Ragusa Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City • Unesco

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Sicily region in Italy, Ragusa is a city that effortlessly combines history, culture, and natural beauty. This enchanting destination is a hidden gem that offers visitors a taste of authentic Italian charm and a chance to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the region.

One of the most striking features of Ragusa is its unique architectural style. The city is divided into two parts: Ragusa Ibla and Ragusa Superiore. Ragusa Ibla, the older part of the city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture. As you stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets, you'll be captivated by the ornate facades of the palazzi and churches that line the way. The breathtaking Duomo di San Giorgio, with its intricate carvings and grandeur, is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

Beyond its architectural wonders, Ragusa is also a gastronomic paradise. The city is famous for its delectable cuisine, which combines traditional Sicilian flavors with a touch of innovation. Be sure to indulge in local specialties such as arancini (stuffed rice balls), cannoli (crispy pastry filled with sweet ricotta), and pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce). Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, and you'll have a true taste of Ragusa's culinary delights.

For nature lovers, Ragusa offers a picturesque landscape that is waiting to be explored. The surrounding countryside is dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and charming hilltop towns. Take a leisurely drive through the countryside and soak in the stunning vistas, or embark on a hiking adventure to discover hidden trails and breathtaking viewpoints.

In Ragusa, history comes alive at every corner, whether it's through its ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, or vibrant festivals. The city's calendar is filled with events that celebrate its cultural heritage, such as the Baroque Music Festival and the Feast of St. George. These festivities offer visitors a glimpse into the lively spirit of the locals and provide an opportunity to partake in traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

Alternative names: Unesco: from 2002Population: 61.4 thous.Area: 171.69 mi²Elevation: 1296 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°55'33"N, 14°44'11"E

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SicilyItaly

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Ragusa Top Attractions

Ragusa Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ragusa offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ragusa Cathedral, Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale, Church of Purgatory, Duomo di San Giorgio. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Baroque architecture • Church
Ragusa Cathedral
Ragusa Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Ragusa, Sicily, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The present church dates from the early 18th century. It has been the seat of the Bishops of Ragusa since the establishment of the diocese in 1950.
Baroque architecture • Church • Sacred and religious sites
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale
Santa Maria delle Scale is a church located in Ragusa, Sicily. It was built by the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of Santa Maria di Roccadia in Lentini, in the first half of the 13th century, in a Gothic style.
Baroque architecture • Church • Sacred and religious sites
Church of Purgatory
The Chiesa del Purgatorio, also called the Chiesa delle Santissime Anime del Purgatorio is a Roman Catholic church located on Piazza della Repubblica in the city of Ragusa, in southern Sicily, Italy. The church is dedicated to those praying for the souls in purgatory.

Baroque architecture • Church • Architecture
Duomo di San Giorgio
The Duomo of San Giorgio is a Baroque church located in Ragusa Ibla, Sicily, Italy. Its construction began in 1738 and ended in 1775. The cathedral appears in the opening credits of the Italian TV series Inspector Montalbano, and it also features in some episodes, as does the similarly named cathedral of Modica.
Baroque architecture • Church
San Filippo Neri
San Filippo Neri is a Baroque-style, Roman Catholic church located in the city of Ragusa, in southern Sicily, Italy.
Baroque architecture • Church • Historical place
Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Itria
Santa Maria dell' Itria is a Baroque-style, Roman Catholic church located in the city of Ragusa, in southern Sicily, Italy.
Baroque architecture • Church • Sacred and religious sites
Church of San Giuseppe
San Giuseppe is a Baroque-style, Roman Catholic church located in the city of Ragusa, in southern Sicily, Italy.
Baroque architecture • Church
Santa Maria dei Miracoli
Santa Maria dei Miracoli is a Baroque church located in Ragusa, Sicily. It was built in the mid-seventeenth century, following the discovery of an image of the Madonna with her Child Jesus. The discovery of the sacred image was considered a miraculous event and gave impetus to the construction of a temple in honor of the Madonna.
Architecture • Historical place
Circolo di conversazione
The Conversation Circle is a building in Ragusa, located in the Ibla district of Piazza del Duomo. Also known as the Knights' Café, a rare example of a purpose-built building.
36°55'34"N • 14°44'39"E
Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti
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Bridge
Ponte dei Cappucini
The Ponte Vecchio, or Capuchin Bridge, is the oldest bridge in Ragusa and crosses the Santa Domenica valley connecting the old town with the southern part of the city.
Archaeological site
Hybla Heraea
Hybla Heraea or Hybla Hera was an ancient city of Sicily; its site is at the modern località of Ibla, in the comune of Ragusa. There were at least three cities named "Hybla" in ancient accounts of Sicily which are often confounded with each other, and which it is sometimes very difficult to distinguish.
36°55'34"N • 14°44'36"E
Palazzo Arezzi
Shopping • Museum
36°55'16"N • 14°43'55"E
AVIS Ragusa
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Day trips

Ragusa – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ragusa, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Ear of Dionysius (Syracuse), Villa Romana del Casale (Piazza Armerina), Catania Cathedral (Catania).

31 milesE
Limestone cave known as Ear of Dionysius
Ear of Dionysius, Syracuse
Nestled within the ancient limestone quarries of Syracuse, Italy, the Ear of Dionysius is a remarkable testament to both natural wonder and historical intrigue. This unique tourist attraction is renowned for its peculiar acoustics and the myths that surround its origin.
38 milesNW
, Historical place, Ruins
Villa Romana del Casale, Piazza Armerina
Nestled in the heart of Sicily, the Villa Romana del Casale is a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire, located in the city of Piazza Armerina. This ancient palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its exquisite and well-preserved mosaics, which...
44 milesNE
Massive cathedral with a baroque facade
Catania Cathedral, Catania
Catania Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Agatha, stands as a monumental symbol of faith and resilience in the heart of Catania, Italy. Dedicated to the city's patron saint, St. Agatha, the cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a repository of...
19 milesE
Church, Baroque architecture
Chiesa di San Carlo al Corso, Noto
Nestled in the heart of Noto, a city renowned for its exquisite Baroque architecture in Sicily, Italy, stands the Chiesa di San Carlo al Corso. This church, dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, is a testament to the rich architectural heritage that makes Noto a UNESCO...
19 milesE
Historical Sicilian baroque cathedral
Noto Cathedral, Noto
Noto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Noto in Sicily, Italy. Its construction, in the style of the Sicilian Baroque, began in the early 18th century and was completed in 1776. It is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, and has been the cathedral of the Diocese of Noto since the diocese's establishment in 1844.