Two medieval districts perch on hilltops in southeastern Sicily, connected by an 18th-century stone bridge. Baroque churches, carved stone balconies, and winding staircases fill its narrow streets.
Ragusa sits on two hilltops in southeastern Sicily, with a deep valley running between them. In the lower town of Ragusa Ibla, you'll walk past the golden-stone Cathedral of San Giorgio, through narrow medieval streets, and past the ornate Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti. Cross the 18th-century Ponte dei Cappuccini bridge to reach Ragusa Superiore, where local life centers around the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista.
Walking Between Ragusa's Two Districts
Start your exploration in Ragusa Ibla by climbing the stone staircases that wind up the hillside. From Piazza Duomo, walk along Corso XXV Aprile to see the Palazzo Arezzo di Trifiletti with its carved stone balconies, and the Cathedral of San Giorgio. In Ragusa Superiore, streets run in a grid pattern from the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, making navigation straightforward.
Main Baroque Buildings
The Cathedral of San Giorgio welcomes you with a grand 50-step staircase leading to its three-tiered facade. Inside, marble pillars separate the central nave from two side aisles, while gold leaf decorations adorn the ceiling. Walk the 242 steps of Santa Maria delle Scale church to move between the two districts - look for the surviving Gothic-Catalan arches from before the 1693 earthquake.
Transportation and Timing
Catch a bus from Comiso Airport (15km away) to reach the city center. Buses run between Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Ibla every 30 minutes from 7:00 to 20:00 (€1.20 per ticket). Walking between districts takes about 30 minutes uphill or 20 minutes downhill. The morning sun creates ideal lighting conditions for photographing the Cathedral of San Giorgio.
Restaurants and Local Food
Book ahead for Michelin-starred restaurants: Duomo (two stars) creates modern interpretations of Sicilian dishes, while Locanda di Don Serafino (one star) serves fresh seafood in a stone cellar setting. Sample pastieri (pastries filled with minced lamb and goat meat) at Pasticceria Di Pasquale on Via Roma. At La Bettola, try the local specialty of grilled caciocavallo cheese topped with fig jam.
