Ragusa Information

The upper town, Ragusa Superiore, was built after an earthquake in 1693 devastated much of the old city. Today it's the main business and residential district. The old town, Ragusa Ibla, is where most of the gob smacking tourist sights are and is packed with atmosphere that you can sniff in every piazza, church and cobbled stone. However make sure you pack your walking shoes too and get ready to breathe hard - every step is a good up or down on the steep streets. But the oohing, aahing and constant photographic stops will give you plenty of opportunity to catch your breath.

How to get to Ragusa

Ragusa is connected to the western coast by a train line that runs to Modica (20 mins), Ispica (1 hour), Noto (1.5 hours) and beyond to Gela and Agrigento. Another way of arriving is by the historical train driven by an old steam engine, Treno Barocco del Val di Noto, that links Ragusa with Siracusa, Noto, Scicli and Modica. Local buses in Ragusa are operated by AST (Azienda Siciliana Trasporti) and run from the train station in Piazza del Popolo all the way up to Giardino Ibleo in Ragusa Ibla, saving you a big hike.

Things to do and see in Ragusa

The best place to visit in the upper town is the Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista that was finished in 1774. The ornate church is the main monument in this part of town and the baroque interior is worth exploring. However save most of your time to explore Ragusa Ibla. For a view of the old town, and indeed one of the best views in all Sicily, head to the terrace of the 15th Century church Santa Maria della Scala. From here, and the amazing winding stairs below, are phenomenal views of its pancake style streets – something that has to be seen to be believed. Get a good look because you’ll soon be puffing through them.

There is so much to see in Ragusa Ibla that you could simply wander around and stumble at will upon Baroque mansions, quiet gardens, pleasant piazzas, good cafes and churches. However there are some sights you absolutely must tick off. The first is the Chiesa del Purgatorio, then the sloping palm-lined Piazza del Duomo, the magnificient three-tiered facade of Cattedrale di San Giorgio and the superb Giardino Ibleo at the eastern end of town – wonderful for an evening stroll or to rest during the heat of the day.

The popular Sicilian detective series Inspector Montalbano was filmed throughout the province of Ragusa including Punta Secca, Donnalucata, Scicli and Sampieri. In Ragusa Ibla fans will recognise scenes shot by San Giorgio and also on the staircase by Santa Maria della Scala. In actual fact the whole town feels like a movie set.

You may also wish to wander down to Marina di Ragusa, the beachfront 24km from town. There’s superb seafood dining all year round and good campgrounds open in summer.

Hotels and restaurants in Ragusa

Ragusa Ibla is without doubt the most atmospheric place to eat and sleep. The Locanda Don Serafino's elegant and atmospheric hotel and restaurant are both immaculate and an experience in themselves. The hotel is cut right into the rocks of the town. While in town make sure you try the famous and delicious local bread filled with ricotta and sausage (le focacce di ricotta e salsiccia) – a great snack or lunch. For a sit down Ragusan meal call into Il Barocco to try some local dishes or visit their famed gelateria of the same name.