Ragusa is another Sicilian city with a long history of regional importance. Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, Normans have all left their mark. Under the Norman Monarchy Ragusa was the seat of a Norman Count and a powerful castle dominated the town. Less important through the years of Spanish rule the town was devastated by a major earthquake in 1693. Some 5000 inhabitants are thought to have died during the quake. Afterwards a new town was built on the hill above Ragusa and Ragusa Superiore (Upper Ragusa) was born. It along with the old town, now Ragusa Inferiore (Lower Ragusa) were rebuilt with many glorious baroque buildings. In the 20th century Ragusa suffered for its anti fascist stance but has today emerged as an increasingly prosperous industrial focus. It also is attracting tourists made aware of its beauty through watching the popular TV series Montalbano. Ragusa features heavily as the location for many scenes of that police drama. We spent a couple of nights enjoying this wonderful city.

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