Ragusa is a beautiful and unique historical town in Sicily. Located on a hilltop, it's famous for its unusual geographical layout and stunning Sicilian Baroque architecture. Discover The 10 Best Things To Do in Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore!
About Ragusa
- Ragusa is located in Val di Noto, a historical area in southeastern Sicily, Italy.
- Ragusa is situated on a hilltop, by the Hyblaean Mountains.
- Ragusa is divided into two towns: Ragusa Ibla (lower old town) and Ragusa Superiore (upper town). These two parts of Ragusa are separated by a deep ravine crossed by 4 bridges.
- Eight towns of Val di Noto area are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their unique Baroque architecture. These towns are Ragusa, Noto, Modica, Catania, Militello in Val di Catania, Scicli, Caltagirone, and Palazzolo Acreide.
10 Best Things To Do in Ragusa
Ragusa is known for its traditional Sicilian Baroque architecture. It's a beautiful town with a unique layout. Ragusa is divided into two towns: Ragusa Ibla (lower old town) and Ragusa Superiore (upper town). These two parts of Ragusa are separated by a deep ravine. You can walk between the two parts of town and observe stunning views of Ragusa Ibla from above.
1. Cathedral of San Giorgio
The Cathedral of San Giorgio also called the Duomo of San Giorgio is a stunning Baroque church in Ragusa Ibla (lower old town). It was built in the 18th century. The facade of the church is a great example of Sicilian Baroque architecture and one of the reasons why Ragusa is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Baroque art.
There are 250 steps in front of the Cathedral. The church is topped by a large beautiful dome built in 1820. The dome is visible from many points in Ragusa.
The interior of the Cathedral is equally stunning.
2. Church of Santa Maria delle Scale
The Church of Santa Maria delle Scale is a church located between Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore, on a winding street connecting the two parts of the city. It's especially well visible when you walk down the stairs from Ragusa Superiore to Ragusa Ibla. In fact, Santa Maria delle Scale is translated as "St. Mary of the Stairs", since the church is located along the stairway.
The church was built in Gothic style by Cistercian monks in the 13th century. In the 18th century, the church was enlarged and rebuilt in Baroque style.
3. San Giuseppe Church
The church of San Giuseppe is located in Ragusa Ibla (lower old town) and it's notable for its exceptionally stunning Baroque facade.
The church was built in the 18th century. The facade of the church is decorated with statues of Saints of the Benedictine orders.
4. The Church of the Souls of the Purgatory
The Chiesa del Purgatorio (translated as the Church of the Souls of the Purgatory) is located in Ragusa Ibla, a lower and older part of Ragusa. The church features a beautiful Baroque facade.
The church dates back to the 17th century.
5. Santa Maria dell' Itria
Santa Maria dell' Itria is another Baroque church in Ragusa Ibla. The church was built in 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.
6. San Filippo Neri
The church of San Filippo Neri was built in the 17th century. The church is another example of Baroque architecture in Ragusa Ibla.
7. Chiesa di Sant'Antonino
The church of Sant'Antonino was built in Norman architectural style.
8. Ragusa Cathedral
Ragusa Cathedral is located in the upper part of Ragusa, in Ragusa Superiore. The church is also called 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.
The facade of the church is done in a traditional Sicilian Baroque style.
The interior of the church was decorated in the 19th and 20th centuries.
9. Streets connecting Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore
Narrow winding streets and staircases connect two parts of Ragusa: Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore. Taking a walk from Ragusa Superiore down to Ragusa Ibla opens up the most breathtaking views of Ragusa Ibla.
You can see pretty much the whole town of Ragusa Ibla from that staircase. The views are amazing.
10. View of Ragusa Ibla at night
Ragusa Ibla looks majestic at night as seen from the winding streets and staircase path from Ragusa Superiore. The views are breathtaking, especially at night.
Where to stay in Ragusa
There are 2 options to consider in choosing your hotel in Ragusa. You can stay either right in Ragusa within walking distance to all the attractions, or you can stay further away, in the Sicilian countryside, and make a day trip or two to Ragusa.
1. Stay in the center of Ragusa
If you want to be right in the center of Ragusa, within walking distance to all of the major landmarks and sights, then stay at Relais Antica Badia Hotel in the center of Ragusa Superiore. The hotel is beautifully designed, set in a grand 18th-century villa. The interior is decorated with antique furniture.
The hotel is located across the street from Ragusa Cathedral. To get to Ragusa Ibla, just walk down a staircase pathway that connects Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla. No need to drive a car.
2. Stay in the Sicilian countryside
If you want to stay in a resort-like setting on a vast property in a Sicilian countryside but still be a short car drive away from Ragusa, then stay at Masseria della Volpe.
Masseria della Volpe is a stunning resort in Sicily, Italy. Located in Val di Noto area of Sicily, this hotel is set in the beautiful Sicilian countryside. The location is strategically close to many historical Sicilian cities, such as Noto, Modica, and Ragusa.
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