Travelstone: Ragusa, Sicily

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Ragusa, Sicily Italy

Easily accessible from Catania, Ragusa, the capital of the province of the same name, is a lovely town nestled amongst the hills of the Hyblaean Mountains. Ragusa, a modern city with a stunning historic heart, is renowned for its excellent local red wines and its delicious cheese, the Ragusano. The city is split into two parts - the old Ragusa Ibla and the new Ragusa. Old Ragusa was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693, and it retains a significant example of baroque architecture. The historic centre of Ragusa is quite spectacular with its winding lanes, grey stone houses and baroque palaces. In this part of town, we find the Duomo di San Giorgio. With its large neo-Classical dome illuminated by blue stained-glass windows and surrounded by Corinthian columns, the church can be spotted from a distance. Up close, it's the magnificent flight of stairs that draws the visitor's eye to the elegant and harmonious pink façade. Beautifully sculpted motifs adorn the doorway and enhance the depiction of St George slaying the dragon with his lance. Beside the church is the small Museo del Duomo, a museum housing stone statues and reliefs from the original pre-earthquake San Giorgio and other churches, architectural drawings by Gagliardo, some extravagant reliquaries and sombre religious paintings. Ragusa Ibla boasts a large number of trattorias and restaurants, bars, coffee shops, pubs and clubs. Representing modern Ragusa, we have Marina di Ragusa, a popular seaside resort, with long stretches of golden sand, where you'll find restaurants and bustling clubs and lounge bars that are a hit with tourists and locals alike. Ragusa offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy La Dolce Vita.

Recommended airport

Catania Fontanarossa (CTA)

Points of interest