Catania - Day Trip to Ragusa

Ragusa, like Noto was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake and then rebuilt in the Baroque style both "in place" and on an adjacent higher hill. Our original plan had us overnighting in Ragusa, but the modification to daytripping from Catania proved to be a good choice as both the bus station and train station turned out to be quite a hike to/from Ilba, the Old Town where we planned to sleep. In addition the sights can be seen in a few hours.

There were a few views of Mount Etna from the bus window as we headed south from Catania to Ragusa.


And a few ridges covered with windmills.


As usual for the trip so far, there was a rain shower as we walked into town past this modernist clock tower.


But the Tourist Office was friendly (with a helpful free map) and we carefully headed down the 200+ slippery steps of Via Scale to the Old Town; after poking our heads in to the Cathedral during a funeral - whoops.


At the top of Via Scale with great views to Ilba.




Inside the Church of Purgatory in Ilba.


The highlight of Ilba is the exterior of the Baroque Duomo and the sloping piazza in front.




The nearby Chiesa di San Giuseppe has a beautiful ceiling. We almost didn't get to see it as the nuns were closing the doors as we walked up, but an intrepid tour guide persuaded them to stay open for 2 more minutes (for her group) so we piggy-backed our way in.


One of the old city gates.


And a few more views; one looking up to the newer city from the base of Via Scala and then some back to Ilba.






And finally the Ragusa Post Office.