Island Hopping 2024: Giarratana, Ragusa Ibla, Pizza by the Slice

Monday April 15:  We have traveled to Ragusa Superoire (Superior) several times.  It is the modern city with modern shops and services.  But, we’ve consistently driven past Ragusa Ibla, the old medieval part of the city.  Today, that was going to end.

                                To get to Ragusa we had to get past a group of twenty biking tourists.

                                     With the curvy roads there was never a place to pass.

So, Buongiorno Ragusa Ibla...a place where history, culture, and a healthy dose of Sicilian charm collide in the most delightful fashion.  We began our journey amidst the tranquil beauty of Giardino Ibleo, a verdant oasis nestled in the heart of the city. As we strolled through the meticulously landscaped gardens, fragrant with the scent of citrus blossoms, we couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over us. It was the perfect spot to start the day, surrounded by nature's bounty, chirping birds and one of the most tidy towns that we have found in Sicily.

The view down the gorge from up in Ragusa Ibla

In the middle of the Gardens, once a convent now a hotel

The well cared for paths through the garden

Anywhere in Ragusa Ibla you are either taking the steps up or you are taking them down

From the Garden, we were off to explore the winding streets and hidden corners of Ragusa Ibla, where every turn seemed to reveal a new marvel. We stumbled upon a quaint artisan workshop and wandered down some cobblestone alleys, where we found a very high end clothing shop.

One of many quaint side streets

Another side street.  

 

Nice touches like this all around the town

In 1693 a severe earthquake, one that affected all of Sicily brought down every structure in Ragusa Ibla except this arch.  When rebuilding started, those who could, built in Ragusa Superiore

George slaying the dragon in the arch above

A cozy café waiting to open at 7:30 PM

A grotto/chapel next to the church

There is always time for granita (Sandy had lemon, I had a sampler of three)

The Cathedral of Saint George, looming over the town

So many steps

A very expensive dress shop, note the vaulted ceilings 

 When I met her, Sandy had a dress exactly this color and style except it was much shorter (after all it was minidresses in 1970).  She made it herself and she was beautiful in it.

We paused to admire the colorful facades of centuries-old palazzi with balconies draped in early spring foliage and understood why this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Our meanderings ended at the awe-inspiring Cathedral of San Giorgio (yes, the dragon slayer).  This stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture rises dramatically above the cityscape.  But it was not any one site that made the magic in Ragusa Ibla.  It was the feeling we had walking through it.  Certainly Ragusa Ibla is one of the most relaxing places we have found in Sicily.

Best Pizza by the slice I've ever had.  A food court in the new city.