ENVIRONS
Discovering Ragusa and its environs
Marina di Ragusa, a gem steeped in art and history, is the ideal starting point for a journey to discover Sicilian Baroque, through splendid cities such as Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Scicli and Noto, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their unique architectural and historical beauty.
Not to mention the places that inspired Andrea Camilleri's novels with his famous Commissario Montalbano.
Not to mention the places that inspired Andrea Camilleri's novels with his famous Commissario Montalbano.
Imagine walking through the same settings that served as the backdrop for the investigations of Italy's most beloved police commissioner, in a place where time seems to stand still.
Whether you are here for leisure or business, indulge in the delights of the local cuisine: a food and wine journey that will allow you to discover traditional specialties rich in authentic flavors and fine wines, selected to bring out the best in each dish.
Whether you are here for leisure or business, indulge in the delights of the local cuisine: a food and wine journey that will allow you to discover traditional specialties rich in authentic flavors and fine wines, selected to bring out the best in each dish.
Here are our tips on what to see near Marina di Ragusa:
26 KM Ragusa
Known as the "City of Bridges" for its three iconic bridges, Ragusa is also called the Baroque pearl of Sicily and its historic center is a true architectural masterpiece recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built from the ruins of the devastating earthquake that struck it in 1693, Ragusa has been transformed as it has been divided into two districts: on the one hand, Ragusa Superiore, standing on the plateau, from which there is a breathtaking view; on the other, Ragusa Ibla, built on the ruins of the ancient city, maintaining its medieval layout. The latter represents the true Baroque spirit of the city and holds timeless architectural treasures.
Ragusa, with its two faces, offers an unforgettable journey through time, where every stone, every church and every view tells the story of a city that has been able to flourish again, becoming an emblem of beauty and resilience.
Built from the ruins of the devastating earthquake that struck it in 1693, Ragusa has been transformed as it has been divided into two districts: on the one hand, Ragusa Superiore, standing on the plateau, from which there is a breathtaking view; on the other, Ragusa Ibla, built on the ruins of the ancient city, maintaining its medieval layout. The latter represents the true Baroque spirit of the city and holds timeless architectural treasures.
Ragusa, with its two faces, offers an unforgettable journey through time, where every stone, every church and every view tells the story of a city that has been able to flourish again, becoming an emblem of beauty and resilience.
15 Km Scicli
Scicli, one of Sicily's major Baroque towns, welcomes its visitors with wonderful views of the majestic church of San Bartolomeo and the former Convento della Croce.
Also famous for being the setting for numerous scenes in the "Commissario Montalbano" TV series, the town boasts iconic sites such as Via Penna, where the Palazzo Comunale, used as the Vigata police station, and Palazzo Iacono, representing the Montelusa police headquarters, are located. Both are symbols of local history and art.
The urban fabric of Scicli is a mosaic of Baroque architecture, with notable examples such as Palazzo Beneventano, known for its elaborate facades, and the churches of San Ignazio and San Bartolomeo. The latter has the unique characteristic of preserving a nativity scene with 65 life-size wooden statues.
This town is not only an architectural gem but also a place where traditions, art and stories intertwine, offering an immersive experience in Sicilian Baroque and its wonders, a testament to the beauty and resilient spirit of Scicli.
Also famous for being the setting for numerous scenes in the "Commissario Montalbano" TV series, the town boasts iconic sites such as Via Penna, where the Palazzo Comunale, used as the Vigata police station, and Palazzo Iacono, representing the Montelusa police headquarters, are located. Both are symbols of local history and art.
The urban fabric of Scicli is a mosaic of Baroque architecture, with notable examples such as Palazzo Beneventano, known for its elaborate facades, and the churches of San Ignazio and San Bartolomeo. The latter has the unique characteristic of preserving a nativity scene with 65 life-size wooden statues.
This town is not only an architectural gem but also a place where traditions, art and stories intertwine, offering an immersive experience in Sicilian Baroque and its wonders, a testament to the beauty and resilient spirit of Scicli.
24 Km Modica
Modica, nicknamed the "City of a Hundred Churches," rises majestically on the slopes of the Iblei Mountains. It is famous not only for its production of artisan chocolate but also for being described by the Treccani as the most characteristic city in Italy, second only to Venice.
Divided into Modica Bassa and Modica Alta, it allows visitors to admire architectural masterpieces such as the church of Santa Maria di Betlem, the former convent of San Domenico-now the town hall with a delightful interior cloister-and the Church of the Carmine, famous for its 15th-century rose window, not to mention the Tower of the Castle of the Counts, which stands next to the spires of St. Peter and St. George.
In the heart of Modica Alta, the Baroque cathedral of St. George stands out as an architectural gem, built at the top of a monumental staircase, with a facade that is eye-catching for its majestic theatricality. Going down Corso Umberto, you come across the Church of St. Peter, which with its scenic beauty stands in visual dialogue with that of St. George. For lovers of literature, a visit to the birthplace of Salvatore Quasimodo, winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, is a must-see.
Divided into Modica Bassa and Modica Alta, it allows visitors to admire architectural masterpieces such as the church of Santa Maria di Betlem, the former convent of San Domenico-now the town hall with a delightful interior cloister-and the Church of the Carmine, famous for its 15th-century rose window, not to mention the Tower of the Castle of the Counts, which stands next to the spires of St. Peter and St. George.
In the heart of Modica Alta, the Baroque cathedral of St. George stands out as an architectural gem, built at the top of a monumental staircase, with a facade that is eye-catching for its majestic theatricality. Going down Corso Umberto, you come across the Church of St. Peter, which with its scenic beauty stands in visual dialogue with that of St. George. For lovers of literature, a visit to the birthplace of Salvatore Quasimodo, winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, is a must-see.
60 Km Noto
Noto, dubbed the 'Garden of Stone,' has also won the title of undisputed capital of Sicilian Baroque, thanks to its extraordinary rebirth after the devastating earthquake of 1693. The ancient ruins gave way to majestic churches, monasteries and palaces along the Corso, a long main street that winds through the city, featuring three scenic squares. The first, Piazza dell'Immacolata, welcomes visitors with the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the majestic Abbey of the Holy Savior, a building that tells stories of faith and beauty.
Continuing on, we reach Piazza del Municipio, the beating heart of the city, where the harmony between the sacred and the secular is manifested in the succession of buildings such as Palazzo Ducezio, the town hall, and places of worship such as the Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace. The walk ends in Piazza XVI Maggio, where the Villetta d'Ercole offers a green spot adorned with the statue of the mythological hero, opposite the Church of San Domenico, which surprises with its unusual convex facade.
Continuing on, we reach Piazza del Municipio, the beating heart of the city, where the harmony between the sacred and the secular is manifested in the succession of buildings such as Palazzo Ducezio, the town hall, and places of worship such as the Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace. The walk ends in Piazza XVI Maggio, where the Villetta d'Ercole offers a green spot adorned with the statue of the mythological hero, opposite the Church of San Domenico, which surprises with its unusual convex facade.