Ragusa: Sicilian city with two souls
Ragusa is called "the island in an island", because it is quiet, far from cities as Catania and Palermo. Located on a cliff of about 550 meters, surrounded by canyons, Ragusa is one of the beautiful classical baroque cities of Sicily, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is divided into two areas. After the earthquake of 1693, citizens built a higher, more modern part and rebuilt the lower, older part called Ibla.
What to see in the surroundings of the city of Ragusa
You can also visit the
- Donnafugata Castle, medieval castle, with neo-Gothic style, surrounded by a huge park and a maze;
- Marina di Ragusa, a small fishing village, has become over the years an important fashionable seaside resort.
- Modica, the city of 100 churches and chocolate;
- Scicli, Baroque city;
- Small villages of character: Chiaramonte Gulfi, Giarratana, Monterosso Almo.
Raguse is not only Baroque, Beautiful Beaches, it is many other things to discover:
Ragusa: Rural Culture
Peasant culture represented by:
- the Masserie (Limestone rural houses) that today raise animals in semi-wild state and produce cheese, the best known is the Ragusano D.O.P.
In the Masseria it is possible to have tastings or lunch with local products; - The active mills where the ancient Sicilian wheat is milled into flour (Possibility to visit);
- Honey production (opportunity to participate in a typical day in the life of a honey worker);
- Production of D.O.P. oil (Protected designation of origin)- (Tasting possible);
- Wine production, the best known is Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG (controlled and guaranteed denomination of origin) – (Tasting possible).
Ragusa: Nature, Archaeology and Sports
The Hyblaean Mountains are Mountains upside down by the presence of Canyons with breathtaking nature (endemic flora, migratory birds, streams, small lake, hidden waterfalls, sea coast with Mediterranean vegetation) and archaeological remains of the first inhabitants of Sicily until the Middle Ages.
We find necropolis, hypogeum, troglodyte houses, dolmens, rock churches.
During the summer when temperatures are warmer, it is possible to hike in the afternoon either in the canyons where the trees make the temperature more pleasant and or along the sea where the Mediterranean vegetation meets the sea, or go on a Water Walk in the streams, or along the sea.
Another way to visit the surroundings of Syracuse is to book a Bike Tour, which will allow you to see many things during a half day or full day.
How to visit Ragusa