Ragusa Ibla, located in the southeastern tip of Sicily is considered the capital of Sicilian Baroque.
The ancient historical center, in a dominant position on a hill, welcomes the visitor with over fifty churches and numerous noble palaces, in which the rich Baroque architecture in local limestone takes the form of scrolls, columns and capitals, statues and decorations of various kind.
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| Ragusa Ibla |
The origins of Ragusa Ibla date back to a very ancient era; its name can be traced back to an archaic Greek colony (Hybla Heraya), but the current historic centre was built in the 18th century, after the devastating earthquake that struck Eastern Sicily in 1693. In fact, the other cities of the Val di Noto also date back to this period, and they are all characterised by a late Baroque style.
Ragusa was then rebuilt in two distinct sites: Ragusa Superiore, the modern city, on the plain, and Ragusa Ibla that was rebuilt in Baroque style on the ruins of the ancient Sicilian city, and that, for its great historical and architectural value, together with other municipalities of the ancient Val di Noto, has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco as it represents "the culmination of one of the last periods of Baroque’s flourish in Europe”.
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| Ragusa Ibla |
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| Ragusa Ibla |
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| Ragusa Ibla |
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| Votive shrine, Ragusa Ibla |
With its labyrinth of narrow alleys and pretty squares overlooked by sumptuous churches and palaces, today Ragusa Ibla is one of the most fascinating places in Sicily, which has its heart in the scenic Piazza Duomo, where you can sit and enjoy a granita or a glass of Sicilian wine.
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| Ragusa Ibla |
The Cathedral of San Giorgio is undoubtedly the best known and most important building, a beautiful example of Baroque art. The church with its three-nave structure, and the spacious staircase, dominates the square. It was finished at the end of the 18th century, after almost forty years of work.
On the same square is the Circolo di Conversazione (Corversation Club), an ancient circle where the bourgeoisie used to meet. The building is richly decorated and frescoed.
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| Ragusa Ibla |
Ragusa Ibla is also a city with many interesting churches. Among those worth a visit: the Church of Purgatory, with its baroque portal, the Church of Santa Maria Le Scale, containing some elements of the 15th century structure (three Gothic-Catalan portals and another Renaissance portal), and the Church of the Immaculate Conception with its 14th century portal. Last but not least, the Church of Santa Maria dell’Idria, founded by the Knights of Malta in the 17th century, has a very original bell tower, covered with Caltagirone ceramics.
And while walking through the alleys, don't forget to always look up so as not to lose the decorations of the many noble palaces, including Palazzo Cosentini and Palazzo della Cancelleria.
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| Ragusa Ibla |
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| Ragusa Ibla |
For a break in the shade, the best place is the Giardino Ibleo. Established in the 19th century, it houses an imposing war memorial and three churches, but, more importantly, it's a relaxing place an offers wonderful views.
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| Ragusa Ibla |
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| Ragusa Ibla |
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| Ragusa Ibla |
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