June 7, 2024
Ragusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ancient roots was devastated by an earthquake in 1693, and the aftermath changed the city significantly. Wealthier members of the population decided to build their new town higher up a cliff, while the rest of the inhabitants rebuilt on the original site, at the bottom of a gorge. These two distinct towns remained separate entities until 1926, when the higher and lower sections became one (along with a jumble of homes and churches that cling to the walls of the ravine that divide them).
I started the day with a walk along the creek that lead up the steep hill to the city center. I was so peaceful to explore the town in the morning light when I was the only person around. Later we were treated to a walking tour by a local guide that provided the history behind the buildings that I had explored earlier.
Lunch was one of the highlights of this trip as a few of us decided to splurge on lunch at Duomo a two Michelin star restaurant! The food was incredible, with creative presentation, the wine paring were spot on and the service was attentive, I have heard the phrase “you eat with your eyes first” and this was the case with the presentation at Duomo. The appetizer was stuffed olives and cherry tomatoes. The pasta course was fresh basil pasta with tuna and the main course was Tuna belly that melted in your mouth!! this was followed by desert and chocolates. I have never been a foodie but this meal may of convinced me that I have been missing out!!!
For our afternoon adventurer we headed to Modica, another UNESCO-listed city to drive in vintage Fiat 500s. These small Italian cars are ideal for maneuvering the narrow streets and lanes of Modica, as I discovered during my ride. The ride was like being in a movie (minus the fruit carts and baby strollers) as we dodged tourist and other cars pulling out of alleys. One of the best experiences of my life!!!!
Modica is known for its chocolate so of course we had to do a chocolate tasting.
We ended the evening with dinner at a local restaurant then drove back to Ragusa enjoying the lights of the city.
This was absolutely a “Best Day Ever….so far”!!
Bellisimo!!!!!