Page 25 - The Sicilian Experience Brochure

Ragusa, Marina di Ragusa

& Modica

The province of Ragusa occupies the Southeastern tip of Sicily. Largely off the
beaten tourist track its unspoilt coastline of little inlets with natural ports
alternating with long sandy beaches make it ideal for bathing.
Ragusa is divided in two by a deep gorge. The old city called Ragusa Ibla
(named after the Iblei mountains) and Ragusa Superiore (the modern upper
town) were created after the devastating earthquake of 1693 split the city in
two. Ragusa Ibla with its network of ancient narrow streets and alleys was
reconstructed from the city ruins maintaining its medieval city plan with the
addition of new buildings and monuments that transformed it into a gem of
Baroque architecture which was the style greatly favoured by the architects of
this period. A fine example is the famous church the Basilica di San Giorgio built
in 1739 by Rosario Gagliardi one of the leading architects of this time.
Ragusa Superiore was built in line with 18th century standards with wide
straight and symmetrical streets at the heart of which lies the richly decorated
cathedral of San Giovanni Battista. The resort of Marina di Ragusa has a
beautiful soft sandy beach and a leisurely stroll along the promenade will lead
you to the resort centre with plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes to choose
from.
Just 8 kilometres southeast of Ragusa lies the baroque town of Modica. Split in
two the upper town rescued from the 1693 earthquake is dramatically perched
on a ridge on the slopes of the Iblei mountains, and the lower town houses the
bustling main street, shops, cafes and piazzas. Modica has a wealth of fine
decorative architecture most noticeably in its churches and monuments.
Ragusa

Eremo della Giubiliana ★★★★★
Hidden in the quiet countryside a few
kilometres south of Ragusa is this lovingly
converted 15th century convent - the Eremo
della Giubiliana. Family owned and with a
welcoming atmosphere it has retained many
ancient artefacts in its meticulous restoration
using original materials to create the exquisite
country house it is today. Dining is outdoors in
the summer months and the hotel is proud to
offer good Sicilian cuisine, much of which is
organically grown on their extensive estate
which includes a swimming pool and a private
airfield from where they organise a variety of
excursions by air using their own aircraft.

FACILITIES
● 25 rooms b/s wc tv
● restaurant
● lounge/bar
● swimming pool
● mountain bike hire
● private beach (8km)
● air conditioning
Eremo della Giubiliana

Eremo della Giubiliana Eremo della Giubiliana
25