Ragusa is the third of the Baroque towns we visited in Sicily.
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.
You must remember to look up at the balconies with their interesting decoration.
Stone walls seem to crawl like caterpillars on the surrounding hills.
The main piazza is dominated by the huge church.
The photo below is a photo of a photo, I don’t have a drone to take photos from this angle.
At the Botton of the town is a beautiful park with its own churches, Giardino Ibleo.
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.
The next morning we were up early to be on our way, but not before breakfast in the tiny common area.
Because we were in Sicily it seemed perfectly normal to have cannoli and pastries for breakfast.
It was a bit cool to sit on the balcony.
…just one last look at the view from the breakfast room.
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.
What are the three baroque towns in Sicily Noto, Ragusa and ?
By: Francis on July 31, 2016
at 10:59 am
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.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 12:46 pm
We hope to go to Sicily next year, thank you for this information.It looks like a lovely town. Great photos.
By: Louise Terranova on July 31, 2016
at 11:04 am
Ragusa was great, and don’t forget Scicli.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 12:46 pm
I loved Ragusa. Your picks are making me want to return.
By: Francesca on July 31, 2016
at 11:37 am
We liked it a lot. We could have spent much more time there.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 12:47 pm
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.
By: The Daily Cure on July 31, 2016
at 1:00 pm
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.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 1:04 pm
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!!!
By: Tony on July 31, 2016
at 2:56 pm
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.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 10:15 pm
Just gorgeous! I love the details of that cathedral.
By: Rachel Marie on July 31, 2016
at 3:00 pm
Ragusa is a beautiful town, well worth a couple of days.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 10:16 pm
Reminds me very much of Malta
By: Mallee Stanley on July 31, 2016
at 3:15 pm
I spent a day in Malta a very long time ago…time to go back.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 10:16 pm
It Is a wonderful town and your photos are great.
By: Mulino Dominillo on July 31, 2016
at 5:15 pm
Thank you, we enjoyed our stay in Ragusa.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 10:17 pm
What an amazing looking place, Debra. What a fascinating history it has too. Great photos. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
By: anotherday2paradise on July 31, 2016
at 7:19 pm
Sicily is full of amazing stories.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 10:17 pm
It must be.
By: anotherday2paradise on August 1, 2016
at 2:01 am
What a beautiful town Debra!
By: thirdeyemom on July 31, 2016
at 8:19 pm
One of many great places to explore in Sicily.
By: Debra Kolkka on July 31, 2016
at 10:18 pm
SO many place to explore in Italy Debra! Someday I will do a massive trip and use your blog as my guidebook! 🙂
By: thirdeyemom on August 1, 2016
at 4:14 pm
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!
By: Jan on August 1, 2016
at 1:12 am
Give me a cannolo any day!
By: Debra Kolkka on August 1, 2016
at 6:26 am
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.
By: karenincalabria on August 1, 2016
at 3:09 am
Now that I know about Ragusa I will look for the overhead shots.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 1, 2016
at 6:27 am
It seems you would need a couple of weeks on Sicily to really take in all the sites and villages. On the wish list!
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at 9:38 am
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By: Art History blog on August 1, 2016
at 11:02 am
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
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at 1:07 am
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