It is such a welcoming environment that the first traces of prehistoric life have been found here, and Sicily's most ancient inhabitants. That's the Paleothic era from 25,000 years ago. Rich folklore, therefore, is still present, with much of the rituals and religious festivals we see today dating back to the 1600's perhaps due to the impression left by the huge earhtquake of the late 17th century.

In fact, the 11th January 1693 destroyed so much of Ibla that a new town was subsequently built on Patro hill, but also to accommodate a new social reality. Many saw a commercial opportunity in the fabulous new baroque city, while the old elite clung on in medieval Ibla.

The province of Ragusa describes the new city as a 'cheeseboard' of roads and thoroughfares punctuated by churches and buildings. To look out for: Palazzo Bertini, Palazzo Zacco and Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Whereas the 'papier mache nativity scene' of Ibla includes Palazzo Cosentini, Ibleo Gardens and the Church of the 'Anime del Purgatorio.

Cheese and wine of Ragusa