Ispica

Ispica: a brief guide to the city

Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Ispica, a beautiful city located in southeastern Sicily, in the subregion of Iblea. With its 16,221 inhabitants, Ispica is the sixth municipality in the province of Ragusa by area, which extends for 113.5 km².

Ispica: history, nature and gastronomy in a city in southeastern Sicily.

Physical geography

Territory

The territory of Ispica is very varied, from hills at an altitude of 170 m above sea level to the coast, which extends for 13 km in a succession of sandy and rocky stretches. The municipality also includes the archaeological park of Forza, with artifacts dating back to 1692, and the natural reserve of Cava Ispica, which will soon be part of the Iblei National Park. If you love nature, I also recommend visiting the natural reserves of Pantani, Maccone Bianco, and Santa Maria del Focallo, as well as the Porri Island, a splendid rock ideal for diving excursions.

Climate

The climate of Ispica is typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers. However, the presence of the sea and the microclimate in coastal areas means that temperatures are cooler than in the inland areas.

The coast of Ispica

As you may have guessed, the coast of Ispica extends for 13 km and offers sandy and rocky stretches. If you want to enjoy the beauty of the coast, I recommend visiting the beaches of Santa Maria del Focallo, Marza, and Ciriga. Personally, I love the sea breeze that rises in summer and makes temperatures much more tolerable than inland.

Monuments and places of interest

Ispica is a city rich in history and interesting monuments. I recommend visiting the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, built in the 18th century, the Church of San Bartolomeo, the Mother Church, which dates back to the 18th century, and the Bruno di Belmonte Palace. Also, do not miss the Santiago Castle, located on the Calandra hill and dating back to the 11th century.

Food and wine

Like any self-respecting Sicilian city, Ispica also offers high-quality food and wine. If you love good food, you must try the famous seafood appetizer, pork chops, and Sicilian cannoli. As for wine, I recommend Nero d'Avola, a very prized red wine produced in this area of Sicily.

Conclusions

In short, Ispica is a city rich in history, nature, and good food. If you are looking for a little-known but fascinating tourist destination, Ispica could be the right choice for you. I hope this brief summary has made you want to visit this splendid Sicilian city. So what are you waiting for? Take the first train or plane available and enjoy all that Ispica has to offer!

Andrea Fontana
Updated Friday, Jul 1, 2022