Ragusa Ibla what to see in the baroque jewel UNESCO heritage, complete guide to 10 places not to be missed, hotels and restaurants.
It is considered the capital of Sicilian baroque, and already this is a good reason to visit Ibla Ragusa, city PUnesco, atrimony that reveals an authentic treasure chest. The old town, in a dominant position on a hill, welcomes us with over fifty churches and numerous noble palaces, in which the rich Baroque architecture in limestone local stone takes on the form of volutes, empty and full, columns and capitals, statues and decorations of various kinds.
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Ibla Ragusa What to see
The historic centre of Ragusa Ibla is located on the site of the ancient city of Hybla, which became in the Greek era Hybla Heraia. Well, there's nothing left. However, of the original nucleus, largely destroyed from a devastating earthquake that in 1693 Hit the Eastern Sicily. Ragusa was then rebuilt in two separate sites: Ragusa Superiore, the modern city, rises in fact in the plain, while Ragusa Ibla was rebuilt in baroque style on the ruins of the ancient city sicula on the hill and for its great historical and architectural value, together with other municipalities of the ancient Val di Noto, has been declared UNESCO World Heritage Site as "representing the culmination and final flowering of Baroque art in Europe".
With his labyrinth of narrow streets and pretty squares overlooking churches and palacespherozosis, today Ragusa Ibla is one of the most fascinating places in Sicily, which has its heart in the scenic Piazza Duomo, where to sit and enjoy a granite or a glass of Sicilian wine, before discover this Sicilian jewel.
Church of San Giorgio
At the end of Piazza del Duomo, uthe monumental staircase that precedes the church of San Giorgio, Baroque masterpiece ibleo built between 1744 and 1775 on project of Rosario Gagliardi. It is one of his most representative works, considered, along with the church of San Giorgio in the nearby Modica, the emblem of Sicilian baroque architecture.
The majestic dominance of the monumental staircase with a convex facade opens the main portal lined with three pillars on each side, which continue to the upper floor, from which the bell tower richly sculpted rises towards the sky.
The central part is surmounted by a dome, later added in 1820, higher than 40 meters and supported by 16 double columns. Inside three aisles you can admire numerous works of art, including an altarpiece from the 18th century of Vito d’Anna.
Devotion to San Giorgio was introduced by the Normans and if you happen to find yourself in Ragusa Ibla on the last Sunday of May do not miss the feast in honor of the patron of the city, with the procession through the streets of Ibla of the equestrian statue of the saint knight who defeated the dragon, carried to shoulder by the faithful and followed by a crowd of devotees.
For the occasion the church is decorated with banners, flowers and lights and the statue of the saint is placed in the center of the church for the veneration of the faithful.
St. John's Cathedral
The imposing Baroque façade ibleo with statues and three portals of the Cathedral dominates the large St. John Square, which takes the name of the saint to whom the church is dedicated.
Built for most of the 18th century, it has a Latin cross plant and boasts valuable chapels decorated with stucco decorated in golden roco style and polychrome marble statues.
Also the columns that divide the side aisles are embellished with golden decorations, while in the back there is a beautiful baroque presbytery.
At the end of August, the solemn celebrations begin from the cathedral in honor of the patron with the Procession of waxes followed by the statue of the saint preceded by the Holy Ark.
Church of Santa Maria dell’Itria
Looking at the view of Ragusa Ibla you can not miss the bell tower with the cobalt blue dome of the church of Santa Maria dell’Itria, which rises in the old Jewish quarter of the city. Founded in the 14th century by the Knights of Malta, it is characterized by portals sculpted with floral motifs, even in the oldest of the five interior altars in the side aisles, where garlands of flowers and fruits decorate the spiral columns.
Church of the Holy Souls of Purgatory
A wide staircase leads to the entrance of the Baroque church of the Souls of Purgatory, sculpted with plant motifs and surmounted by bas-reliefs representing the souls of Purgatory.
In the interior stands the main altar of polychrome marble from the end of the eighteenth century, but the attention is struck by the great painting of saints and souls in the Purgatory of Francesco Manno and the sculptures of skulls with the symbols of ecclesiastical and secular power, understood as a warning of earthly transience.
Palaces of Ragusa Ibla
Of the 18 monuments of Ragusa Ibla recognized by UNESCO there are also 8 noble palaces belonging to the familiesand more in view of the city. You will surely notice them walking through the streets of the old town, also because many are characterized by the typical carved shelves that hold large balconies.
Particular attention deserves Palazzo Cosentini: built in the 18th century, it is characterized by balconies carved with allegorical figures. The Bertini Palace is instead famous for the three masks present in the vaults of the windows, three heads representing typical figures of the Baroque age: a beggar, a merchant and a nobleman.
Then there are the palaces Zacco, Schininà, Sortino-Trono, Nicastro, Battaglia and La Rocca. Do not miss a stop at the Conversation Circle in Piazza Duomo, even if it is not part of the World Heritage sites. It is a neoclassical building designed by the city aristocracy in the mid-nineteenth century as a meeting place and to spend leisure away from the crowd, recently made famous by the TV series of commissioner Montalbano.
Garden Ibleo
In a quiet and panoramic position, with a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains, the Garden Ibleo is the ideal place to take refuge in search of peace and care in the shadow of palms and pines.
One of the few green oasis of the city, It contains the churches of San Giorgio Vecchio, the Capuccini and San Domenico, recognizable by the maiolicato bell tower.
Near the garden is the Portale di San Giorgio, which remains of an ancient Gothic church in the 13th century, embellished by a sculpture of St. George who kills the dragon.
Santa Maria delle Scale
One of the most famous churches, Santa Maria delle Scale is located in a magnificent position in Ragusa Superiore, on a square from which you can admire one of the most spectacular views of the historic center Ragusa Ibla.
It is located at the bottom Corso Italia, at the top of an imposing staircase of 242 steps, from which it takes its name, which leads to the historical center and for this it represents an excellent starting point for the visit. First, however, do not miss the opportunity to enter this church of Norman origin, but rebuilt in the eighteenth century, after the earthquake, which preserves parts of the ancient late Gothic building of the fifteenth century, such as the bell tower and, inside, a kind of portal from which is accessed a lateral chapel. The church has three naves and houses the "Morte della Vergine", a polychrome terracotta bas-relief of the Gagini school (XVI century).
Church of San Giuseppe
The curved facade of the church of St. Joseph recalls that of the church of St. George, in fact it was designed by the same architect Rosario Gagliardi.
The statues of four saints crown the portal and other figures of saints camp in the upper window with the richly decorated front.
The elliptical interior is no less, with frescoes, paintings and five stone altars embellished with stained glass windows, in one of which is the silver statue of St. Joseph of the 16th century.
Cava Santa Sunday
The Cava Santa Sunday (or Cava Grande) is the deep valley that separates Ragusa Ibla from Ragusa Superiore. Invaded by a lush nature, it is the destination of walks and excursions in the green, along the paths once used to reach gardens and gardens, irrigated by a water course that flowed abundantly on the bottom. You can still see the remains of ancient mills and rock tombs of the Byzantine era.
Castle of Donnafugata
In the countryside about twenty kilometers from Ragusa, the Castle of Donnafugata deserves a visit if you love the cat-pardesque atmospheres that bring back to the splendour of the ancient Sicilian nobility.
The villa is a baronal residence with over a hundred rooms, among rooms, living rooms, galleries and libraries that preserve stunning furnishings, tents, damasks and culminate in the Salone degli Specchi, which was the scene of who knows how many parties and receptions.
After visiting the castle halls, take the time for a walk in the nineteenth-century park, where in over 1500 species of plants and trees you will also discover a fascinating maze.
Hotels and B&B Ragusa Ibla
San Giorgio Palace Hotel
Set on the rib ibleo, inside a 19th century palace, between the church of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and the Convent of Jesus is the San Giorgio Palace Hotel, overlooking the picturesque valley Santa Domenica, great base to discover the city and the surroundings.
Originally built by the Bertini family who chose this place for the quiet location and the lush surrounding nature, the building was renovated in 2010 and brought to the original glory thanks to respect for the structure and original materials. The rooms at San Giorgio Palace Hotel are elegantly decorated in warm colors typical of the area and are all overlooking the valley.
Locanda Don Serafino
Housed in a historic building of the 800, Locanda Don Serafino will surprise you with a unique architecture. The exposed stone structure, with a staircase dating back to the 14th century, gives rooms and common spaces an undeniable charm, enhanced by contrast with a contemporary and minimalist decor.
Locanda Don Serafino’s true flagship is the restaurant, awarded with two Michelin stars: here local and authentic flavors of the Ragusana and Sicilian tradition find the highest expression thanks to Chef Vincenzo Candiano, who carefully selects the best raw materials from local producers.
Villa del Lauro
Among the picturesque alleys that make up the ancient historic center of Ragusa Iblah, in tune with the magical atmospheres that focus among the churches and noble palaces, stands Villa del Lauro, a charming example of 19th century civil architecture restored to its original beauty thanks to an accurate restoration in respect of the structure and the original materials.
Of great charm are also the rooms inside, the beautiful halls, framed by refined frescoes of fine craftsmanship and furnished with style and attention to detail. Aelegant swimming pool on two levels finds the perfect setting in Italian garden of colorful botanical species that you thea abode.
De Stefano Palace Luxury Hotel
Always in the center of Ragusa, it stands out this beautiful 19th century building converted to hospitality since 2008. The sober and elegant taste and the untouched originality of the architectural elements characterize the 27 rooms and common environments, embellished with geometric motifs of Ragusan stone and white stone of Comiso, from times to barrels and exposed stone frames.
The wellness centre has of indoor pool with salt water, chairs with water jets and water games, steam bath, herbal teas, relaxation area and massage room.
Poggio del Sole Resort
Immersed in the bright countryside of Ragusana, between the city and the sea, Poggio del Sole Resort is a lively combination of contemporary style and traditional architectures. What were once an elegant mansion, the warehouse of the derrates, the large stables and the stables, after a careful and modern revisitation, have today left the place to a charming resort.
A gourmet restaurant, an informal restaurant with pizzeria, a lounge bar, three banqueting rooms, meetings and events make up the refreshment offer of Poggio del Sole Resort, who sees the head Chef Dario Di Liberto.
Villa Carlotta
Set in an ancient farm of 1800 a 2 km from center of Ragusa, Villa Carlotta merging typical characteristics of rural architecture with design Mediterranean and I do. minimal style of environments. A place suggestivor and envelopingand, with 25 comfortable and elegant rooms, ideal for stays of peace and relaxation, completed by apool area surrounded by the park.
