15 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN RAGUSA

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I was especially excited to visit Ragusa and that I had no idea what we would find. But it is that there near, in Comiso, Marilisa was born, a very dear friend of the university (although we never met at the university haha). And of course, I'm that sentimental. If my friend was born nearby, fate is cool. And what a grind! Ragusa was one of the great surprises of this trip. In this post we tell you everything you can see and do in Ragusa.

1. Go down to Ragusa Ibla. Ragusa what? First surprise: Ragusa is divided into two zones, Ragusa Ibla is the ancient city, a real gem. Although we have to warn you that you are preparing to go up and down a few stairs and slopes, but believe us, it will be worth it. On January 11, 1693 a terrible earthquake destroyed the city causing the death of almost half of the population. That was when it was decided to rebuild the old area (Ragusa Ibla) and start building the upper part (Ragusa Cittá Alta).

2. If you are staying at Ragusa Cittá Alta, first walk to the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale. To the followers of Commissioner Monltalbano, it sure sounds like it, as it is one of the scenarios that are repeated in their cases. Although if you were never interested in this book / series, nothing happens: its great attraction is the panoramic over Ragusa Ibla. Also from here you can enjoy the best sunset in the city, calculate the times to return just in time!

Find cheap accommodationin Ragusahere

3. At this point it is just where the Ragusa's famous stairs. This zigzag-shaped tour passes through charming little houses and you will continue to enjoy the views over the rooftops, as you head towards Ragusa Ibla. Peeeeero ... do not use only the steps, more or less halfway we recommend you divert to the road and keep going down. The ideal is to reach the curve that offers an amazing visual of the blue dome of the Chiesa of Santa Maria dell'Itria.

4. If all goes well, in a jiffy you will be in the Piazza della Repubblica, a true crossroads, with the Chiesa of Purgatory on its staircase at one of its ends, and the Palazzo Cosentini with its characteristic balconies. This square was known by the Plaza de los Arcos, because apparently before the earthquake passed through the aqueduct that supplied the city with water.

5. Once you reach the bottom and start of Ragusa Ibla, the street starts in the direction of Duomo di San Giorgio (name of the patron of the city), the great protagonist of the historic center, with its beautiful (and huge) dome (entrance: € 3). It seemed to us the best example of baroque art in Sicily, even more than the famous Duomo di Noto. Safety pin. On the way look at the palaces and on their balconies: many seem supported by angelic figures, children and even demonic figures (for example the Palazzo La Rocca).

Views of Ibla from La Scala, with Chiesa de Santa Maria dell'Itria in the foreground

6. To enjoy the best perspective of the dome, go to the Via Solarino. From there you will have the dome right in front of you (and apparently it is one of the places where there are more marriage requests in all of Sicily haha).

7. Surround the huge building and reach the Piazza DuomoShe is huge and very pretty. There are some benches where you can rest for a while, or better yet ... a few bars where you can have a coffee or a beer looking at the Duomo or eat an arancino without regrets.

8. If you have to go back to Ragusa Cittá Alta, but you don't feel like going down and up the stairs too much, there's an excellent option: urban bus number 11, which for € 1.20 leaves you in the center of the city, or at the foot of the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale, to watch the sunset, remember? The stop is right at the entrance of the Giardino Ibleo, and you can buy tickets at any tobacconist.

9. But first, of course, take a tour of the Giardino Ibleo, the oldest garden in Ragusa. It is constituted by a walk crossed by palm trees and other plants, and inside there are some churches and the monument to the fallen in World War I. After so many stairs, costs, tourists and monuments, you will find here an oasis of peace.

10. Are you one of those who are interested in local traditions and enjoy visiting local stores and watching artisans work? Then you have to get close to Rosso Cinnabro, a workshop that seems anchored in the early twentieth century, and see how they build and restore the typical Sicilian cars. Definitely a unique visit to do in Ragusa. Admission is free.

Dome of the Duomo di San Giorgio

11. While it is true that the upper Ragusa area does not have the charm of Ragusa Ibla, it also has a couple of things that deserve to be visited. We speak for example of the Cathedral of San Juan Baptista or of Ibleo Archaeological Museum (free).

12. Are you hungry? It will be for options! In Sicily you eat great, but if you want to put something fast and cheap in your mouth, do not hesitate: approach Cantunéra Ibla and try their famous arancini, some breaded and fried rice balls, stuffed with the most varied ingredients (prices between € 3-5). It is located in Largo San Domenico, 18.

13. And for dessert? An ice cream in Gelati Divini which proposes the classic flavors (pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, strawberry ...) and a few very curious options. Would you dare to try an olive oil ice cream? And onion? It is in the Duomo Square.

14. An excursion near Ragusa and highly recommended is Modica, the hometown of Nobel Prize for Literature, Salvatore Quasimodo. And also the city of chocolateIf you are a glutton you have to try it! There are classics and very rare flavors, such as Sicilian orange and lemon, mojito, coconut milk or pepper. It also seems like a good gift.

15. About 5 km from Ragusa, in the Buttino Contrada, are the cave of theGrotta Delle Trabacche (Catacomba delle Trabacche), a hypogeum of the fourth century where we find two chambers dug in rock and the remains of some monumental tombs, with their sarcophagi. Entrance is free.