San Giovanni Square and San Giovanni Cathedral

Square San Giovanni is one of Ragusa’s main public spaces and is the beating heart of the city’s social, religious and cultural life. Large and scenic, the square is dominated by the majestic Cathedral of St John the Baptist, the city’s patron saint, built in the 18th century after the 1693 earthquake. The cathedral is distinguished by its imposing Baroque façade, decorated with sculptures, pilasters and stuccoes that testify to the high level of artistry of the time. The three-nave interior is embellished with monumental altars, important paintings and an 18th-century organ of great historical value. Piazza San Giovanni has always been the site of important religious celebrations, solemn processions, cultural events and concerts, becoming not only a spiritual but also a community reference point for the citizens of Ragusa. A symbol of identity, it is an essential stop for anyone visiting the city.