skycop .

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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SICILY ON WEB

The sicilian blog about sicily, ragusa ibla, a travel guide to visit magical panoramas.

Ragusa Ibla is famous all over the world for the stunning baroque churches and the awesome historical alleys. This place is regarded as one of  the most relevant tourist attractions of Sicily and Italy. If you want to visit it, maybe also to buy a property  for sale, follow my travel guide and you’ll discover how to enjoy a wonderful holiday in the likewise wonderful streets of Ragusa Ibla.

Tourist Information

Ragusa Ibla is located in the South East of Sicily and in the Southern side of the Iblei Mounts. That is the baroque heart of Ragusa. It is also the brightest symbol of the baroque architecture in Sicily. I visited several times this magical place. Just think that some years ago I attended two   weddings  celebrated  in the magnificent San Giorgio Cathedral . That day, I was very touched and was about  to faint when I saw the baroque columns which surrounded the newlyweds while they say Yes each other. 

As a matter of fact, the San Giorgio cathedral dominates just the hill where Ragusa Ibla is. For the impressive and unique architectural style, in  2002 Ragusa has been included in the Unesco World heritage list. The city became very famous in the world thanks to Inspector Montalbano movie series. If you are a fan of Inspector Montalbano ,  you’ll see the alleys and the landscape of Vigata while you are visiting Ragusa Ibla. 

Starting from the square of the cathedral and from the club in Pola Square (Circolo della Conversazione), you’ll discover the most hidden and charming places  you saw in the Television, namely  the rich architecture in limestone, the shapes of the vaults, the columns, the statues and any kind of decoration.

What to see in Ragusa Ibla

The first thing you must see is the wonderful square dominated by the San Giorgio Cathedral  with the magnificent staircase. The site of the cathedral is the heart of Ibla. This place is surrounded by many noble palaces. The most important one is Arezzi Palace . Another monument I advise that you visit is the church of Santa Maria del Gesù, built in 1636 and with a convent, alongside.

The most ancient zone of Ibla is the district of Saint Paul, where you can see the namesake church and some Sicilian graves. The district stretches along a channel. Over it, there are San Bartolomeo  Church, Carmine Church, and the church of Santa Maria delle Scale, towering on the entire city of Ragusa . I talked about the city in a previous post, but that was dedicated to the whole province of Ragusa, also including Scicli and Modica . Here, instead, the true protagonist of your travel is Ragusa Ibla . It is really worth to visit this ancient zone of Ragusa, to dip into a maze of stairs, look at the picturesque alleys and the ancient houses  piled  on the rocky slope.   

Among these picturesque lanes you will be led to another epoch, in a place where time stopped  in the early years of the past century.   Another place you must visit is the Ibleo Garden, located just at the center of Ibla. Created in 1858 on a hill towering the mouth of Irminio river, the garden is surrounded  by many tree rows, stone benches, engraved columns and a terrace where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Iblei Mounts.

You can follow this itinerary, on foot, in a day tour. After your tour, you’ll have lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants I listed in the paragraph  Ragusa Ibla restaurants.

But, in the meanwhile, I want to provide you with further details to visit the San Giorgio cathedral.  

San Giorgio Cathedral

The cathedral of San Giorgio was an ancient  church that  before the earthquake of 1693 was in the south east tip of Ragusa, near the current Garden of Ibla. There, can still see the old  gothic style entrance. This entrance is the only ruin saved from the awful earthquake that destroyed the entire Noto Valley at the end of the 1600. As you know, even Ragusa is included in the large Sicilian territory of Noto Valley, along with Syracuse and Catania .

Well, in 1693, a sudden and strong earthquake destroyed and razed to the ground all of the cities of this stunning Sicilian valley. After the dreadful event, many cities and monuments were rebuilt with a baroque architectural style, among these ones, there is also San Giorgio Cathedral.  Indeed, in the XVIII century, the San Giorgio Church was rebuilt in the current position, namely, the Duomo square. The features of the church mirror a late baroque style, with lateral marble columns supporting the central dome and marble statues depicting San Joseph and San Giorgio.

Furthermore, the dome and the vaults are depicted  with stunning and religious decorations and sculptures, turning it into a wonderful gallery made  with the artworks by eminent artists. Up to here, I talked about the interior of the cathedral, but you must observe the exterior, first. It is at the top of  Duomo Square, in the highest point, as if the church was  watching over the city of Ragusa Ibla. To reach the main entrance of the cathedral, you must stroll a magnificent staircase.

It is as if you climb on a high hill. At the end of your walk, you’ll arrive in front of a magnificent Church with a likewise magnificent external façade supported by massive lateral columns and split into three separated floors that shrink toward the sky and  take the shape of a large and monumental baroque triangle.

For this impressive magnificence, the San Giorgio cathedral in Ragusa Ibla is regarded as the most important baroque monument of Sicily and Italy. Here are the opening hours to visit it: 10 – 12.30 AM  (until 13 in Summer) and  4 – 7 PM. When I visited the cathedral, I paid no entrance fee. You must pay a ticket of 3 euros, instead, if you want to visit the ancient museum near the church. The museum contains the artifacts saved from the earthquake of 1693. This small museum is daily opened from May to September and in the weekend only, in winter.

Local markets   

In Ragusa Ibla, in addition to visit churches and monuments, you can enjoy very interesting local markets to buy typical Sicilian products. Every Monday, in Sergente Scribano street, you can ride the local market of Ragusa. There, you’ ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, clothes and other products. On Wednesday, instead,  in Selvaggio street, you can visit another large and well supplied  local market. Furthermore, in Ragusa Ibla, you can attend delicious food festivals. One of these ones is named Scale del Gusto (The Stairs of Taste). That is a picturesque  food festival that is held just among the baroque alleys of Ragusa Ibla, usually in October. The event lasts two days and is enriched with cooking lessons, food taste, concerts, galleries and guided tours to better discover the territory of Ragusa Ibla and its traditional recipes.   

Ragusa Ibla Restaurants

If you visit Sicily,  I guess you are also searching for information about the restaurants. Indeed, it is just at these facilities you can taste the best traditional Sicilian dishes.

Here is a list with the best restaurants of Ragusa Ibla.

La Terrazza dell’Orologio .

That is a polished tavern /wine bar with a stunning view  of the historical downtown of Ibla. Here, you can taste the traditional  food of this baroque zone of Sicily and the best local wine (see the image above)

That is an elegant  and tasteful restaurant in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, in XXV Aprile street. The restaurant offers you traditional Sicilian recipes seasoned in a modern way. From this modern mix, you’ll taste dishes with potatoes and the famous eggplant parmigiana.

This restaurant is on Orfanotrofio street. The main feature of this facility is that you’ll eat only traditional recipes of Ragusa Ibla, such as the delicious and famous schiacciata, homemade bread and pasta with ancient Sicilian flour and, obviously, delicious fish recipes.  

A few walks away from the San Giorgio Cathedral, you’ll find Il Barocco restaurant/pizzeria. Here you can have lunch after visiting the cathedral. This restaurant offers you only traditional recipes, especially the Sicilian pizza of Ibla.

In the Duomo square, you’ll find also the bars to taste  ice-cream, delicious Sicilian cannoli and the best of Sicily pastry. 

Hotels in Ragusa Ibla

This ancient Sicilian district offers really many hotels that make the search and the choice fairly hard. Among the others,  some of them are very expensive because of the fame gained through the movie of Inspector Montalbano. In this baroque destination, you can book suites, hotels, B&B and resorts. The prices depend on the season and go from 30 euros per night  in low season to over 100 euro per night in high season. I searched hotels in Ragusa Ibla with the best value for money, to allow you to find  luxury accommodations with a small price . 

Here is my list

San Giorgio Palace . That is an hotel boutique  located just in the baroque district of Ibla.  Thank to the favorable position, the hotels offer  a stunning view of Santa Domenica Valley and  of Ragusa Ibla. In front of your eyes , from your room,  you can admire the view of Ibla by night.  The hotel is also 15 km away from Modica and you can take advantage to visit this second wonderful baroque city during your vacation in Sicily.  The averaged price is 50 euros per night. 

Iblaresort Boutique Hotel . Placed in the heart of the historical district, the hotel enjoys a terrace overlooking the baroque downtown. The building is only five minutes of walk from the San Giorgio Cathedral. If you book this hotel, you can visit the cathedral on foot. The average price is 65 euros per night.

Hotel Il Barocco . This hotel is always five minutes away from the cathedral. Hence,  you can also visit it on foot.  The average price is 50 euros per night.

Locanda Don Serafino . That is really a luxury accommodation, but when I visited it I couldn’t help but mention it because this hotel is located not only in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, but in a stone grotto. The building  was built in a XIX century palace and the reception is housed in the above mentioned stone grotto. The complete name of the hotel is Relais and Chateaux Locanda Don Serafino ( see the image above) and is always at a short distance from the famous San Giorgio Cathedral. The averaged price is 130 euros per night.

If you find these hotels booked, you can find other beautiful accommodations in Ragusa Ibla, here .     

 Ragusa Ibla map

In this post, I published the tourist map allowing you to better understand where Ragusa Ibla is.

It is very important to know that you can easily reach this baroque district from Catania or Comiso Airport . Through a car or a taxi , you’ll arrive to your hotel and then, you can follow the path of the map to visit Ibla also on foot. On this image, you’ll see only the main roads of Ragusa Ibla. This baroque district is located above the downhill of Santa Barbara.  In this tourist map you’ll see also the district of San Paolo I mentioned in  my post, and the market square.

The streets in Italian are said Via. Follow these streets to reach San Giorgio Cathedral and visit the baroque landscape you see in the images of the map. If you follow this map by car, you’ll find a free parking in Piazza della Repubblica and another near the Garden. The latter is just in the center of Ragusa Ibla . Since these free parking could be occupied by many cars, I strongly advise that you book a hotel near the surroundings of Ibla so that to enjoy your tour in this baroque district on foot and with no stress.

And you? Have you already visited this mesmerizing place? If you did or if you want to visit it, share your thoughts here. Your opinion will be greatly appreciated.

Photocredits in order of appearance:

Jamie Tarallo

Gianluca Carnicella

Stijn Nieuwendijk

Dom Fellowes

Andrea Shaffer

www.giornaleibleo.it

Tuttocitta.it

Related Posts

Rosalba Mancuso is a freelance journalist born in Sicily. Passionate about her loved island and with extensive writing experience, Rosalba worked as contributor for the main Sicily’s newspapers and as bilingual Italian – English writer. Thanks to her skills, she also founded four websites in English. On Sicilyonweb, Rosalba tells every corner of her beloved Sicily. Furthermore, she writes this blog thanks to your help. Rosalba, in fact, earns a small commission, with no cost for you, when you book your travel or buy products through the affiliate widgets or links you find in her posts.

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Ragusa, Sicily Travel Guide

How to visit this Baroque city

Ragusa is a fascinating town on the Italian island of Sicily. Ragusa's Baroque architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status . It's an unusual town, divided into two parts—the Upper Town and Ibla.

After the earthquake of 1693 destroyed most of the town, half the people decided to build on the ridge above the town, and the other half renovated the old town. Ibla, the lower town, is reached on foot by a series of stairways or by bus or car on a winding downhill road. There's a large parking lot at the bottom of the road. From the upper town, there are enchanting views of Ibla.

What to See in Ragusa and Ibla

There are 18 UNESCO monuments, five in the Upper Town, and the rest in Ibla. Many of the buildings are ornately decorated in Baroque style. Be sure to look up at the balconies and figures overhead.

The spectacular Baroque Duomo di San Giorgio sits in the center of Ibla, behind a large piazza where there are several cafes, shops, and Gelati Divini , selling ice cream made from wines. Ibla has several UNESCO churches, including Santa Maria dell'Idria, San Filippo Neri, Santa Maria dei Miracoli, San Giuseppe, Santa Maria del Gesu, San Francesco, and Chiesa Anime del Purgatorio. UNESCO Baroque buildings in Ibla are Palazzo della Cancelleria, Palazzo Cosentini, Palazzo Sortino Trono, Palazzo La Rocca, and Palazzo Battaglia.

At the far end of Ibla is a large, pretty park with picturesque views from the edge. Buses stop in front of the park, and there's a small parking lot next to it.

Along the southeast cliffs of the Ibla are Bronze age necropolis or cemeteries. They can be seen from the road to Modica.

In the Upper Town is San Giovanni Cathedral dating from 1706, in a large piazza off Corso Italia. There are three Baroque buildings—Palazzo Vescovile, Palazzo Zacco, and Palazzo Bertini. The small Church of Santa Maria delle Scale, dating originally from 1080, sits just at the top of the stairs leading down to Ibla.

The Ibleo Archaeological Museum, in the Upper Town, has displays from archaeological digs in the province. Materials cover prehistoric to late Roman settlements.

Via Roma, in the Upper Town, is a big shopping street, featuring several bars and restaurants.

Ragusa is in the  Val di Noto  of southeastern Sicily about 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Catania. Marina di Ragusa, a well-developed resort with beaches, is on the coast about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the town. Modica, another UNESCO Baroque town, is about five miles (eight kilometers) to the south. Ragusa can be visited as a day trip from the city of Siracusa to the east of Ragusa.

Transportation

The closest airport is Catania, Sicily. From the airport, there are frequent connections on  ETNA Transporti  coaches. Train service is on the Catania—Siracusa—Ragusa rail line, and the station is in the center of the Upper Town. Buses to nearby towns depart from Piazza Stazione. A local bus connects  Corso Italia , the upper town's main street, with Ibla.

Tourist Information

Tourist information is available in the Upper Town in Piazza San Giovanni by the cathedral. The Ibla tourist info point is on Piazza Repubblica. 

Where to Stay

There are several dozen hotels in Ragusa, both in the upper and lower towns. Reliable choices in the upper town include the 5-star Antica Badia Relais or, near the train station, the modern 4-star Mediterraneo Palace.

It is recommended to stay in Ibla, both to avoid the uphill walk back to Upper Town and to be closer to restaurants and monuments. The Hotel Il Barocco is a comfortable 3-star in the center of Ibla.  San Giorgio Palace  is a 4-star boutique hotel, and  Locanda Don Serafino  is a small 4-star hotel that's a member of the Relais & Chateaux hotel group. There are several bed and breakfast inns in Ibla. The  Bed & Breakfast L'Orto sul Tetto  is a friendly, cozy option.

Where to Eat

There are many good restaurant choices in Ibla where you can enjoy an authentic, affordable meal. Locanda Don Serafino has a high-end restaurant with 2 Michelin stars and features a creative menu and an excellent wine cellar. In the Upper Town, you'll find good, inexpensive meals at  Al Bocconcino , serving typical food of Ragusa,

Piazza Duomo in Ibla is a nice place to sit and enjoy a coffee or snack. If you want ice cream, try  Gelati Divini , selling good ice cream made from wines.

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29 Oct RAGUSA IBLA, HISTORICAL CENTER OF THE CITY: TOURIST INFO

Ragusa Ibla is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating places in the area of the Iblei Mountains, a priceless treasure for the Sicilian Baroque and for tourism on the island.

Ragusa is the southernmost city in Italy, and in recent years it has rediscovered a strong tourist vocation, thanks above all to the ancient part of the city, Ragusa Ibla, today a pearl of Baroque and a World Heritage Site since 2002 according to UNESCO.

From the upper town it is possible to reach Ragusa Ibla on foot, only if armed with breath and comfortable shoes, thanks to a suggestive panoramic descent through the narrow streets of the city, made up of 340 steps.

Once in Ragusa Ibla, you will immediately realize that the real protagonist is the baroque, which impregnates every single building, monument, square and street of the city with its bursting and exuberant beauty.

video source: Claudio Mortini

RAGUSA IBLA: SOME HISTORICAL NOTES

Its origins date back to the early Sicilian period and seem to derive from Hybla Haerea, an aggregate of Sicilian villages that came into contact with the Greek and Roman populations that reached a certain importance in the Byzantine period.

In general, the city suffered the same fate as the entire Sicily, the protagonist of a succession of different peoples and cultures: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Muslims, Normans and then Spaniards. It is easy to notice this cultural stratification from the Baroque palaces that rise near Byzantine walls and Roman ruins, in a cultural mixture of extreme richness and peculiarity.

During the Middle Ages, the village became an important agricultural and administrative center, but it was not spared by the terrible earthquake of 1693, which destroyed it. After the terrible calamity, thanks to some noble families who decided not to emigrate and to stay in Ragusa Ibla, the city was slowly rebuilt on the basis of the old medieval structure.

WHAT TO VISIT IN RAGUSA IBLA

The cathedral of san giorgio and the palaces of piazza duomo.

Surrounded by majestic Baroque palaces, the square takes its name from the Cathedral of San Giorgio, which stands tall on the fifty-four steps of its staircase.

Undisputed jewel of Sicilian baroque, the Duomo was finished at the end of the eighteenth century after almost forty years since the beginning of the works. In fact, after being hugely damaged by the earthquake of 1693, only in the mid-eighteenth century it was decided to rebuild it on the ruins of the already existing church of San Nicola, according to the project of the architect Rosario Gagliardi, already protagonist of the Baroque reconstruction of the Val di Noto.

To emphasize its grandeur, the building stands on a large staircase and places the prospect in an oblique position with respect to the square, a choice that makes the structure even more majestic. Moreover, thanks to the clever game of perspective, the enormous dome is not covered by the facade, remaining visible even from the square.

The square overlooks fabulous historic buildings: Palazzo Arezzo di Sanfilippo, a building dating back to the 1500s but which has undergone numerous changes that have altered its original appearance, Palazzo Arezzo Veninata, which is embellished with Liberty-style floral decorations, Palazzo Maggiore and Palazzo Majorana, which have a similar history to the previous two.

PIAZZA POLA AND THE CHURCH OF SAN GIUSEPPE

Piazza Pola, once the main square of Ragusa Ibla, houses the Church of San Giuseppe, built above the remains of the ancient church of San Tommaso, and the town hall that houses the Ibla Municipal Directorate.

The church of San Giuseppe was built in 1756 at the behest of the Benedictine nuns of the adjacent monastery, built thanks to the donation of the baron of Buscello. the works last forty years and although the designer is not known it is possible to trace the project back to the architect Rosario Gagliardi.

The façade is divided into three orders, the convex movement of the façade reminiscent of the nearby San Giorgio. The first order, marked by four columns, houses the entrance portal and four statues depicting the Saints of the Benedictine order. The upper order takes up the architectural elements of the lower one with two columns which at their center house a large window closed by a bulging lattice. The columns of the second order hold a broken tympanum above which is the belfry that houses three bells. St. Joseph is depicted in relief on the largest one.

THE IBLEO GARDEN

The Ibleo Garden is the oldest of the four main gardens of Ragusa Ibla and was built in 1858 on the initiative of some local nobles with the collaboration of the Ragusan people, who worked for free for the realization of the work.

This green lung ensures a pleasant corner of peace for visitors and presents itself with a large entrance avenue flanked by tall palm trees. From the avenue there is a wonderful park, equipped with stone benches, columns, decorated vases and an elegant limestone enclosure balcony from which it is possible to admire a breathtaking view: from the Iblei mountains to the Irminio river valley. At the center of the villa is the imposing monument to the fallen of the great war. The peculiarity of the garden is given by the presence of 3 churches inside it: San Domenico, San Giacomo and the Capuchin church.

Ragusa Ibla is not the only Sicilian village not to be missed, especially in this period. Take a look at what to do in Sicily in the winter months !

Ragusa: Sicily Tourist Guide

One of Sicily’s most picturesque and charming towns

About Ragusa

Ragusa is one of the most picturesque towns in Sicily. The view from the upper town over Ragusa Ibla on its own separate hilltop is quite breathtaking. One of the UNESCO-listed Baroque towns of south-eastern Sicily, Ragusa is also one of the principal filming locations for the Sicilian detective drama Il Commissario Montalbano (Inspector Montalbano) , a series which has done wonders for publicising the beauty of this area. With a new airport at Comiso, ten miles away, due to open, this is a tourist destination which is definitely up and coming.

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Ragusa is in the Monti Iblei, a large area of high ground, divided up by dry stone walls and incised with ravines. The town was originally built on a small steep-sided hill with deep valleys on three sides separating it from the high plateau. After the earthquake of 1693, which destroyed many of south-eastern Sicily’s buildings, it was decided to rebuild Ragusa on higher, more level ground nearby. This new planned town was built, with straight streets and a rational layout, but local aristocrats didn’t want to move, and instead built themselves new palazzi on the ruins of the old town. So nowadays Ragusa has two parts: Ibla (or Ragusa Ibla), the older nucleus on its hilltop, and Ragusa Superiore, the more modern upper town which spreads from the post-earthquake streets into more recent developments. Like all Sicilian towns, Ragusa has its share of ugly modern sprawl, but this is well away from the historic centre, which is remarkably unspoilt.

Ragusa Ibla is the magnet for tourists, though the upper town is still worth a visit. The bus and railway stations, the town’s archaeological museum and its everyday shops and businesses are in Ragusa Superiore as well as most of the hotels. Ibla is the more charming base for a holiday, though, with picturesque lanes, cafes, restaurants and gastronomic shops aimed at tourists. Its main artery is the perfect venue for the evening passeggiata .

What to see in Ragusa

The best activity in Ragusa is wandering; meandering along the character-filled lanes of Ragusa Ibla or clambering up the steps towards the upper town and enjoying the great, classic view over Ibla. This is an inviting town for even more leisurely pursuits – a long drink at a cafe table on the pretty sloping piazza in front of the Duomo, a wine-flavoured gelato , a splendid meal at one of the town’s small restaurants or a stroll in the park.

Like neighbouring towns, Ragusa was rebuilt after the great earthquake in the Baroque style, and its palazzi and churches are elegant and covered with a profusion of florid detail. The grandest building in Ibla is the cathedral, the Duomo di San Giorgio , begun in 1738 and designed by the architect Rosario Gagliardi. Up a flight of steps and segregated from the streets by ornate railings, this is the heart of the old town and contains some of its best, and most prized artworks. These include a statue of St. George which is carried around town in devout processions. Alongside the church is the small Museo del Duomo (open at weekends), a museum containing stone statues and reliefs from the original pre-earthquake San Giorgio and other churches, architectural drawings by Gagliardo, some extravagant reliquaries and gloomy religious paintings. One of the highlights is a nice little stone carving, from the 15th century, portraying a honey-maker ( mielaio ) with honeycomb and jug.

Ibla’s lanes contain many charms, from elaborately-sculpted balconies to views over the narrow valleys below town. If you have time, it’s a good place to explore, with some intriguing corners. A little tourist train ( trenino ) departs from Piazza Duomo and is an entertaining way of touring the principal streets.

At the end of Ibla’s rocky ridge is the town’s public park, the Giardino Ibleo . The pride of the town, these manicured and leafy gardens have views over the surrounding valleys and are the venue of choice for promenading locals as well as tourists. Watching three or four generations meeting up and groups of teenagers strolling arm-in-arm is a charming introduction to Sicilian life.

As well as exploring Ibla, most visitors will want to take a look at Ragusa Superiore . The two towns meet at a saddle of land marked by the small Piazza della Repubblica. One of the town’s tourist offices is alongside, and also the attractive Chiesa delle Anime del Purgatorio. The upper town can be reached by an energetic climb or by the little local bus from the Giardino Ibleo or Piazza della Repubblica.

Ragusa Superiore is more than just the ‘modern’ part of town – it too boasts elegant streets and noble palazzi. It also has its own Duomo, the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, another eighteenth-century Baroque edifice. The main street, Corso Italia, which descends towards Ibla, is lined with attractive buildings. However, there is no denying that the best part of the upper town is the descent, via flights of steps or the winding road, towards Ibla, with the hilltop town spread out before the eyes in an unforgettable panorama.

For any traveller interested in Sicily’s history, Ragusa’s archaeological museum ( Museo Archeologico ) is a must. Situated in Ragusa Superiore, this museum contains some fascinating and important exhibits from the surrounding area. Interesting artefacts include an articulated doll with moving joints from a child’s grave at Greek Kamarina, and the sculpture of a warrior known as the Guerriero di Castiglione. It’s a bit off the tourist trail; we were the only visitors, our arrival surprising the chatting attendants. The museum is just off Via Roma – at a lower level, down steps from the main street – and there’s an admission charge.

Between July and September the area is enlivened by the Estate Iblea, a summer festival of music and events around Ragusa. In October Ibla hosts a festival of busking and street entertainment, called Ibla Buskers. Other colourful events during the year in Ragusa include Easter and St. George’s Day processions.

Eating and drinking

My favourite Ragusa restaurant was La Rusticana (Corso 25 Aprile, 68), a small place with friendly staff serving local and Sicilian food – all the classics, from local antipasti through fettucine alla Norma to cassata for dessert. The charming interior features red and gold velvet wallpaper, a chandelier, crossed swords and scrawled autographs on the wall – the restaurant is a significant Montalbano location, standing in for the detective’s ‘Trattoria San Calogero’ and the cast of the series have left their mark. Book ahead. Another good spot is the family-run Cucine e Vino (Via Orfanotrofio, 91) with a restrained atmosphere in a stone-vaulted and white-plastered interior, offering thoughtful local cuisine. For a quick no-frills meal, visit Il Gattopardo, (via Orfanotrofio, 35) a friendly little tavola calda where you can join Italian families eating pizza slices, focaccia and the local stuffed-bread scacce at little tables inside or out.

One of the most picturesque places for a drink is at the outdoor tables of Caffe Al Borgo in Piazza Duomo. Close by is the most popular gelateria in the region, Gelati DiVini, renowned for its special ice-cream flavours such as wines and olive oil. Ibla’s tourist shops are mostly of the speciality-food type, and food-loving visitors can spend happy hours browsing, sampling and shopping.

Around Ragusa

One of the best sights in the Ragusa area is the Castello di Donnafugata , a pseudo-Venetian-Gothic country villa in the countryside. In Montalbano this festures as the home of retired Mafia boss Balduccio Sinagra. The building is a strange blend of influences, mostly dating to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Reachable by car, taxi and very occasional trains, this grand country villa is a fascinating insight into the lives of the Sicilian aristocracy. With a garden to explore and some country paths starting outside the entrance, it’s also a good chance to get out into the open spaces of this rather striking landscape. There are a handful of places to eat and drink outside the entrance to the villa. Donnafugata is closed on Mondays and opening hours vary throughout the year; check the latest times before you make your trip (see links panel).

Donnafugata is a popular day out in the Ragusa area; another is the seaside – local seaside resort Marina di Ragusa and fishing village Punta Secca (another Montalbano location) are connected to Ragusa by bus.

The other Baroque towns of Sicily are within easy reach of Ragusa. It’s possible to explore by public transport, although travellers should check timetables when making plans. We toured the area, spending nights in different towns, but it is also possible to make day trips from Ragusa. Modica , another dramatic town, is the nearest and easiest to visit. Famous for its chocolate as well as its Baroque architecture, it’s a town well worth a visit. The archaeological site of Cava d’Ispica, a green valley lined with rock-cut tombs, is easy to reach by car. Noto and Scicli are two more sights worth seeing.

Travel to Ragusa

If and when it opens for international flights, the airport at Comiso, ten miles away, will be the obvious choice for visiting Ragusa. Catania Airport is the nearest major airport, with international flights. There are direct buses between Catania Airport and Ragusa, a journey which takes just one hour and forty-five minutes.

Ragusa has both a bus and a railway station in the modern part of the upper town. Bus connections are generally more efficient and practical. Buses operated by various companies connect Ragusa with other Sicilian towns; AST run to Modica, Scicli, Noto and Siracusa , and Etna Trasporti operate services to Catania Airport. Modica is thirty minutes away, on the same bus route which continues to Siracusa. Tumino operate a local service to the seaside, stopping at Marina di Ragusa, Punta Secca and Kamarina. Ragusa is at the end of the railway line connecting Siracusa with the other Baroque towns – in the summer, look out for special excursions on the ‘Treno del Barocco’. Useful information on buses can be found on the website of Ragusa council ( comune ), listed in the right-hand links panel. The best way to reach Ibla from the bus and railway stations is by catching the little local bus which connects Ragusa Superiore with the public gardens in Ibla. A timetable for this service can be found on the comune website, under Linea Urbana . Local bus tickets can be bought from some tabacchi shops in Ibla; longer-distance bus tickets can be bought at a kiosk at the bus station (for some companies) and around the corner at a bar on Via Teocrito.

There are signposted car parks in several points outside Ibla. The principal car parking (with a fee) is in the valley below Piazza della Repubblica and Ibla. There is also car parking by the Giardino Ibleo.

Ragusa accommodation

Where to stay in Ragusa will depend largely on your taste and on hotel availability. Ibla is a charming place to wander, particularly in the evenings when restaurants are inviting. Staying in Ragusa Superiore will mean a stiff walk or a bus ride when you head across to Ibla, but the upper town does have a larger selection of hotels and offer plenty of amenities. We stayed in Hotel Il Barocco, a very conveniently-located hotel in Ibla, near the public gardens and bus stop. The hotel confused my reservation, forcing me to change rooms during my stay, but in other respects offered decent accommodation. > Hotel Il Barocco .

Other options include: > The four-star Antica Badia Relais , an elegant five-star hotel on the main street of Ragusa Superiore > San Giorgio Palace , a four-star in Ibla. > B&B Orto sul Tetto , a B&B in Ibla > L’Apparthotel – self-catering apartments on the edge of Ibla, for a more independent stay.

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By boat
• 2.3 By train
• 3.1 On foot
• 3.3 By taxi
• 4.1 Ragusa Ibla
• 4.2 Ragusa Superiore

Ragusa is a city in Sicily , Italy. It's the provincial capital, with some 73,000 inhabitants (as of 2014). Along with 7 other nearby cities, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Understand [ edit ]

Ragusa was part of the Grecian colony of Sicily, and later part of the Roman Byzantine empire. After several raids, in 868 AD it fell to the Muslims, who established the Emirate of Sicily. In 1090 it came under Norman rule. The area was fertile and the city grew up in the area now called Ragusa Ibla . "Hybla" means honey, and was also the name of an ancient deity.

The town was destroyed in the terrible Sicily earthquake of 1693. Most re-building was on higher ground, with Ragusa Superiore being laid out on a grid pattern on a hillside overlooking Ibla. It was constrained to the south by a deep ravine, but eventually this was bridged, and the south bank was also urbanised. Meanwhile, Ibla was largely neglected except as a source of masonry. This meant the medieval street pattern was preserved, while palaces and churches were rebuilt there piecemeal in baroque style. Gradually this area too was re-populated, and the two townships grew into each other, being formally merged in 1927.

So for the visitor, most sights of interest, and the more pleasing ambience in spite of the many tour groups, are found in Ibla. Although it's described as the "lower town", it's actually on a hilltop, with the upper town peering down from a higher hilltop. Exploring Ragusa involves lots and lots of slopes and steps. The church on the saddle of land joining the two hills is dedicated to "the blessed souls in Purgatory": if those souls had limited mobility, it would have sufficed to send them to Ragusa.

The Tourist Information Centre [1] [dead link] is close to that church, at Piazza della Repubblica, the foot of Via Aquila Sveva, which is the lane up to Ibla. 36.926318 14.73704 1

There's another TIC in the piazza below Ragusa Superiore cathedral (St John the Baptist). This is in a 1960s concrete eyesore that defaces the entire square. In early 2018 it was partly fenced off because of falling cladding, so it would be a kindly storm that finished it off.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

Other airports, with wider connections across Europe, are Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (97 km) and Palermo International Airport (274 km).

By boat [ edit ]

The nearest seaport is Pozzallo , 34 km south, with daily fast ferries to Malta .

By train [ edit ]

Ragusa is on a branch line but six trains a day (M-Sa) go north to Gela (60-80 min, stops include Donnafugata) and south to Syracuse (two hours, stops include Modica, Scicli, Pozzallo, Ispica and Noto). From Gela there are connections to Palermo, and from Syracuse to Catania and Messina. No trains on Sunday. Trains are now modern with comfortable seats and toilets.

By bus [ edit ]

There are buses from Syracuse , Catania , Modica , Vittoria, Marina di Ragusa , Noto , Palermo (4 hr, €12), and Rome (SAIS Trasporti). A list of bus companies operating from Ragusa can be found on the municipal website [dead link] .

Local buses (e.g. to Modica and Syracuse, and the shuttle to Ibla) run from the small bus stand just below the railway station. Buy tickets on board or from tabachi .

Long-distance buses run from 36.91476 14.721208 3 Terminal Bus , Via Zama . ( updated Mar 2018 )

By car [ edit ]

From Catania take SS114 and turn for Lentini SS194. From there follow sign to Ragusa on the SS514.

From Siracusa take the motorway A18 and then the SS115.

From Agrigento/Gela follow the SS115

Get around [ edit ]

On foot [ edit ]

If you go there on foot do not follow the directions for cars but take the step streets down from Via Roma.

• AST ( Azienda Siciliana Trasporti ), via Libertà, 15 . Provides urban transport services for the city. The main urban bus terminus is the "Nodo Zama" which is next to the intercity bus station and the "Nodo Piazza del Popolo", next to the railway station. If heading towards Ibla take buses 11 and 33 (hourly to 21:00), or line 1 (on Sundays and holidays), or line 3 (at night). Bus tickets are available from various news stalls and tabachi . Day pass €2 . ( updated Mar 2018 )

By taxi [ edit ]

There is a taxi station/office at the beginning of Ragusa Ibla in Piazza della Repubblica and there are taxis at the train station in the new Ragusa.

See [ edit ]

Ragusa Ibla [ edit ]

The old city is a spectacular mix of narrow streets, steep winding steps, old churches, and fantastic views.

• 36.9264 14.74249 1 Duomo di San Giorgio , Piazza Duomo ( west side of the square ). The duomo is the heart of Ibla. The cathedral has an imposing exterior staircase. It is a jewel of baroque architecture. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• 36.92516 14.74782 2 Portale di San Giorgio , Via Normanni . All that remains of the previous (14th-century) church of San Giorgio is this bricked-up doorway, in Gothic-Catalan style. It suggests that church was a grand affair, but its scene of St George slaying the dragon is sadly eroded by the wind. Saint, horse and dragon are now cadaverous, and the damsel is beyond saving. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• 36.92583 14.74853 3 Giardini Iblei ( foot of Ibla ). Restful public gardens, half in Italian style and half in English style, with views over the valley of the Irminio. With three small medieval churches: St Jacob, St Agata, and St Vicenza which is an artspace. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• 36.926567 14.7477 4 Scavi archeologici Ibla ( Archeological Zone ), Via Giardino . Small archeological area with Hellenistic-Greek ruins of Hybla dating to the 3rd century BC and Roman ruins dating to the 4th century AD.  
• 36.925585 14.743094 8 Porta Valter , Via Valter . Ancient gate that is part of the medieval walls.  
• 36.927244 14.744312 9 Palazzo Battaglia . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 36.926644 14.737456 10 Palazzo Sortino Trono . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 36.926393 14.735871 11 Palazzo della Cancelleria . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 36.92674 14.741745 12 Palazzo La Rocca . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 36.926798 14.736507 13 Palazzo Cosentini . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 36.926181 14.744779 14 Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata , Corso XXV Aprile, 9 . The Baroque residence of the former owners of the Castle of Donnafugata. ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 36.926161 14.744194 15 [dead link] Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti ( Palazzo Arezzo-Bertini ), Corso XXV Aprile, 4 . by a prior reservation . You wouldn't guess what's inside by its modest exterior, ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 36.9264 14.74438 16 Circolo di conversazione ( Conversations club ), Piazza Duomo . by guided tours: see A Porte Aperte tours below . This rare example of Neo-Classical style in the region was built for aristocrats' social club. Amazingly enough it's still a private club. ( updated Apr 2017 )

Ragusa Superiore [ edit ]

• 36.9255 14.72884 17 Duomo San Giovanni ( Cathedral of San Giovanni ), Piazza San Giovanni, Ragusa . A grand baroque cathedral (built 1706 - 1778) with a splendid organ.  
• 36.92537 14.731861 18 Palazzo Bertini , Corso Italia . not open to the public . Baroque palace  
• 36.925385 14.730813 19 Palazzo dell'Aquila ( Town Hall ). ( updated Apr 2017 )
• 36.92442 14.731261 20 Palazzo Zacco , Via San Vito, 158 . Tu-F 08:00-14.00 15:00-19:00, Sa 09:00-13:00 15:00-19:00 . Free . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 36.926629 14.728393 21 Palazzo Vescovile Schininà . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• 36.92299 14.729034 22 Ponte dei Cappuccini ( Ponte Vecchio ), Via Traspontino, Ragusa . Old bridge (1825) linking two parts of town with a series of arches.  

Do [ edit ]

• Teatro Donnafugata , Via Pietro Novelli, 5 ( at the left side of the Palazzo Arezzo Donnafugata ). ( updated Apr 2017 )
• A Porte Aperte ( Unlocking Doors ), Corso XXV aprile/Via Pietro Novelli ( ticket office at the theatre of Donnafugata, next to the Circolo di Conversazione ), ☏ +39 366 319 4177 , [email protected] . W-Su 11:30, 12:30, 14:30, 15:30 . Guided tours to the Circolo di Conversazione, the theatre of Donnafugata and the garden of Palazzo Arezzo-Bertini. Approx. 50 min, in Italian/English. €10 prior booking by phone or email . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• There is a project to convert the old railway-line running north past Chiaramonte Gulfi and to Vizzini (the track is already gone) into a bicycle-track.

Events [ edit ]

• Ibla Buskers , on the streets of Ragusa Ibla . Every year for one week in October the streets of Ibla get populated by street-artists from all over the world.  
• Ibla Grand Prize . Musical-Piano competition with musicians from all over the world. Concerts in the Piazzas of Ibla. June - July.  
• Melodica . Piano concerts in the churches of Ragusa. May till November.  
• Festival Organistico .  
• Estate Iblea , Ragusa and Marina di Ragusa .  

Religious events

• Festa di San Giovanni , Piazza San Giovanni, Ragusa .  
• Festa di San Giorgio , Piazza Duomo, Ragusa Ibla .  
• Maria SS di Porto Salvo , Marina di Ragusa . procession with the statue of the Virgin Mary sailing on a boat in front of Marina di Ragusa. August.  

Buy [ edit ]

High-streets

• The main are Via Roma and Corso Italia.
• For souvenirs and typical Sicilian products the Via XXV Aprile in Ragusa Ibla has many shops with all the gadgets you want to buy in Sicily and take back home.

Shopping centres . There are two in Ragusa:

• Centro Commerciale Ibleo - Ipercoop , Viale delle Americhe, SP.52, Ragusa . Shopping centre.  
• Le Massarie , Via A Grandi, Ragusa ( on the road for Marina di Ragusa ). Shopping centre.  

There is a market M-Sa, but it moves between quarters of Ragusa. The main market is on Wednesdays next to the football stadium 'A. Campo' in Selvaggio quarter.

• Mondays .  
• Tuesday .  
• Wednesdays , Contrada Selvaggio . Main market of Ragusa, next to the football stadium. ( updated Apr 2024 )
• Thursdays , Via A. De Gasperi. . Market, off Viale Europa.  
• Fridays , Piazza Tamanaco . Location: off Via Archimede.  
• Saturdays , Via P.S. Mattarella. . Location: at the end of Viale Napoleone Colajanni.  

Eat [ edit ]

• 36.926076 14.744428 1 Ai Lumi , Corso 25 Aprile, 16 ( one block downhill from Doumo in R Ibla ), ☏ +39 0932 621 224 . M-Sa 12:00-15:00, 19:00-22:00 . Good simple menu, quality uneven. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• 36.926893 14.744068 2 La Bettola , Largo Camerina 7, Ragusa Ibla ( from Duomo follow Conte Cabrera, turn right ), ☏ +39 0932 653 394 . W-Su 13:30-14:30 & 19:30-22:00; Tu 19:30-22:00 . Good Sicilian home cooking. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• 36.927223 14.744562 3 [dead link] Cucina & Vino , Via Orfanotrofio, 91 Ragusa Ibla , ☏ +39 0932 686 447 . Daily 12:00-15:00, 19:30-23:00 . Good economical Sicilian cooking. Fast food it's not, so relax and enjoy. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• [dead link] U Saracinu Ristorante , Via Convento, 9 Ragusa Ibla ( one block below Piazza Duomo ), ☏ +39 0932 246 976 . Restaurant & pizzeria, friendly staff, mixed reviews for quality of food. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• Duomo Ristorante , Via Capitano Bocchieri 31, R Ibla ( just W of Piazza Duomo ), ☏ +30 0932 651 265 . Tu-Sa 12:30-14:00, 19:30-23:30; M 19:30-23:30 . Upmarket restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, booking essential. ( updated Mar 2018 )
• Quattro Gatti , Via Valverde 95 ( opposite Ibla Gardens ), ☏ +39 0932 245 612 . M-Sa 20:00-23:30 . Sicilian cuisine with a Slovakian twist. ( updated Mar 2018 )

Drink [ edit ]

Most pubs are in Ragusa Ibla (old town) or in Marina di Ragusa (sea-town).

• Puglesi , Via Dante 94, +39 0932 686046. Bar at the bus stop, open late.

Sleep [ edit ]

In Ragusa there are several hotels and many B&Bs. Out of town there is a good selection of agriturismi.

• [dead link] B&B Il Giardino dei Sospiri , Via dei Sospiri, 24 ( at foot of R Ibla near Piazza Chiaramonte and gardens ), ☏ +39 0932 651 418 , [email protected] . Charming B&B with garden €24-40 . ( updated Mar 2018 )
• Terra del sole Ibla B&B , Corso Giuseppe Mazzini 218b ( on saddle of hill between R Ibla and R Superiore: take bus 11 ), ☏ +39 333 682 1202 , [email protected] . Rooms with bathroom, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, good breakfast (included), beautiful view. A few free parking spaces in front of the B&B. single €35, double €55 . ( updated Mar 2018 )
• Locanda Don Serafino , Via XI Febbrao, 15 ( north slope of R Ibla near saddle of hill ), ☏ +39 0932 220 065 , [email protected] . Boutique 4-star mansion with 10 rooms with AC, bathroom, TV, safe, in-room internet connections. Also has a restaurant. €130 for a standard room . ( updated Mar 2018 )
• Sanvito Hostel , Via San Vito 176, 97100 Ragusa (Italy) , ☏ +39 345 723 9849 . Hostel, shared rooms. €20 . ( updated Sep 2018 )

Go next [ edit ]

• 36.783382 14.554503 6 Marina di Ragusa . Enjoy beaches with fine sand, clear blue water and beach volleyball.  
• The other baroque towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites are Modica 15 km, Scicli 25 km, Noto 55 km, Caltagirone 59 km, Piazza Armerina 88 km, and Pantalica 54 km. Modica is the most substantial.
• Syracuse is a must-see.

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Barocco e Neobarocco, segni contemporanei per uno stile che torna a essere tendenza

di Patrizia Piccinini

Il Barocco non è solo uno dei più affascinanti capitoli della storia dell'arte, ma un linguaggio estetico vibrante e attuale che continua a ispirare e sorprendere. E che sa raccontarsi ogni giorno perché è assolutamente contemporaneo e parla dell’oggi. Ma senza alcuna nostalgia, perché questo sentire è molto più profondo e vive della sua eterna dicotomia con tutto ciò che è definito classico. E si reinventa costantemente, adattandosi alle sfide e alle opportunità del presente in una costante ricerca e voglia di sperimentazione. Una festa dell'immaginazione, un racconto a più voci che ogni anno si rinnova e che inade di utopie quel gioiello barocco, dichiarato patrimonio UNESCO che è Ragusa Ibla. Il Festival, Barocco e Neobarocco , giunto oramai alla sua quarta edizione, nel 2024 ha deciso di giocare di anticipo, e la tre giorni di inaugurazioni e conferenze da settembre viene spostata al 31 maggio, 1 e 2 giugno (le installazioni nei palazzi barocchi saranno visitabili fino al 28 giugno). Un format sempre più ricco che animerà ancora una volta quei vicoli stretti che si aprono su piazze dalla bellezza teatrale, dove chiese barocche, conventi e residenze aristocratiche riportano alla mente tradizioni, vecchi fasti e atmosfere cariche di charme. I mascheroni, testimoni silenziosi dei secoli trascorsi, adornano i balconi e esaltano la grandiosità degli imponenti portali. Qui, i prestigiosi palazzi Nicastro, Cosentini e La Rocca, custodi del Patrimonio dell'Unesco, si uniscono al Teatro di Donnafugata - il più piccolo d'Italia - alla ex Chiesa San Vincenzo Ferreri e all'Antico Convento , creando il palcoscenico ideale per una rilettura del barocco attraverso design, pittura, fotografia e moda. Il maestro di cerimonia rimane costantemente lo stesso: l'architetto Roberto Semprini, affiancato dalla preziosa collaborazione di Cristina Morozzi. Ogni anno, conduce discussioni e raccoglie opinioni su temi avvincenti, come il Neobarocco. Studenti provenienti dalle Accademie di Belle Arti di Brera e Catania, insieme a quelli dell'Università della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, unitamente agli artisti emergenti del Liceo Artistico di Ragusa, presenteranno i loro progetti innovativi. Aziende di design locali e internazionali collaboreranno con designer siciliani per creare nuovi oggetti ispirati al tema neobarocco.

Partecipazioni internazionali, il festival è sempre più ricco

Per la prima volta sulla scena siciliana, Nigel Coates, Londra Architect, Designer and Royal Academician, debutta con Baroccabilly : una serie unica di alcuni pezzi, tra mobili e lampade, che mescolano l'aria Barocca con l'anima ribelle del rockabilly.

di Annabelle Dufraigne

di Fiona Bornhöft

Scolpito a mano da un artigiano italiano, il tavolo Wings di Nigel Coates fonde la tradizione e la modernità, il formale e l'astratto. In edizione di 12 esemplari.

E poi, il festival presenta: Dario Ghibaudo, artista milanese, che trasforma materiali eterogenei in sculture dalle curve sensuali, evocando lo stupore con un’estetica decisamente neo-barocca e Roberto Semprini, architetto e Direttore Artistico del festival e del corso di Design di Brera, che in collaborazione con ViaTov, propone Baroque Mirror, una collezione di specchi che reinterpretano in modo contemporaneo quello stile che ha reso famosa la Val di Noto, con un gioco di meraviglia e decorazioni eccessive.

Sculture che abbattono i confini tra realtà e fantasia: l'opra Fenis virginalis di Dario Ghibaudo.

Lo specchio Medusa creato da Roberto Semprini per Viatov.

All'interno di Palazzo Cosentini, ninefifty presenterà Baroque Domus architetture domestiche su cerchi di pietra lavica maiolicata progettata da Roberto Semprini.

Ma le new entry non finiscono qui: l’architetto milanese Maurizio Favetta sarà presente nella grande sala d'ingresso del piano nobile del Palazzo, con Beauty Baroque , un allestimento di grande effetto scenografico che utilizza elementi decorativi tridimensionali per stupire, coinvolgere e affascinare chiunque entri.

Beauty Baroque di Maurizio Favetta una scenografia di elementi decorativi di elementi decorativi tridimensionali in collaborazione con Slalom, FG Art and design e Malegno.

Non solo design e arte: Alessandro Enriquez, una mostra e un pop up store

Lo spirito Neobarocco “sale” anche in passerella e lo fa con lo stile e la classe del giovane stilista Alessandro Enriquez , che torna nella sua regione d’origine per mostrare la sua ultima collezione ricca di colore, fantasia e creatività n el suggestivo scenario dell'ex chiesa di San Vincenzo Ferreri che sorge vicino all’ingresso dei Giardini Iblei. Un magico angolo di verde, che sarà anche il palcoscenico ideale della cena Neobarocca all’Antico Convento - l’unica struttura ricettiva all’interno del famoso parco barocco - dove il designer, nella veste di cerimoniere, organizzerà un momento speciale per i suoi ospiti insieme ai giovani gestori della struttura.  Sempre in città, e precisamente in via Roma 200, all’interno dello storico negozio Rainbow verrà allestito per il periodo estivo un pop up store con la collezione spring summer 2024 firmata Enriquez.

Lo stilista Alessandro Enriquez, mostrerà la sua ultima collezione nel suggestivo scenario dell'ex chiesa di San Vincenzo Ferreri.

Un percorso di luci e suoni: l’installazione di Sara Ricciardi e le performance teatrali della Polifonica Cantus Novo

Nelle sale di Palazzo Nicastro, uno dei più bei palazzi barocchi della Sicilia e in parte ancora in fase di restauro, interverrà l' architetto Angelo Sanzone con un allestimento di lighting design di grande suggestione dal titolo Analogic Light .

Nelle sale di Palazzo Nicastro, l'architetto Angelo Sanzone con un allestimento di lighting design di grande suggestione dal titolo Analogic Light .

Ancora i giochi i luce di Angelo Sanzone per la sua mostra Analogic Light .

Nella hall il pubblico verrà accolto da u n grande divano centrale fumante dal titolo emblematico, O Vulcano di Giovannetti Collezioni, un omaggio dell’architetto Roberto Semprini all’Etna .

Il grande divano centrale fumante dal titolo emblematico, O Vulcano di Giovannetti Collezioni, un omaggio dell’architetto Roberto Semprini all’Etna.

Sara Ricciardi , dopo il successo all’ultima edizione del Salone del mobile, porta al Castello di Donna Fugata la sua performance Under the Willow Tre , a cura delle 5VIE di Milano , che invia a entrare tra le fronde sonore di un salice piangente, realizzate con antiche passamanerie e attivate dal movimento dei passanti, per sottolineante quanto nel movimento facciamo tutti parte di un unico paesaggio. Diverse le performance teatrali e musicali fra le quali spicca il Coro Polifonica Cantus Novo , diretto dal Maestro Giovanni Giaquinta con un repertorio assai ecclettico che va da Vivaldi ai Pooh.

Le fronde sonore di un salice piangente, realizzate con antiche passamanerie e attivate dal movimento dei passanti, Sara Ricciardi, porta al Castello di Donna Fugata la sua performance Under the Willow Tre , a cura delle 5VIE.

Al Castello di Donna Fugata Under the Willow Tre di Sara Ricciardi Studio a cura delle 5VIE.

Spunti di discussione da segnare in agenda

Il calendario delle conferenze è fitto di nomi illustri, per citarne alcuni, Gilda Bojardi direttore di INTERNI, Cristina Morozzi giornalista e critica di design, che interverrano in Piazza Pola a Ibla, mentre al Castello di Donnafugata, Salvatore Silvano Nigro, critico letterario, scrittore e saggista presenterà Il Principe Fulvo , un saggio scritto in stile romanzesco, sulla vita e opere di Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa . Gianni Canova critico cinematografico e Rettore dello IULM, lo affiancherà accennando anche al suo libro Palpebre , che è a suo modo un viaggio Barocco nell’inferno e nel corpo.

Vis à vis , faccia a faccia il B2B Sofà progettato da Giuseppe Campailla.

di Marilena Pitino , Elena Dallorso e Alessandra Pellegrino

di Micol Passariello e Elena Dallorso

di Nathalie Meier-Scupin

di Gala Mora