San Giorgio Cathedral

The Duomo of San Giorgio is a Baroque church located in Ragusa Ibla, old part of Ragusa. Its construction began in 1738 and ended in 1775.

The church is one of the greatest expressions of Baroque style and religious architecture in Ragusa. It was designed by Rosario Gagliardi of Noto, an architect and a prominent figure of the then artistic movement. It stands on top of a monumental staircase and its angled position pointing to the square amplifies its majesty and plastic effects, also exalted by a slightly convex front side. The façade, with three orders, was built following the “tower” pattern: it grows up like a pyramid and incorporates the bell tower into the façade ending with a bulbous pinnacle.

The central door is finely carved with six high-reliefs made by Palermo native artist Vincenzo Fiorelli in 1793. Images depict the martyrdom of San Giorgio. In the second order, there is a frame with carvings adorned with a stained-glass window, which shows San Giorgio slaying the dragon; on the sides, it stands the equestrian statues of San Giorgio and St. James the Apostle. The third order, instead, contains the belfry on top of which stands an antique clock. Next to it, there are two statues of San Pietro and San Paolo.The church’s Latin cross plan is characterized by three naves separated by two sturdy columns.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Salita Duomo 13, Ragusa, Italy

Details

Founded: 1738-1775
Category: Religious sites in Italy