The history of Ragusa
Originally founded during the time of the ancient Siculus, Ragusa was greatly influenced by Norman and Arab rule. However, it was not until the 17th century that the city became truly important. In 1693, a devastating earthquake struck southeastern Sicily, virtually leveling Ragusa. While most cities would have struggled to recover from such a disaster, Ragusa showed its strength by rebuilding the city in a grandiose Baroque style.
This rebuilding process split Ragusa in two. Ragusa Superiore, located on the upper hill, is the more modern and planned part of the city. On the other hand, Ragusa Ibla, built on the ruins of the original town, remained faithful to the old traditions and Baroque elements. This double heart of the city remains to this day one of the biggest attractions for visitors.
UNESCO Baroque monument
Ragusa Ibla, the older part of the city, is particularly fascinating. It is a tangle of narrow streets, staircases, ancient houses and magnificent churches. Thanks to its rich Baroque architecture, the town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002, along with other towns in the Val di Noto area.
One of the most important examples of Baroque architecture is the Duomo di San Giorgio. Its façade, decorated with columns and statues, is the masterpiece of the famous architect Rosario Gagliardi. Inside the cathedral you will find magnificent frescoes and altars that show the richness and artistic skill of the time.
Culture and tradition
Ragusa is not just about history and architecture. It is a lively city where tradition and culture still play an important role. Every year, several festivals are held here to revive ancient traditions. One of the most important is the Festa di San Giorgio, during which a procession is held in the streets in honour of the city's patron saint. This festival is full of music, dance and religious ceremonies.
Natural beauty and local cuisine
The area around Ragusa offers beautiful nature, from olive groves and vineyards to beautiful beaches and natural parks. The town is also a great base for exploring other Sicilian treasures such as the towns of Modica and Scicli, which are also famous for their Baroque architecture.
Sicily is famous for its cuisine, and Ragusa is no exception. Traditional Sicilian dishes such as arancini (stuffed fried rice balls), caponata (an eggplant dish) or the world-famous cannoli are an essential part of a visit to this region. In addition, the Ragusa area is famous for the production of Caciocavallo Ragusano, a traditional cheese that is one of the oldest in Italy and a great example of local production.
Ragusa today: a modern tourist paradise
Ragusa today offers a fascinating mix of history and modern life. The town attracts with its monuments, cultural events, gastronomy and beautiful nature. Whether you're strolling the ancient streets of Ragusa Ibla or admiring the panoramic views from the Ragusa Superiore lookout, this city will not disappoint.
To visit Ragusa is to travel back in time, to an era when architecture was an art and every street carried the story of its original inhabitants. But it's also a place where you can experience contemporary Sicily - vibrant, authentic and full of passion. Ragusa is one of those places that you simply must see!
