Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale
Italy
Going down throught the stairs and passing by the church of Santa Maria delle Scale (Unesco heritage), we will stop to admire the wonderful panoramic view of Ibla. Depending on the time of day and the period of the year, it will also be possible to visit the interior of the church, a precious testimony of the architectural style prior to the earthquake.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the physical and symbolic threshold of Ragusa: the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale. Standing here, you are poised between two distinct urban identities. …
Listen in the app2The Panoramic Threshold
Before entering the church, we must pause at the panoramic terrace. This is the spot where every visitor to Ragusa first falls in love with the city's topography. …
Listen in the app3The Gothic-Catalan Remnants
As we enter the church, we are immediately confronted with its most unique scholarly feature: the remnants of its fifteenth-century Gothic-Catalan structure. While the exterior was largely rebuilt in the Baroque style after 1693,…
Listen in the app4The Baroque Transformation
Turning our attention to the rest of the interior, we see the results of the Baroque reconstruction. The left side of the nave was entirely rebuilt in the eighteenth century, creating a fascinating architectural asymmetry. …
Listen in the app5The Pulpit and Local Craftsmanship
A highlight of the interior is the beautifully carved stone pulpit, which showcases the incredible talent of the local Ragusan stonemasons. The limestone used in the church is relatively soft when first quarried, allowing for the…
Listen in the app6The Descent of the 340 Steps
Leaving the church, we begin our descent down the famous staircase that gives the building its name. These 340 steps are more than just a path; they are a living history book of Ragusa. …
Listen in the app7The Church Tower and the Ceramic Dome
As we reach a lower vantage point on the stairs, take a moment to look back at the church's tower and its unique dome. Unlike the grand blue-tiled dome of the Cathedral, the dome of Santa Maria delle Scale is more modest but…
Listen in the app8Closing
Our visit to the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale and the descent of its historic stairs has taken us through the very soul of Ragusa. We have seen how a single building can hold the memories of two different eras—the Gothic and…
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What is Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale?
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Scale is a place in Italy with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Italy |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 36.9273, 14.7354 |
| Last updated |
