B&B Terrazza dei Sogni - Ragusa Ibla
Ragusa upper town
Visit Ragusa Superiore
WHAT TO SEE
Chiesa San Giovanni Battista: before the terrible earthquake of the 1693, San Giovanni Battista’s church was located in the west part of the old city. Hardly damaged by the seism, the church was rebuilt in the city centre of the upper part of Ragusa. The structure was completed in just four months. However, few years later, thanks to development of the “new Ragusa”, the church was expanded by the work of Giuseppe Recupero and Giovanni Arcidiacono both from Acireale.
The prospect is majestic, enriched with carvings and sculptures. Wide decorated columns divide it in five parts where there are also three big gates. On the left side of the cathedral stands the bell tower, 50m tall.
The inside has the shape of a latin cross and present three naves supported by many columns. The vaults of the naves, today are decorated with a rococo style by the brothers Giuseppe and Gioacchino Gianforma from Palermo.
On the intersection between the transept and the central nave, is erected the dame, built only in the 1783.
Archeological museum: divided in 5 different parts:
Section 1 prehistoric stations
Section 2 Greek in the province of Camarina
Section 3 Ancient Sicilian. Monte Casasia, Licodia Eubea, Castiglione e Hybla.
Section 4 Hellenic centre. Scornavacche
Section 5 Roman establishment. Kaukana
The briges: one of the characteristic of Ragusa is that has been built on three separate hills divided from two deep valley: Vallata Santa Dominica and Vallata San Leonardo. From the city centre of upper Ragusa, looking toward Vallata Santa Dominica, is possible to admire the three different briges that cross the city, connecting Ragusa of the 18th century with the one of the 20th. The bridge in the middle, called ponte vecchio (old bridge), was built in 1835 due to the interest of Father Occhipinti Scopetta. By now is open only to the pedestrian traffic.
Ponte nuovo (new bridge), is the extension of Via Roma(1937), which is one o the main street of the city. The third bridge “the newest” called San Vito, is located lower than the others (1964).
Around Ragusa Superiore
Starting from Piazza San Giovanni, just beside, at Corso Italia there is Collegio di Maria: built in 1796. Inside, are preserved paintings by Tommaso Pollaci. Walking down Corso Italia, is pleanty of baroque buildings from the 1700, like Palazzo Lupis: which stands out for his gorgeous decorated “mensoloni”. At Piazza Matteotti, on the right side there is the Town Hall constructed in 1880 and expanded in 1929. On the left side the central post. Turning to San Vito bride crossing Corso Vittorio Veneto, there is Palazzo Zacco: remarkable for his magnificent “mensoloni” adorned in a perfect baroque style. Going back to Corso Italia, direction Ibla we find Palazzo Bertini: decorated one more time in a baroque style. Astonishing are the three masks situated on the vault of the window. They represent people of ordinary life of that time: a mendicant, a merchant and noble. This building is often used for film set.
From here, Corso Italia becomes Via XXIV Maggio and a spectacular itinerary, thirty minutes long, begins, bringing you to Ragusa Ibla through tunnels, narrow paths and above all steps! Easily is possible to find some breath-taking spots where to take unforgettable pictures of Ragusa Ibla.
WHERE TO EAT
Typical Restaurants - Trattorie
- Giro di Vite (pizzeria) 0932 245943 - Corso Vittorio Veneto 100
- Senape 0392 248661 www.senaperagusa.it - Piazza San Giovanni
- Decanter full proof 338 430 4092 www.decanterfullproof.com - Piazza San Giovanni
- La Taverna del Lupo 0932 765280 www.la-taverna-del-lupo.business.site - Piazza Cappuccini
- Dionisio fish restsurant 327 307 1855 - Corso Vittorio Veneto n. 154
- Konza (pizzeria) 0932 686561 www.konza.it - Via Mariannina Coffa n.9
Bars - Pubs - Sushi - Street food
- Caffè Italia 0932 621121 - Piazza San Givanni n. 29
- Toshi (sushi restaurant) 333 648 2039 - Via Mariannina Coffa n. 24
- So 340 167 7671 - Via Mariannina Coffa n. 1
- La Grotta (street food siciliano) 0932 227370 www.lagrottaragusa.it - Via Giovanni Cartia n. 8
Farm house Restaurants
- Altopiani 0932 619279 www.agriturismodeglialtopiani.it - C.da Mangiapane SP13
- Monsovile 0932 664051 - SP37
- Tenuta Margitello 348 822 0784 www.tenutamargitello.it - SS 115 km 310
- Magazzè 0932 664034 www.magazze.com - SP 60 km 13.5
CASTLE OF DONNAFUGATA
What is actually called Donnafugata castle, is not a real castle but a magnificent construction made for vacation.
The name has Arabic origin and could be mislead (in Italian it means the escaped woman). This is not neccassarily the case, that a woman escaped from a husband or a possessive father, one of those legends that live in the minds of people. In fact, the interpretation of the original name in Arabic “ Ayn ad Jafat” means 'place of health', which in Sicilian dialect becomes Ronnafuata, which eventually was changed to 'Donnafugata'.
Legend says (there is no official evidence to confirm this) that the first construction of the building was done by the Chiaramonte family, count of Modica (14th century). The following century, the castle might have been residence of Bernardo Cabrera. Then following 1648, the castle was bought by Arezzo-La Rocca, using it as a countryside house. Most of the restoration and construction was done by his son, Corrado Arezzo, an eclectic man and politician.
The whole area covered 2500 m2 with a wide façade, adorned with two big towers on each side. In the principal prospect there is a splendid lodge in a gotic-venetian style, with eight balconies, and access to a huge terrace.
Although there is a total of 122 rooms, just 20 are opened to visitors. However, it is still possible to admire the original interior of that age. Each room is extraordinarily furnished with precise detail to represent it's purpose. Such as; The music room, the saloon of emblems, the mirror room and the Bishop's apartment.
Around the castle, there is an extended monumental park of eight hectares. In the past, it was possible to find approximately 1500 different types of vegetables. To entertain guests it was famous for its labyrinth, made with the typical stone of Ragusa, a small round temple and a coffee house.
During the recent years, the castle has been the perfect location for the following movies like “I Vicerè”, “Il Gattopardo” and “Inspector Montalbano”.
Legend says (there is no official evidence to confirm this) that the first construction of the building was done by the Chiaramonte family, count of Modica (14th century). The following century, the castle might have been residence of Bernardo Cabrera. Then following 1648, the castle was bought by Arezzo-La Rocca, using it as a countryside house. Most of the restoration and construction was done by his son, Corrado Arezzo, an eclectic man and politician.
The whole area covered 2500 m2 with a wide façade, adorned with two big towers on each side. In the principal prospect there is a splendid lodge in a gotic-venetian style, with eight balconies, and access to a huge terrace.
Although there is a total of 122 rooms, just 20 are opened to visitors. However, it is still possible to admire the original interior of that age. Each room is extraordinarily furnished with precise detail to represent it's purpose. Such as; The music room, the saloon of emblems, the mirror room and the Bishop's apartment.
Around the castle, there is an extended monumental park of eight hectares. In the past, it was possible to find approximately 1500 different types of vegetables. To entertain guests it was famous for its labyrinth, made with the typical stone of Ragusa, a small round temple and a coffee house.
During the recent years, the castle has been the perfect location for the following movies like “I Vicerè”, “Il Gattopardo” and “Inspector Montalbano”.
EVENTS
San Giovanni's celebration
San Giovanni Battista is celebrated on the 24th of June, date of his birth. The celebration obviously, take place at his cathedral where special Masses are spoken several times during the whole day. However, the real San Giovanni Festival, is celebrated from the 27th until the 29th of August, date of his martyrdom. In the last few years, this special event, is organized by a committee of young people guided by the Priest of the cathedral. The statue of the Saint is hold for three day by 40 young boys. On the 27th , is brought in one church of the city (change every year), where is left for the night. The following day, the Saint is brought back to the cathedral and on the 29th starts a memorable procession. This is a unique spectacular moment, where thousands of people, many are shoeless, accompany the statue, holding big candles. During these days, there is also a local fair with typical products. To end celebrations, at midnight of the 29th there is a firework show.
OTHER EVENTS IN THE PROVINCE
- In February, in Chiaramonte Gulfi, during carnival, the "Sagra della Salsiccia" (sausage festival) is organized, includes a number of masquerades and dances.
- In Monterosso Almo, during carnival, the townspeople organize the "Sagra dei cavatieddi" (fresh hand made pasta shaped like little ears), the "Sagra del Pane" (fresh bread festival) where bread is served with various different flavor and seasonings. "Sagra della crispella" (soft batter, stuffed with anchovies and ricotta than deep fried in oil)
- The "Sagra della Seppia" (cuttlefish festival) takes place in Donnalucata. During the celebration in honour of Saint Joseph. At the end of May the town celebrates the "Sagra del pomodoro" (tomato festival).
- The "Sagra del Pesce" (fish festival) is celebrated during the summer in Pozzallo and Scoglitti.
- The "Sagra della Cipolla" (onion Festival) is celebrated during the summer in Giarratana.
- "Sagra dell'Uva" (grapes festival) is hold in Pedalino in autumn season.
- In Vittoria the Fiera Emaia (a fais) is hold, during various months of the year with several stands displaying various items like furniture, handy crafts, items of hobbies and so on. Fiera Agricola, (agriculture fair) one of the most interesting events, in the last three year, livestock and farming equipment are displayed and sold out.