Summary
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, while the other half renovated the old town. Ibla, the lower town, is accessed 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
Ragusa is home to 18 UNESCO monuments, with five located in the Upper Town and the rest situated in Ibla. Many of the buildings boast ornate Baroque style. Be sure to look up at the balconies and intricate figures above.
The spectacular Baroque Duomo di San Giorgio sits in the center of Ibla, behind a large piazza where several cafes, shops, and Gelati Divini can be found, known for its wine-infused ice cream. Ibla features 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. Notable Baroque buildings in Ibla include Palazzo della Cancelleria, Palazzo Cosentini, Palazzo Sortino Trono, Palazzo La Rocca, and Palazzo Battaglia.
At the far end of Ibla is a large, picturesque park with stunning views from the edge. Buses conveniently stop in front of the park, and there’s a small parking lot adjacent to it.
Along the southeast cliffs of Ibla lie Bronze Age necropolis or cemeteries that can be seen from the road leading to Modica.
The Upper Town hosts San Giovanni Cathedral, which dates back to 1706 and is situated in a large piazza off Corso Italia. Here, you will find three Baroque buildings—Palazzo Vescovile, Palazzo Zacco, and Palazzo Bertini. Additionally, the small Church of Santa Maria delle Scale, originally from 1080, is located just at the top of the stairs descending to Ibla.
The Ibleo Archaeological Museum, found in the Upper Town, features displays from archaeological digs throughout the province, encompassing materials from prehistoric to late Roman settlements.
Via Roma, positioned in the Upper Town, is a bustling shopping street featuring several bars and restaurants, allowing visitors to indulge in local flavors.
Location
Ragusa is situated in the Val di Noto of southeastern Sicily, approximately 56 miles (90 kilometers) from Catania. Marina di Ragusa, a well-developed resort complete with beaches, lies about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the town. Furthermore, Modica, another UNESCO Baroque town, is situated about five miles (eight kilometers) to the south. Consequently, Ragusa can be easily visited as a day trip from the city of Siracusa, located to the east.
Transportation
The closest airport is Catania, Sicily. From the airport, there are frequent connections via ETNA Transporti coaches. Train service operates on the Catania—Siracusa—Ragusa rail line, with the station located in the center of the Upper Town. Buses to nearby towns depart from Piazza Stazione, while a local bus connects Corso Italia, the main street of the Upper Town, with Ibla.
Tourist Information
Tourist information is readily available in the Upper Town, located in Piazza San Giovanni by the cathedral. The Ibla tourist information point is found on Piazza Repubblica, providing essential resources for visitors.
Where to Stay
Ragusa offers a variety of hotels in both the Upper and Lower Towns. Recommended accommodations in the Upper Town include the 5-star Antica Badia Relais and, near the train station, the modern 4-star Mediterraneo Palace.
Staying in Ibla is advisable to avoid the uphill walk back to the Upper Town and to be closer to restaurants and significant monuments. The Hotel Il Barocco is a comfortable 3-star option located in the heart of Ibla. For those seeking a boutique experience, San Giorgio Palace offers 4-star accommodations, while Locanda Don Serafino, also a 4-star hotel, is a charming place that’s part of the Relais & Chateaux hotel group. Additionally, several bed and breakfast inns are scattered throughout Ibla, including the friendly and cozy Bed & Breakfast L’Orto sul Tetto.
Where to Eat
For authentic dining experiences, Ibla boasts numerous excellent restaurant choices where you can enjoy affordable meals. Locanda Don Serafino is particularly noteworthy, featuring a high-end restaurant with 2 Michelin stars and a creative menu paired with an outstanding wine cellar. In the Upper Town, you can enjoy good, inexpensive meals at Al Bocconcino, which serves typical food of Ragusa.
Piazza Duomo in Ibla presents a lovely setting for a coffee or a light snack. Ice cream enthusiasts should not miss out on Gelati Divini, known for its outstanding ice cream made from wines.
