Church of Santa Maria delle Scale
Descrizione
Located along the picturesque Discesa Santa Maria, which connects Ragusa Superiore to Ibla, the Church of Santa Maria delle Scale is one of the city’s oldest sacred places. Founded in the 14th century by Cistercian monks, it was enlarged and partially rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake, integrating Baroque elements with the original Gothic-Catalan structures. Evidence of this is the ogival portal, which has survived the centuries and leads to an interior with asymmetrical naves, enriched with stone decorations and valuable altars. The church is also famous for its privileged panoramic position: from the churchyard there is a spectacular view of Ragusa Ibla, with its roofs, churches and the surrounding green valley. A place of worship and contemplation, it is today one of the most popular destinations for the faithful, art lovers and tourists, for its architectural beauty and the strong symbolic value that links the two souls of the city.
