Church of Santa Maria delle Scale

Fischer1961 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Ragusa, RG

Santa Maria delle Scale tells what happened in Ragusa after the earthquake of 1693. The upper town was rebuilt on the plateau, but the old church, already partly destroyed, remained as a ruin beside the new building.

The façade of the old building preserves elements from different periods: a Gothic-Catalan portal and later decorations. From the terrace there is a view over Ragusa Ibla, with its rooftops and domes in a row.

From here starts the long staircase linking upper Ragusa to Ibla: walking down, among glimpses and gardens, is one of the loveliest routes in the city.

• 30-45 minutes
• Staircase and viewpoint free
• All year
• Reached by a long staircase; not suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties.
• The staircase rewards you with a view over Ragusa Ibla. Walk down towards Ibla for a lovely panoramic route.