Ragusa is a Sicilian city with ancient charm, located in the southeastern part of the island, on a plateau overlooking a deep valley. The capital of the homonymous province, Ragusa stands out for its rich artistic and architectural heritage, the result of a complex and layered history. It is known especially for its historic center, Ragusa Ibla, and the elegance of its Baroque style, so much so that it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other cities in the Val di Noto. The current urban configuration of Ragusa is the result of a tragic event: the devastating earthquake of 1693 that struck much of southeastern Sicily. Following the earthquake, the city was rebuilt in two distinct areas. Some of the population decided to rebuild on the original hill, giving new life to Ragusa Ibla, while another part moved to a higher area, where Ragusa Superiore was built. This dual urban nucleus gives the city a particular identity, made up of harmonious contrasts between ancient and modern. Ragusa Ibla is a labyrinth of narrow streets and staircases winding through Baroque churches, noble palaces, and quiet little squares. The Cathedral of San Giorgio, with its majestic curved facade and dramatic staircase, is one of the finest examples of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Around the cathedral, an urban fabric unfolds that preserves the charm of the past, with historic buildings that tell centuries of city life. Ragusa Superiore, on the other hand, reflects a more orderly and modern reconstruction for the time, with wider streets and a more rational urban layout. Here too, however, the Baroque style continues to dominate the architectural landscape, with buildings like the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, another important testimony to the artistic rebirth following the earthquake. From a cultural point of view, Ragusa is a dynamic and lively center. It hosts events, exhibitions, and festivals that enhance its traditions, art, and gastronomy. Ragusa's cuisine is one of the most appreciated aspects of the city: simple but intense dishes, based on local products such as caciocavallo Ragusano DOP, extra virgin olive oil, and artisanal preserves. Surrounded by a countryside dotted with dry stone walls, olive trees, and carob trees, Ragusa also offers an authentic contact with Sicilian nature. The proximity to the sea, with coastal areas like Marina di Ragusa, adds an additional element of attraction, making it a sought-after destination not only for culture lovers but also for those seeking relaxation and picturesque landscapes. Ragusa, with its intertwining of history, art, and landscape, represents one of the brightest gems of Sicily, capable of captivating and surprising anyone who visits it.
Acate, Buscemi, Chiaramonte Gulfi, Comiso, Gela, Giarratana, Ispica, Modica, Monterosso Almo, Noto, Palazzolo Acreide, Ragusa, Rosolini, Scicli, Vittoria
The local businesses in the municipality of Ragusa represent one of the main drivers of the local economy, with a strong vocation for craftsmanship, agriculture, and services. The entrepreneurial fabric of Ragusa is characterized by a prevalence of small and medium-sized family-run businesses, which have been consolidated over time thanks to a deep culture of work, quality, and innovation. A particularly relevant sector is the agri-food sector, in which companies specialized in the production of vegetables, cheeses, olive oil, and wine stand out, often enhanced by sustainable cultivation methods and a strong connection with local traditions. The greenhouses, spread throughout the territory, are a symbol of the agriculture of Ragusa, which has been able to modernize while maintaining respect for the environment and the seasonality of products. The dairy sector is another flagship of the Ragusa economy, with companies producing nationally recognized excellences, such as the famous Ragusano cheese. The craftsmanship sector also plays a central role, with workshops producing ceramics, fabrics, furniture, and wrought iron objects, expressions of the creativity and skill of local artisans. In recent years, there has also been a growth in the tourism sector, which has stimulated the opening of new activities related to hospitality, catering, and cultural services. Numerous companies also operate in the technology, construction, and transportation sectors, contributing to the diversification of the economy and the creation of opportunities for the new generations. Despite the challenges related to bureaucracy and global competitiveness, Ragusa's businesses demonstrate a remarkable ability to adapt and resilience, maintaining strong roots in the territory and looking confidently towards the future.
The territory of Ragusa appears as a large area, with a population of approximately 73,736 inhabitants in 2023, evenly divided between males and females. The presence of foreigners is significant, with a total of 35,408 individuals. In terms of housing, there are 208,843 dwellings as of December 31, 2021, of which 129,156 are occupied and 79,687 are unoccupied. This data could indicate a potential real estate market to explore for investments in the residential sector. As for the tourist offer, Ragusa has various accommodation facilities, including hotels, farmhouses, youth hostels, and bed & breakfasts. Overall, there are 357 accommodation facilities with a total of 10,570 beds, offering interesting opportunities for investments in the tourism sector. Geographically, the territory features a variety of altitude bands, with most of the area ranging between 300 and 599 meters above sea level. This characteristic could favor the development of activities related to nature tourism and hiking. Finally, from a cultural perspective, Ragusa has two museum institutions with a limited number of visitors in 2020. This could represent an opportunity for investments in the cultural and tourism sector, promoting the enhancement of the historical and artistic heritage of the territory. In conclusion, Ragusa presents itself as a territory with interesting potential for investors, with opportunities in the real estate, tourism, cultural, and naturalistic sectors. The presence of a diverse population and a wide range of accommodation facilities offers a favorable context for the development of new economic and commercial initiatives.
The municipality of Ragusa, located in the heart of southeastern Sicily, is one of the most fascinating tourist destinations on the island thanks to its rich artistic, cultural, and natural heritage. The city stands out for its unique urban structure, divided between Ragusa Superiore, the modern part, and Ragusa Ibla, the historic center rebuilt in Baroque style after the earthquake of 1693. Ibla represents one of the main attractions of the city: a maze of alleys, staircases, and squares embellished with monumental churches and noble palaces, among which stands out the Cathedral of San Giorgio, a masterpiece by the architect Rosario Gagliardi. Visitors are fascinated by the grandeur of its facade and the beauty of the square that welcomes it. Strolling through Ragusa Ibla means immersing oneself in a timeless atmosphere, where every corner tells a story and every building testifies to the elegance of Sicilian Baroque. There are also parks and green spaces, such as the Iblei Gardens, from which you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of the surrounding valley. In Ragusa Superiore, on the other hand, you can find the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista and numerous other religious and civil architectures worth a visit. Nature and trekking enthusiasts can explore the Iblean countryside and the numerous natural caves surrounding the area, including the evocative Cava dei Miracoli. Not far from the center, the Ragusa coastline offers golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, making the area ideal for a beach holiday as well. Ragusa enchants with its ability to combine art, history, landscapes, and traditions, offering the visitor an authentic and engaging experience, capable of leaving an indelible memory.
