Sicily Ragusa

The name "Ragusa" is derived from the Greek-Byzantine term "Rogos", meaning "granary". The city is sited approximately 500 meters above sea level, in a hilly landscape, close to all of the principal Sicilian cities.

Ragusa is divided in two, Ragusa Superiore and Ragusa Inferiore, known also as "Ibla", (originally Hibla Heraia). It is in Ragusa Inferiore that the most important monuments can be found, buildings such as the Church of St Maria delle Scale, the Cathedral of St Giovanni Battista, the Church of Purgatory with its Baroque portal, and Palazzo Donnafugata in which there are splendid paintings assigned to Antonello da Messina.

The principal economic activities of Ragusa are linked to agriculture, craftsmanship, tourism. The vibrant Via Roma is the heart of the city life.