Description

In ancient times the Church of San Giorgio was located in the eastern part of Ragusa Ibla. After the destructive earthquake of 1693 it was rebuilt in the place where it stands today. Of the ancient structure remains the beautiful 1400 portal in the Gothic-Catalan style. Its facade, with its high convex central body, is imposing, animated and divided into 3 oridini. It was designed in 1744 by Rosario Gagliardi and then finished in 1775, the date engraved on the spire. The overhanging part of the neoclassical dome, a full 43 m. high, was the work of Carmelo Cutrano in 1820. At its entrance are three wonderful portals. The central one is rich in artistic decorative elements of fine appearance, while the side portals are carved with the vicissitudes relating to the martyrdom of St. George by Vincenzo Fiorello in 1793. The structure of the Cathedral of St. George in Ragusa Ibla is arranged on a Latin cross plan with 3 naves. These are arranged on imposing pillars, also note the wonderful dome and a wide and deep apse. The interior of the Cathedral of St. George in Ragusa Ibla is characterized by large historiated stained glass windows in the modern style, that is, glass decorated with religious representations. Of great interest and beauty are the several frescoes by artist Vito D'Anna such as the Immaculate Conception, the Glory of St. Nicholas and the Guardian Angel. Of relevant beauty in the Sacristy is an ancient marble altarpiece by the school of Gagini, composed of statues depicting Sts. George, Hippolytus and Mercury with important reliefs in the base. The Cathedral of St. George in Ragusa Ibla also preserves, exactly above the side doors, the Statue of the Saint on Horseback made by Girolamo Bagnasco in 1874 and the casket containing the relics of St. George. Both simulacra are carried in procession during the celebration of the Patron of Ragusa Ibla, which is celebrated on the last Sunday in May. It behooves us to mention that the Cathedral of St. George in Ragusa Ibla also houses a magnificent Serassi organ from 1881, which has the beauty of 3368 pipes. As in every main church in every city, a precious Treasure is also kept here. Belonging to the Treasure of the Cathedral of St. George in Ragusa Ibla is a seventh-century Byzantine two-valve bronze stauroteca, enclosed within a silver cross of 1530, also forming part of it are some silver busts and a marvelous trunk also in silver.