Ispica

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Comune di Ispica
Coat of arms of Comune di Ispica
Municipal coat of arms
Country Flag of Italy Italy
Region Sicily
Province Ragusa (RG)
Mayor
Elevation 170 m
Area 100 km²
Population
 - Total 15,000
 - Density /km²
Time zone CET, UTC+1
Coordinates 36°47′″, 14°54′″
Gentilic
Dialing code +390932
Postal code I-97014
Frazioni Santa Maria del Focallo
Patron Carmelo

Ispica is a city in the south of Sicily, Italy. It is 30 km from Ragusa, 50 km from Syracuse, and 90 km from La Valletta, Malta. The first time that a document quoted this location was in 1093, in a list of churches and ecclesiastic departments for administartive purposes, but the territory has been colonized since the Bronze Age.

The city is on a hill and its territory is essentially exploited by intensive agriculture (tomatoes, olives, wineyards, etc.) which is the main economical activity. There are 10 km of coasts, most of which of are sand and dunes, and an island (Porri island) at 2 km from coast.

The town hosts also some nice examples of Sicilian Baroque such as the Vincenzo Sinatra's Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the Annunziata Church, the Carmine monsatery and the St. Barthelemy cathedral.

The 16th century St. Francis monastery in Ispica precedes the Baroque architectural period.
The 16th century St. Francis monastery in Ispica precedes the Baroque architectural period.
Vincenzo Sinatra's Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Vincenzo Sinatra's Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: