Vittoria is a Sicilian town in the province of Ragusa.
Sicily, thanks to its ancient history, in every part preserves a strong memory of the past as it hardly happens in other parts of the world.
This concept is well expressed in the town of Vittoria which, despite being officially founded in 1607, boasts very ancient origins.
These origins that are lost in history mean that the culture that developed is the direct consequence of what it was.
In which part of Sicily is victory located?
Vittoria is located in the south-eastern part of Sicily, in the province of Ragusa. It is located very close to two other major cities, Catania and Syracuse, and is known for its unique landscape and rich cultural heritage.
Vittoria’s position in this area allows visitors to explore both the splendid mountain regions of Etna and Iblei, and the beautiful beaches of Scoglitti and Marina di Ragusa.
The city is full of historical attractions, from Baroque churches to the beautiful theatre.
Furthermore, visitors can enjoy delicious cuisine, breathtaking landscapes, a lively nightlife and the charming atmosphere that can only be found in southern Italy.
Vittoria offers something for everyone: it is an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday or an exciting adventure!
When was the city of Vittoria born?
The city of Vittoria was officially born on 24th April, 1607.
It was founded by Vittoria Colonna Henriquez-Cabrera.
It should be noted that it has always been an inhabited area, just think of the fact that nearby settlements dating back to the Bronze Age have been found by archaeologists.
Returning to Vittoria Colonna, I will briefly tell you the story:
Upon the death of her husband Louis III, Duke of Medina de Rioseco and Count of Modica, she found herself in serious economic difficulties due to the rash expenses Louis III had given to the marriage of Philip III, King of Spain, with Margaret of Austria in 1599.
Vittoria Colonna asked the King of Spain for special permission to form a new settlement, which would help raise her head again. The chosen area was Boscopiano (Bosco Plano), where some families, including that of the Barons Carfì, already resided in 1583 in the regions of Boscopiano and Serra Rovetto, which at the time belonged to Chiaramonte Gulfi.
The petition was authorized and the noble prerogative, proclaimed by King Philip III on December 31, 1606 in Madrid, ordered the renovation of the historic Kamarina with the name of Victoria.
The civitas originated around the fortress and the Mother Church.
After the 1693 earthquake, the area grew and continues to grow to this day.
Until 1812, when the feud died, the city was part of the County of Modica. Victoria has had a significant impact on the economy and demographics of the region, attracting people even from neighboring regions.
It remained within the District of Modica until 1926, part of the recently established Province of Syracuse, before moving on to the Province of Ragusa.
What are the people of Victoria called?
The people who live in Vittoria are called Vittoriesi.
It has a respectable population, about 63,000 inhabitants, for an occupied territory of about 182 km² with an average altitude of 168 meters above sea level.
What to see in Victoria?
Vittoria is an exciting Italian city that offers a wealth of attractions to explore.
A visit to the historic center of the city is a must. Surely the central place is Piazza del Popolo which houses two of the main monuments in this city: the Teatro Comunale and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Vittoria Colonna municipal theater
It is located, as already mentioned, in Piazza del Popolo and was built in 1863 by the architect Giuseppe Di Bartolo Morselli who gave it the name of the founder of the city.
This building is an expression of the Neoclassical and is an important exponent of it.
The internal decorations were created by the local artist Giuseppe Mazzone
Definitely worth a visit.
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
In the same square, next to the theater, the stupendous Baroque church of Santa Maria delle Grazie immediately stands out.
The monument was built in 1612, but due to the earthquake of 1693 it was heavily damaged and then rebuilt the following century.
The church was completed in 1754 thus acquiring its current appearance which is precisely Baroque.
Other Monuments
These monuments are definitely worth a visit too:
Castle Column Henriquez
Garì Fountain
Basilica of San Giovanni Battista
Church of San Francesco di Paola
Church of Santa Rita
St Paul’s Church
Church of San Giuseppe
What beaches are near Vittoria
The area also boasts beautiful beaches.
Surely the first advice is to go to Scoglitti which is the seaside area of Vittoria.
Beyond this stupendous beach, for those who are in Vittoria and want to go to the beach, there is only the embarrassment of choice.
Just to name a few:
Marina of Modica
Ispica
Kamarina
Gela Riviera
Eurydice beaches
Punta secca
Punta Braccetto
More to do near Vittoria
If you’re looking for more adventure, take a day trip to Modica or Ragusa Ibla to explore their charming cobblestone streets and iconic churches.
No visit to Vittoria Ragusa would be complete without having tasted its delicious cuisine: from freshly caught fish dishes to savory desserts, there is everything to savour! Whether it’s sightseeing, going to the beach or savoring local delicacies, Vittoria Ragusa has something for everyone!
How to reach Victoria
This city is located very close to the Comiso airport.
It can be reached by train from Ragusa in less than an hour.
However, it remains very well connected with the rest of the island and at the same time boasts a strategic position for visiting the entire island.
Conclusions
Obviously, La Gazza’s advice is a visit to Vittoria, a place that too often has passed quietly among the most acclaimed destinations on the island, which truly deserves greater attention for its cultural baggage and for its historical richness.
So on your next trip to Sicily consider at least one stop in this picturesque town.
