Ragusa: two cities after the earthquake and the baroque of Val di Noto
Ragusa is the capital of the free municipal consortium of the same name and extends in the southern part of the Iblei Mountains, about twenty kilometers from the sea. The city has two main nuclei: Ragusa Superiore on the plateau and Ragusa Ibla on the hill of the oldest town.
History and identity
The earthquake of 1693 almost entirely destroyed Ragusa and caused more than five thousand victims. The eighteenth-century reconstruction produced two large neighborhoods: Ragusa Superiore on the plateau and Ragusa Ibla, built from the ruins of the ancient city while maintaining its medieval layout. The Baroque churches and palaces are part of the UNESCO site of the late Baroque cities of the Val di Noto.
What to see
Ragusa Ibla preserves the medieval layout and numerous baroque buildings, while Ragusa Superiore shows the design of the reconstruction on the plateau. The Gonfalone and Santa Domenica quarries affect the Iblean plateau and separate some urban hills. Outside the centre, the Irminio river feeds the artificial lake of Santa Rosalia.
Understand the place
Dedicate separate time to Ibla and the upper city, considering gorges, climbs and distance between the two nuclei. Check timetables of the baroque buildings, access, local transport and conditions of the routes in the quarries before the visit.
Where to stay
A hotel in Ragusa Ibla facilitates routes into the ancient core; Ragusa Superiore offers a different base for the modern city and the plateau. Compare elevation changes, transportation, parking and distance between neighborhoods before booking.
Prepare the visit
Times, access conditions and transportation may change. Before the trip, check the official pages linked from the source, protect the heritage and leave the entrances to the homes free. Source in local language.