In Ragusa Ibla (the lower town), we followed Rick Steves' walking tour. Start at the Giardino Ibleo (Public Garden).
Inside the garden, there is a church, the Chiesa San Giacomo.
and a convent (now a hotel).
End at the grand terrace with a view of the ravine below.
Outside the garden is the Chiesa di San Vincenzo Ferreri.
Note the ornately tiled roof on the bell tower.
Exit the garden and turn left to see the Portale San Giorgio. This is one of the oldest surviving architecture in Ragusa Ibla.
The lunette over the doorway shows San Giorgio (St. George) slaying a dragon.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena. Beneath the bell tower is a shrine to the Virgin Mary..
Piazza Pola
The Church of San Giuseppe sits in Piazza Pola and was built in the 18th century. It serves a convent of Benedictine nuns--only 8 remain.
Palazzo Communale is the Town Hall.
The Arezzo Family Palazzi are 2 palaces on opposite sides of the street. The larger palace, the Palazzo Arezzo di Donnafugata, is owned by the branch of the family that built the Donnafugata castle. This palace contains a theatre with 98 seats that is open to the public.
The Palazzo Arezzo di Trafiletti (I didn't take a picture) sits across the street. The owner gives tours of the palace.
Circolo di Conversazione was founded in the mid 1800s as a private social club. Members still meet today.
Duomo di San Giorgio was designed by local architect Rosario Gagliardi. He also designed churches in Modica and Noto. The church's entry staircase veers to the left and he situated the church so that the dome and the bell tower would be visible from the piazza.
Look for all the references to St. George slaying a dragon.
Stained Glass showing St. George killing a dragon
Palazzo La Rocca.
Look at the figures under the balconies. Musicians playing flute and lyre.
A couple in an awkward embrace.
Tom Petty beneath a man carrying a barrel of wine.
The dome of San Giorgio is framed by the street. The architect wanted you to see the church from the front and the rear.
It's even prettier at night.
2022 04 18
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