Discover Ispica

Ispica’s attractions range from sacred architecture and archaeological history to landscapes and a seasonal speciality. They vary in character and historical period—from a 16th-century monastery to the route of the Presepe Vivente in the 2025/26 edition.

Churches, Monastery and Architecture

Santa Maria Maggiore was built in 1700, following the 1693 earthquake, and houses the simulacrum Cristo alla Colonna. The Basilica of Santissima Annunziata was the first religious building to be rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake. The monastery of S. Maria di Gesù and its church date back to 1515. The church has a single-nave layout, 18th-century Baroque stucco work and elaborate marble side altars. The cloister is considered the oldest building in the town. The Loggiato del Sinatra was designed in 1749 by Vincenzo Sinatra of Noto. Palazzo Bruno di Belmonte also bears the mark of architect Ernesto Basile.

Parco Forza and Archaeological History

The rocky outcrop of Forza was a natural fortress and was inhabited from the Early Bronze Age through the protohistoric period to Greek colonisation. In the Palazzo Marchionale at Parco Forza, ancillary rooms have been preserved, including a large kitchen and storerooms. The Antiquarium preserves architectural elements and archaeological finds; it is located in one of the park’s underground rooms. Here, the outcrop’s long history of settlement sits alongside the park’s varied archaeological evidence.

Landscape and Seasonal Speciality

The lush natural vegetation of Cava d’Ispica can conceal small grottoes and tombs. Natural habitats stretch from Pernamazzone to Parco Forza. The park is thus connected both to the outcrop’s archaeological history and to the described range of natural habitats.

The Carota Novella di Ispica IGP adds a seasonal speciality to the cultural and landscape attractions. It reaches market maturity as early as 20 February and is available until early June. It has a cylindrical-conical shape and an intense orange colour; it is also tender and crisp. If you would like to include this product in your travel plans, its marketing period offers a specific timeframe to bear in mind.

A Presepe Vivente Route

In the 2025/26 edition, the route of the Presepe Vivente di Ispica stretched for two kilometres, from the old settlement of Spaccaforno to caves at the beginning of the natural Cava d’Ispica canyon. The route may change in future editions.

If you choose Ispica for its cultural history, you can use building dates and historical periods as a guide; if you would like to include the Carota Novella, you can also keep its seasonal window in mind.

Discover more destinations: Santa Maria Del Focallo, Punta Secca, Balata di Modica, Marina Di Ragusa, Modica, Puntarazzi, Casuzze, Santa Croce Camerina

For the wider travel overview: Ragusa.