Free walking tours in Ragusa and what to see

Must-sees

Ragusa, in south-eastern Sicily, has two very different parts. Ragusa Ibla is the old core, rebuilt in baroque style on a hill after the 1693 earthquake, and is one of the late baroque towns of the Val di Noto listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its great monument is the cathedral of San Giorgio, with a theatrical façade rising above a flight of steps on the main square. At the end of the quarter is the Giardino Ibleo, a park with views over the valley.

The upper town, Ragusa Superiore, grew after the earthquake with straight streets and has its own cathedral, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The two parts are linked by stairways and lanes that run down past the church of Santa Maria delle Scale, with a wide view over Ibla. In Ibla you will also see the Gothic portal of San Giorgio, a remnant of the church that stood before the earthquake.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Ragusa. The option you will find is a private tour of the town with a guide, covering Ibla and the upper town and helping you understand the baroque reconstruction. Excursions through the Val di Noto to see Modica, Noto or Scicli are also organised from Ragusa.

How long to spend

With a full day you can see both Ragusas at a relaxed pace: the upper town in the morning, the walk down the stairways and the afternoon in Ibla until the lights come on. If you stay two or three days, combine the town with Modica and Scicli, less than half an hour away, and with Donnafugata Castle or the beach at Marina di Ragusa.

Where to stay

Ibla is the most charming area, with small hotels and guesthouses in baroque buildings, although the streets are steep and parking is tricky. The upper town is more practical if you have a car and has more choice. In summer, Marina di Ragusa, on the coast, is a good base for combining beach and sightseeing.