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Ragusa Ibla, Word Heritage

The city of Ragusa has more than 71.750 inhabitants and it is characterized by a vast area (which ranges from the coast to the high hills) and by the division in two areas: Ragusa and Ragusa Ibla.

The origins of Ragusa are very old and date back to the second millennium BC, but it is only with the arrival in Italy of the Greeks which Ragusa took on the appearance of a small town. In 1693, the city was largely destroyed by the terrible earthquake that struck eastern Sicily, only to be rebuilt in the early eighteenth century. The city was rebuilt in part on the same site and partly on the hill of “Patro” (San Giovanni district).

During the reconstruction,  even if both the two areas were rebuilt with the baroque style, Ragusa ibla has maintained a road system characterized by medieval alleys, unlike the new Ragusa. So, it represents the oldest part of the main city.

The creation of the two areas allowed to satisfy  the needs of both the ruling classes of the time, represented by the ancient nobility and by the new class of nobility (noblesse d’affaires). This last, who chose ibla as his city, was constituted by rich landowners who bought titles thanks to their bequests, donations, foundations of churches and charitable organizations. This explains the massive presence of churches in Ragusa ibla: between 1644 and 1647, here were built over 40 churches compared with a population of about 15,000 inhabitants.

What make the visit of Ragusa ibla even more attractive, is a strange feeling that pervades you when you walk among his narrow streets and which gives you the idea of ​​being followed from prying eyes. In fact, you will notice the elegant balconies of some buildings in which are carved allegorical figures and figures belonging to the fantastic world. Sometimes, looking at “Their eyes” you will have the sensation that they indicate you the path to follow.

Enjoy yourself with a nice walk in the gardens of Ragusa Ibla. Let you capture by the beautiful scenery which surround you. Then, if you take the road which from Piazza Pola leads to the Cathedral of San Giorgio, you will be able to admire its monumental “grandeur” which inspired writers, poets and directors.

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