Posted by: Debra Kolkka | July 31, 2016

Ragusa

Ragusa is the third of the  Baroque towns we visited in Sicily.

Ragusa

It is built on a wide limestone hill between 2 deep valleys. The 1693 earthquake killed  5,000 inhabitants and destroyed much of the town.

It was rebuilt with several Baroque buildings scattered through the new town. There are 2 districts, the higher area and the older, lower Ragusa Ibla, where we stayed.

It is a perfect town to wander in. The narrow streets are full of fascinating buildings.

Ragusa

Ragusa

Ragusa

You must remember to look up at the balconies with their interesting decoration.

Ragusa

Ragusa

Stone walls seem to crawl like caterpillars on the surrounding hills.

Ragusa

Ragusa

The main piazza is dominated by the huge church.

Ragusa

Ragusa

Ragusa

Ragusa

The photo below is a photo of a photo, I don’t have a drone to take photos from this angle.

Ragusa

 

At the Botton of the town is a beautiful park with its own churches, Giardino Ibleo.

Ragusa

Ragusa

Ragusa

We stayed at Iblaresort hotel. It was well placed on the main street. The room was extremely comfortable and there was a lovely terrace at the top of the hotel where we enjoyed aperitivo.

There were great views from the balcony as the sun faded from the sky.

Ragusa

Ragusa

The next morning we were up early to be on our way, but not before breakfast in the tiny common area.

Ragusa

Because we were in Sicily it seemed perfectly normal to have cannoli and pastries for breakfast.

Ragusa

Ragusa

It was a bit cool to sit on the balcony.

Ragusa

…just one last look at the view from the breakfast room.

Ragusa

Ragusa is an interesting place to stay. It seemed to have few tourists. The piazza was full of locals of all ages enjoying some gorgeous spring weather. There are inviting shops and cafes and some excellent restaurants…we will have to stay longer next time and try them all.

Some of the Montalbano episodes were filmed here…must go back and watch again.


Responses

  1. What are the three baroque towns in Sicily Noto, Ragusa and ?

    • Scicli, the subject of my previous post, is also known for its Baroque buildings. There is also Modica, but we didn’t get there on this trip. There are probably others because of the rebuilding after the 1693 earthquake.

  2. We hope to go to Sicily next year, thank you for this information.It looks like a lovely town. Great photos.

    • Ragusa was great, and don’t forget Scicli.

  3. I loved Ragusa. Your picks are making me want to return.

    • We liked it a lot. We could have spent much more time there.

  4. I’ve had some friends complain about “dirtiness” in Sicily. What’s your take on that comment? Your photos certainly show beautiful places…have you run into a lot a trash? Wouldn’t stop me from going though. I am fascinated by Sicily.

    • We drove through a few industrial towns that were not beautiful. We didn’t see any more “dirtiness” than we have seen in other places. Sicily was much more beautiful than we expected. The landscape is dramatic and in April, when we were there, the countryside was green and lush. We will return.

  5. Wow! absolutely beautiful. I was planning on making Sicily part of my next visit to Italy when I explore the southern half of the country, but just a few days won’t do it justice. I think it needs to be a trip unto itself. And those cannoli…yum!!!

    • Sicily really does require lots of time. We drove down through Calabria, but next time we will fly directly to Sicily and spend more time there.

  6. Just gorgeous! I love the details of that cathedral.

    • Ragusa is a beautiful town, well worth a couple of days.

  7. Reminds me very much of Malta

    • I spent a day in Malta a very long time ago…time to go back.

  8. It Is a wonderful town and your photos are great.

    • Thank you, we enjoyed our stay in Ragusa.

  9. What an amazing looking place, Debra. What a fascinating history it has too. Great photos. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

  10. What a beautiful town Debra!

    • One of many great places to explore in Sicily.

      • SO many place to explore in Italy Debra! Someday I will do a massive trip and use your blog as my guidebook! 🙂

  11. These towns are endlessly fascinating – I love travelling via your camera. How could one not be in love with a place that calls such delicious pastries ‘breakfast’ – bacon and sausages simply do not compare!

    • Give me a cannolo any day!

  12. Beautiful town and setting. I love the picture of the “Circolo di Conversazione.” I remember taking a picture of that sign and looking in the windows, wishing I could go in and “converse.” As for Montalbano, I love the spectacular overhead footage of Ragusa during the opening credits, all to the accompaniment of a raw saxophone sound. I could watch those credits over and over.

    • Now that I know about Ragusa I will look for the overhead shots.

  13. It seems you would need a couple of weeks on Sicily to really take in all the sites and villages. On the wish list!

  14. […] via Ragusa — Bagni di Lucca and Beyond […]

  15. Sicilia is one of my favourite places in Italy. It is so rich in history, architecture, art, food, stunning views and tropical gardens. Thanks for these great photos of your time in Ragusa, Debra.
    Cheers
    Robyn

  16. […] and and we were so glad he did. It is one of the Baroque towns in southern Sicily including Noto and Ragusa…Scicli was our […]

  17. […] чрез Рагуза – Бани ди Лука и Отвъд […]


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