Ragusa combines late Baroque history with archaeological discoveries and protected natural areas. The city is one of eight towns in southeastern Sicily that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto”. The World Heritage listing covers the entire old town; the designation includes all of Ibla and large parts of the new town around the Church of San Giovanni. After the earthquake, a new urban centre grew alongside the ancient town centre—a contrast that continues to shape the city’s history today.
A Late Baroque City and Its Collections
Ragusa is considered the highest expression of Sicilian Baroque. The Cathedral of San Giorgio is a striking landmark, with its 43-metre-high neoclassical dome. Next to the cathedral, the Museo del Duomo displays statues, stone fragments from the church destroyed in the 1693 earthquake, and other valuable relics. Its architecture and collection thus lead from the building itself to traces of its earlier history.
The Museo Archeologico Ibleo is organised into six sections: Prehistory; Greeks and Kamarina; indigenous cultures; Hellenistic centres; Late Antique and Byzantine centres; and collections and acquisitions. The section on Kamarina includes faithful reconstructions of tombs. The museum also displays the limestone slab known as the “Guerriero di Castiglione”. The range of subjects spans early periods and diverse cultures, as well as individual archaeological objects.
Trails, Landscapes and Living Cultural Heritage
History can also be explored along trails outside the museums. The Madonna delle Grazie trail preserves wide mule steps once used to transport grain-laden mules from the plateau into the San Leonardo Valley. Along the trail are the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the municipal aqueduct and the cholera pit dating to 1837. Nature and archaeology trails in Ragusa are equipped with signs and information boards.
The Ecomuseo CARAT trails are considered easy to moderately difficult and are suitable for individuals, groups and families. They are free to access year-round. Guided tours must be booked and are led by authorised tour guides. Beyond the trails, the Ecomuseo CARAT showcases the intangible cultural heritage of the Ragusa area: traditions and memories, as well as craft techniques, production processes, folklore, literary works and folk songs.
The Trabacche hypogeum offers a different archaeological perspective. Its two covered burial chambers date it to the middle of the 4th century AD. In the historic centre, an area now laid out as a city park also contains ancient evidence of the city’s earliest burial sites, including rock-cut tombs. These places shed light on different aspects of the past: an underground tomb, burial evidence within the city and finds in museum collections.
For a short detour while descending to Ragusa Ibla, consider the trail known as the “Sentiero Belvedere”. It has only slight changes in elevation and offers views of Ragusa Ibla. While this section focuses on the view of the city, the mule steps of the Madonna delle Grazie trail tell the story of an old transport route.
Nature Reserve and Road Routes
The “Macchia forestale del Fiume Irminio” special nature reserve extends across the municipal areas of Ragusa and Scicli and covers about 130 hectares. It protects the coastal biocoenosis, dune vegetation and the Irminio River’s riparian ecosystem. Migratory birds use the area to rest and feed after crossing the Mediterranean. Alongside the region’s urban culture and history, it offers a distinct perspective on the natural environment.
The road routes also follow different paths. The SP 80 passes through hills and valleys covered with carob trees before reaching Castello di Donnafugata. The castle is in the municipality of Ragusa, about 15 kilometres from the city, and is a magnificent aristocratic residence dating to the late 19th century. Visitors can explore the castle, park and costume museum. Another scenic road route connects the SP 81—which branches off the SP 25 Ragusa Marina at Contrada Cimillà—with the SP 37 towards Camemi and back to the SP 25.
These different discoveries sit side by side: UNESCO-listed city history, archaeological collections, trails preserving traces of the past, and a protected area with coastal and river ecosystems. The specific routes along the trails and roads each offer their own starting points for exploring Ragusa and its surroundings according to personal interests.
Discover more destinations: Ispica, Marina Di Modica, Modica, Ragusa, Sampieri, Santa Croce Camerina, Vittoria, Donnalucata, Marina Di Ragusa, Scicli, Scoglitti, Pozzallo, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Punta Braccetto, Cava D'aliga, Comiso, Giarratana, Cannizzara, Pietre Nere San Zagaria, Frigintini, Michelica, Monterosso Almo, Acate, Cerasella, Santa Maria Del Focallo, San Filippo, Punta Secca, Puntarazzi, Gilestra Ii, Caucana-Finaiti-Casuzze-Finaiti N., Camemi, Balata di Modica, Cimillà, Eredità, Donnafugata, Plaja Grande, Campanella-gianforma and Casuzze.
For the full travel overview: Sicily.
