We arrived in Ragusa during a beautiful late afternoon.  Around every turn was a spectacular view, which I was able to capture out the bus window:

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

Located in the province of the same name, Ragusa is a city of just under 74,000 people. I was instantly attracted to the hilliness of it and how the homes and businesses were built into the hillsides.  Having grown up in flat-as-a-pancake, gridded lot-and-block of Lakewood, California, I loved the steep and narrow windy roads and abundance of staircases.  It was all so charming to me!

The entire city is a UNESCO Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance.  The origins of Ragusa can be traced back to the 2^nd millennium BC.  In 1693, a massive earthquake leveled the city killing 5,000 people, so it was rebuilt in the Baroque style of architecture.  Many of those buildings still stand today.

After settling into our hotel room, Francesco led our group on an orientation tour before dining al fresco at a restaurant with a lovely view of San Giusseppe Church.

Dinners throughout Sicily were always a treat; they take their cooking and baking seriously!  I hadn’t been a big fan of cannolis in the past, but the Sicilian bakers won me over.  It makes my mouth water just looking at them!

The following morning, we were led by a local guide on a walking tour of Ragusa.  It was another gorgeous day! 

In the late afternoon, our group headed over to Modica for a joy ride!  Weeeeeee!

Coming up next: SICILY & AMALFI COAST #14: MOTORING AROUND MODICA