La Cattedrale di San Giovanni Battista, Ragusa
The Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista is among the most important religious buildings for Ragusa, as well as one of the most beautiful Baroque-style churches in all of Sicily thanks to its finely cared for details and the typical Baroque style of the Val di Noto
The current structure was built at the end of the eighteenth century, the Cathedral previously stood near the Castle of Ragusa Ibla, but was destroyed by the earthquake of 1693.
The Ragusa Cathedral has a facade with various sculptures and 3 entrances, of which the main one is located in the centre. On the left of the building is the imposing bell tower, about 50 meters high with the typical shape of a quadrangular tower. Subdivided into three orders and marked by pilasters, balustrades and pinnacles, it is incorporated at the right end of the façade and reinforced at its base by massive blocks of stone which form a buttress treated with rusticated corners. The conical cusp, which broadly reproduces the decorative motif repeated several times on the balustrade of the churchyard, is grafted onto the third order.
Thanks to the 129 steps, which very easily lead to the belfry, one is enchanted by a first astonishing view of the square and the city, to which is added the interesting view of the four artistic bells.
Here it is also possible to be enchanted by a considerable amount of inscriptions that cover a large part of the wall surfaces which represent evidence of the passage of countless sentinels who, during the Second World War, were employed in this place chosen as a military garrison. such a singular height led them to engrave not only their names, but also touching reflections, drawings or even hymns to the penultimate king of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III.
Finally, the last 36 steps, which make up a narrow spiral-shaped ramp, lead easily to the third tier where the conical spire opens out and from where you can enjoy a further and admirable view of the entire upper city, of Ibla and of the landscape surrounding.
The interior of the Church is divided into two naves, on the sides of which various works of art are exhibited, including paintings, statues, and some small chapels. Here it is possible to admire the Immaculate Conception by Dario Guerci, The Three Marys, Christ at the Column by Francesco Manno, Young Saint John in the Desert by Paolo Vetri and many others. The large-sized Canvas of the Passion, which depicts the crucifixion of Christ, is particularly striking.
A few steps from the Cathedral there is a building, owned by the same Church, used as a Museum, where, in addition to the relics of Saint John the Baptist, some artifacts and works of art present inside the Cathedral before the earthquake of 1693. Enjoy your walk!
