Duomo of San Giorgio, Cathedral in Ragusa Ibla, Italy
The Duomo di San Giorgio rises above a broad staircase that leads to a three-part facade with tall columns and a central domed structure. The interior spreads across three naves separated by stone pillars that create a bright, symmetrical sense of space.
Rosario Gagliardi designed the church starting in 1739 as a response to the earthquake of 1693, which had destroyed the previous structure. Work continued until 1775, when the facade received its final form and the dome was completed in a neoclassical style.
The name San Giorgio honors the patron saint of the city, whose feast is celebrated here with processions and public gatherings. Locals often meet before the entrance to pray together or attend Sunday Mass, which shapes the religious life of the community.
The outdoor staircase offers a good view of the square but may be challenging for people with limited mobility. Access to the side chapels and the museum is through separate entrances inside, which are easier to reach.
The dome was completed several decades after the facade, which explains the stylistic shift from Baroque to neoclassical design. In the crypt rest several bishops, whose tombstones are rarely noticed by visitors.
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