Ragusa between Baroque, history and nature

Ragusa between Baroque, history and nature

Ragusa combines an impressive urban history with archaeological discoveries, nature trails and scenic routes. The city is one of eight towns in southeastern Sicily that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto”. The entire historic centre is part of this World Heritage Site. The history is particularly vivid in the connection between Ragusa Ibla and the new town: during reconstruction after the earthquake, a new urban centre was built alongside the ancient city centre. UNESCO recognition covers the whole of Ibla and large parts of the new town around the Church of San Giovanni.

Baroque, the cathedral and archaeological collections

Ragusa is regarded as the highest expression of Sicilian Baroque. A prominent landmark is the Cathedral of San Giorgio, with its 43-metre-high neoclassical dome. In the Museo del Duomo next to the cathedral, you can see statues, stone fragments from the church destroyed in the 1693 earthquake and other valuable relics. This complements the monumental architecture with evidence of its eventful history.

The Museo Archeologico Ibleo is divided into six sections: prehistory, the Greeks and Kamarina, indigenous cultures, Hellenistic centres, Late Antique and Byzantine centres, as well as collections and acquisitions. In the section on Kamarina, you will find faithful reconstructions of tombs. One of the special exhibits is the limestone slab known as the “Guerriero di Castiglione”. The Ecomuseo CARAT broadens the cultural perspective to include the intangible heritage of the Ragusa area: traditions, memories, manufacturing techniques and production processes, folklore, literary works and folk songs are presented.

Nature trails and excursions at different paces

The “Macchia forestale del Fiume Irminio” special biological nature reserve extends across the municipal areas of Ragusa and Scicli and covers approximately 130 hectares. It protects the coastal biocoenosis, dune vegetation and the riverbank ecosystem of the Irminio River. After crossing the Mediterranean, migratory birds use the area to rest and feed. The landscape thus forms an independent counterpoint to the densely structured Baroque city.

The nature and archaeological trails in Ragusa are equipped with signposts and information boards. The Ecomuseo CARAT trails are considered routes of medium to low difficulty and are suitable for individuals, groups and families. They are free of charge and accessible all year round. If you prefer a guided tour, the tours are conducted by authorised guides and must be booked.

Within the city itself, trails also connect nature and history. The Madonna delle Grazie trail preserves broad mule tracks that were formerly used to transport grain-laden mules from the plateau into the San Leonardo Valley. Along the trail are the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the municipal aqueduct and the cholera pit dating from 1837. On the descent to Ragusa Ibla, the short Sentiero Belvedere offers a branch with only slight differences in elevation and a beautiful view of Ragusa Ibla. An area now laid out as a city park in the historic centre contains valuable ancient evidence of the city’s oldest burial traces, including rock-cut tombs. The Trabacche hypogeum is dated to the middle of the 4th century AD because of its two covered burial chambers.

Scenic routes and Castello di Donnafugata

For a drive through the surrounding area, a panoramic road route is a good option: the SP 81 branches off from the SP 25 Ragusa Marina at Contrada Cimillà, leads to the SP 37 towards Camemi and then returns to the SP 25. Another scenic route is the SP 80, which runs through hills and valleys covered with carob trees to Castello di Donnafugata. The castle is located in the municipality of Ragusa, approximately 15 kilometres from the city, and is a magnificent aristocratic residence from the late 19th century. The visitor experience includes the castle, the park and the costume museum.

Other places in the Ragusa area

Other places in the area include Casuzze, Ispica, Marina Di Modica, Modica, Ragusa, Sampieri, Santa Croce Camerina, Vittoria, Donnalucata, Marina Di Ragusa, Scicli, Scoglitti, Pozzallo, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Punta Braccetto, Cava D'aliga, Comiso, Giarratana, Cannizzara, Pietre Nere San Zagaria, Frigintini, Michelica, Monterosso Almo, Acate, Cerasella, Santa Maria Del Focallo, San Filippo, Punta Secca, Puntarazzi, Gilestra Ii, Caucana-Finaiti-Casuzze-Finaiti N., Camemi, Balata di Modica, Cimillà, Eredità, Donnafugata, Plaja Grande and Campanella-gianforma.