Loggia del Sinatra in Ispica

Scenographic and spectacular, with its solemn repetitiveness manifested in the arches that overlook the square, the Loggia del Sinatra in Ispica it is one of the most spectacular monuments of the city.
Ispica is located in province of Ragusa and there are many architectures in the center that attract tourists and visitors, not only from the neighboring towns of Sicily, but also from outside the borders of the island. The Loggiato del Sinatra, in particular, attracts with its nearby Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, most of the tourists arriving in Ispica. The history of this monument begins in the eighteenth century and takes shape between 1750 and 1760, the period in which the finishing touches that embellish the colonnade are completed. Inspired by that of St. Peter, the Colonnade of Ispica it was built on a project by the Sicilian architect Vincenzo Sinatra of Noto.
Due to its beauty, the Loggiato del Sinatra of Ispica was chosen in the past as a location by directors of the caliber of Vittorio De Sica and today there are many tourists who want to experience the wonderful atmosphere of Ispica, starting from this extraordinary monument .

The architecture of the Loggiato del Sinatra in Ispica

The Loggiato del Sinatra in Ispica follows the semi-elliptical shape of Santa Maria Maggiore Square. The arched structure is made up of 26 vaults, while the facade is embellished with stuccoes made in the eighteenth century by Gianforma. At the center of the Loggiato it is easy to identify the main element of the structure, i.e. a large entrance formed by three monumental vaults, from which the arms surrounding the square depart in both lateral directions. Arches, volutes and coats of arms in relief define the ornaments of the loggia with character.
In front of the colonnade opens the square, which is also overlooked by the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore of Ispica.

What to do at the Loggiato del Sinatra in Ispica

Admiring the Loggiato del Sinatra in Ispica means being in front of one of the main monuments of the town and at the same time a few steps from the Basilica, a truly fascinating glance for the visitor who arrives in Ispica for the first time, especially if he reaches the square at sunset, to see it illuminated by the lights of the colonnade. Strolling in the square is extremely pleasant, before or after a visit to the Church, where you will admire the chapels and altars, the marbles and golds, as well as paintings with a sacred theme, such as scenes from the Old and New Testaments, which characterize the interiors of the Basilica.
In the town there are also other sacred buildings to discover, such as the Augusta Basilica of the Annunciation, built in the eighteenth century in Rococo style or the mighty and solid Mother Church of Ispica, Or the Church of St. Bartholomew, where in addition to the Baroque style we meet the Neoclassical. One of the most evocative places in Ispica, in addition to the Loggiato, but this time of civil origin, is the Bruno Palazzo Belmonte, a wonderful Art Nouveau building from 1906. Never really completed, the building became the Town Hall in the XNUMXs.
Another address to mark in Ispica is that of Piazza Unità d'Italia, not only a showcase in the centre, but the site of the XNUMXth century and eclectic Palazzo Antonio Bruno. Walking through the historic center, you will also come across many other palaces and different churches to discover, while leaving the town, you can visit the Ispica quarry, with its route several kilometers long and the remains of very ancient villages or the Force Park, archaeological site all to be explored to discover the traces of history.
While strolling through the streets of the centre, finally let yourself be tempted by the many places that await you to offer you the best of Sicilian pastry and local cuisine, with pastry shops and cafes, restaurants where you can taste the freshest fish, pizzerias and clubs for an unforgettable dinner.

How it is possible to reach the Loggiato del Sinatra in Ispica

The Loggiato del Sinatra in Ispica is located in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, in the heart of the city. To get to Ispica, you can travel by car or by train. With the'auto, from the A18 Messina-Catania motorway, take the Rosolini exit 5 km from the centre, while with the train, get off at Ragusa station, which is 21 km from Ispica and reach the center by bus or shuttle.

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