Ragusa
There are so many ways we might define this magnificent land in the south of Sicily: the province of the Baroque, of the Monti Iblei, of golden beaches. But probably no definition can give a clear and complete idea of the exceptional artistic and naturalist heritage that are to be discovered and appreciated there.
On the south of the island
The province of Ragusa is situated in the south-east part of Sicily. Visitors to this land can immediately notice the characteristic and distinctive features that make it unique, different and at the same time similar to the other towns on the island. Ragusa is the province of the Iblei plateau and of unspoilt nature, against the background of an enchanting, fascinating sea. It represents a Sicily that is strongly linked to its old traditions, which seem to live on in the everyday gestures of this magnificent people.
The province of the Baroque
Visiting the province of Ragusa, visitors will certainly be fascinated by the many examples of Baroque art. The towns listed by UNESCO on the site entitled “Late Baroque Towns of the Val di Noto”, proclaimed part of the World Heritage, include Ragusa, Scicli and Modica. The last of these is a splendid town on a plateau in the southern part of the Monti Iblei. What makes this town unique is its Baroque aspect, a grandiose example of which is the church of San Giorgio, the town Cathedral. As visitors climb the steps they will be immediately captivated by the majesty of this masterpiece of Iblei Baroque, prototype of eighteenth-century churches in Sicily. Another town with a typically Baroque appearance is Scicli, lying in a wide impressive valley encircled by rocky hills. Here too, the buildings were erected after the devastating earthquake that destroyed the town in 1693. Particularly interesting are the Mother Church of the Madonna delle Milizie, richly decorated with gilded stucco and frescoes, and the Palazzo Beneventano, one of the most important Baroque buildings in the province of Ragusa. It is also recommended to pay a visit to the Mother Church at Ispica, a splendid little town standing in a high position which dominates the surrounding countryside, set against a background of blue sea; and to the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie at Vittoria, standing in the most artistic position in the old town centre, Piazza del Popolo, next to the beautiful Town Theatre in neoclassical style.
Remains of past epochs
Also in Ragusa, as in many other provinces of the island, we can admire striking reminders of past epochs, when life under the sky of Ragusa was animated by other civilisations, other races who had often gone there as invaders, to show the world their own power, their ability to subjugate other peoples. On the Iblei shore, a few kilometres from the town of Santa Croce Camerina, is a very interesting site from the point of view of both archaeology and landscape, Camerina. Of the old town of Kamarina that once extended over three hills there remain the Temple of Athena, part of the city walls, and interesting remains of some Hellenistic houses: the “House of the Altar”, the “House of the inscription” and the “Merchant’s house”. We must not fail to visit the Museum which houses a rich archaeological heritage.
Another very interesting place is Cava d’Ispica, situated between the towns of Ispica and Modica. This site is important for the study of the first human settlements, with elements dating back to Neolithic times. The visit is very impressive thanks to the particular conformation of the Iblei plateau, characterised by deep gullies created by nature on account of the karst phenomenon. To the east of Punta Secca is another archaeological area, that of Caucana; its village is one of the best preserved of the late antique period. There is a fascinating cemetery church with a nave and two aisles, where tombs were found hollowed out of the rock.
An enchanting coast
The coast of Ragusa is marvellous, extending from Scoglitti to Pozzallo, about fifty kilometres of magnificent, varied shore. A continuous alternation of fine sandy beaches and rugged rocks, equipped tourist resorts and picturesque fishing villages. Particularly striking are the colours of the sea, with their changing tones, and those of the sand which looks like gold in the rays of the sun. The Ragusa coast begins with the splendid resort of Marina di Ragusa, an ideal location for a holiday with plenty of entertainment and night life. Another busy seaside resort is Pozzallo, a splendid little town by the sea. Here the shore is dominated by the old watch-tower built as a defence against pirate raids. For those in search of a quieter, more relaxing holiday, two resorts in the Scicli area are to be recommended. The first is Donnalucata, an old village of great historic importance. Anyone arriving from the sea will certainly be charmed by the enchanting scenery of this little village. The other bathing resort is Sampieri, a corner of paradise for those who want to relax, taking pleasant walks on the promenade or just lying on a quiet beach. But the tourist has a wide choice: other locations in the Scicli district are Cava d’Aliga and Scoglitti, the busy bathing resorts of Santa Maria del Focallo and Macconi, and the quieter Maganuco and Marina di Modica.
Fun with flavours
The cuisine of the province of Ragusa is linked to the traditions of the peasant world: simple dishes, yet rich and substantial. A cuisine with lots of flavours, ranging from piquant to savoury and sweet. Some typical dishes are “Pastierei”, meat pies made of minced lamb and goat, “Scacce”, pies filled with broccoli and spinach, “cavati”, ravioli with ricotta cheese, and “lolli” with broad beans. There is an excellent locally produced caciocavallo cheese. A real delight for the palate are the numerous sweets: taste the chocolate made at Modica, still using the original technique, the typical Sicilian “cassata”, “mustazzoli” biscuits, nougat and amaretti. Of course we must not fail to taste one of Sicily’s most interesting wines, Cerasuolo Vittoria, which takes its name from its cherry-red colour. It goes well with white and red meats and with piquant, mature cheeses. The traditional products of Ragusa gastronomy can be best appreciated if tasted during one of the many fairs held in the various town in the province. These fairs offer an opportunity to get to know the people of Ragusa and enjoy their folk concerts, theatrical performances and displays of local handicrafts.
