The Castle of Donnafugata

A labyrinth of charm and beauty

When: All year round
Where: Ragusa – Scicli – Donnafugata Castle – Punta Secca
Route type: Urban route
Duration: 2 to 3 hours for each visit

Rising majestically among the Hyblean highlands, Donnafugata Castle offers itself to the visitor’s eye with timeless beauty. Passing through characteristic landscapes of the Terra Barocca, among farms and quiet pastures, the gaze rests on the countryside bordered by ancient dry stone walls, until it meets the elegance of this imposing structure.

To reach the ancient manor, it is necessary to walk down a long avenue lined with lively rooms, anticipating the magnificence of the noble residence. Once there, one is confronted with a veritable treasure trove: the castle itself, its vast grounds, and the museum.

About 15 kilometers from Ragusa, Donnafugata Castle has a history dating back to the Chiaramonte family and later passed to the Arezzo de Spuches family in the 17th century. With its three levels and neo-Gothic style, the building covers an area of over 7500 square meters, housing 122 splendid noble rooms that evoke rich banquets and lavish parties.

Not only a tourist destination, the castle has also been a film location for several productions, including the famous TV series “Inspector Montalbano” and the films “Viceroy” by Roberto Faenza, “Kaos” by the Taviani brothers and “Tale of Tales” by Matteo Garrone.

A walk in the Castle Park is an experience not to be missed: its eight hectares of historic gardens are declined in three different styles, from the informal English garden to the formal French garden to the rustic orchard garden. Here you can admire some 1,500 plant species and visit an atmospheric chapel as well as a stone labyrinth.

Finally, one of the most striking moments is the view of the sunset: the warm sunlight reflecting on the surrounding landscape offers an unforgettable spectacle, making Donnafugata Castle a magical place to visit at least once in a lifetime.