our brochure

are places that tell
true soul of Sicily
T here are places that tell the true soul of Sicily
Dear Guest,
With your reservation at La Moresca Maison de Charme, you have
opened the door to a journey of discovery that will reveal Sicily’s
landscapes, passions, traditions, and folklore. Our boutique hotel is a place
where past and present blend seamlessly, providing a luxurious escape
from the every day that will catapult you into the center of authentic
Sicily.
The creators of La Moresca are forever in love with the wonderful land
of Sicily and invite you to become enamoured as well. Let the cuisine of
Sicily seduce you, the cobbled streets of baroque villages charm you, and
discover the romance that lingers on church steps, stretches of golden
sand, and in fishing villages.
La Moresca will be your gateway to a glimpse of Sicily past. You will be
transported to a time when living was simple. Here you will feel
compelled to linger over a leisurely breakfast in our courtyard or to spend
a few hours taking the sun on the tower solarium. Simple pleasures will
define your experience in this majestic corner of Sicily.
This welcome booklet will provide all the information you need to
prepare for your trip. You will find details about local history,
attractions, excursions, festivals, culinary trails, and architecture. If you
have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team who will always be
at your service.
Welcome Home.
Carlomaria Grassi
Table of Contents
Introduction to Sicily, Ragusa & Marina di Ragusa
4
The Story of La Moresca
5
La Moresca Maison de Charme: In Detail
6
Practical Information: Weather & What to Pack
7
Directions and How to Arrive From Catania
8
Directions and How to Arrive From Catania
9
Directions and How to Arrive From Catania
10
Exploring Sicily & Highlights near La Moresca
11
Tourist Itineraries: Architecture and Archeology
12
Tourist Itineraries: Flavour Filled Roads of Discovery
13
Cultura e folklore
14
Calendar of Local Festivals and Celebrations
15
Contact Information
16
Welcome to Sicily
Sicily is a crossroads of people and cultures. With an open door
on the Mediterranean, the island developed its own unique blend
of archeology, art, poetry, and folklore over generations. Today,
zealous Sicilians guard these traditions. Visitors reap the
rewards of a multicultural land that has remained unchanged
over time.
Welcome to Ragusa
The province of Ragusa has been called ‘an island within an
island’ because of its rich archeological, culinary, and natural
attractions.
This area of Sicily is a most precious treasure chest of history,
and here, in this magical place, you will discover why UNESCO
has chosen to protect a land of dry stone walls and ancient trees.
Welcome to La Moresca
The 4 star, maison de charme, La Moresca is situated in the
centre of the seaside town Marina di Ragusa. Known for its
warmth and serenity, this town will immerse you in Sicilian
tradition. Nearby pleasures of Baroque Art, the Iblean
landscape, and exquisite local cuisine are all on the doorstep of
your new Sicilian home.
The Story of La Moresca
This Maison de Charme is much more than a boutique hotel. The
historic building that is now home to La Moresca was built in
1926 for Giovanni Criscione and his family. The building was
used as a private home from 1926 through the mid 1990s.
Located a few steps from the town piazza and the sea, the
building is a fine example of Sicilian art nouveau. Current owner
and civil engineer Guido Schembari decided that given the size of
the building and its timeless beauty, the home would be ideal for
conversion into an elegant and exclusive hotel.
The result of this extensive renovation is a unique guesthouse
that will charm you from the moment you pass through the front
door.
Join us for breakfast in our private courtyard beneath a 150year-old lemon tree. Let your mind wander about the history of
La Moresca as you encounter the building’s original well.
Admire traditional pieces of furniture that once belonged to the
house and are now placed beside modern pieces.
This splendid patchwork of past and present, of the arrival of the
modern with the charm of the past, is what will make you fall in
love with La Moresca… and by extension, with Sicily itself.
La Moresca: In Detail
A merging and mingling of history is present in every detail of La Moresca. The Maison de
Charme has 15 bedrooms, each one unique from the next. Original furniture, light
floating curtains, and photographs immortalising glimpses of Sicilian life, sometimes in
colour, sometimes in black and white, bring La Moresca’s philosophy of authenticity to
life. Striking qualities of each room extend beyond photographs to paintings, tile floors
that were salvaged during renovation, and a mix of minimalist and traditional styles. The
presence of artworks by two locals artists, the photographer Giuseppe Leone and the
painter Giovanni Lissandrello are in harmony with an atmosphere of authentic Sicily.
La Moresca offers a room and breakfast service, allowing guests to begin their day in the
serenity of the courtyard or the privacy of the room. Serving breakfast only, guests are
encouraged to discover the varied culinary delights in Marina di Ragusa and beyond. The
staff would be happy to make restaurant recommendations to suit any occasion.
The tower solarium is the crown of the building, and offers a balcony where you are
welcome to sunbathe or gaze over the tiled rooftops to the sea. From your perch, the
ringing of church bells will leave you enchanted.
List of Services:
Additional Paid Services:
Concierge and luggage service 24 Hr.
Valet service for your car in our garage
Buffet breakfast served in our courtyard
Internet stations
Satellite TV
In-room internet connection
Laundry service
Small tailor shop
Babysitting
Transfer
Taxi
Excursions
Room service
Practical Information: Weather & What to Pack
Weather: The Sicilian sunshine bathes Ragusa in a golden light
for over 300 days a year. This sunshine is a warm
accompaniment to any excursion – from sitting at an outdoor
café in Ragusa to hitting he culinary trail.
What to Pack: Sicily is a land of contrasts and that extends to what
you should wear as well. The seaside resorts will be casual, so
pack along light, comfortable clothes and layers for breezy
evenings.
Cities and towns are more formal than the seaside resorts, so be
sure to pack clothes that are appropriate for visiting churches
and other attractions. Dining can be as formal as you desire, so
pack accordingly.
Packing List: Sunscreen, a hat to block the sun, sunglasses, an
Italian phrasebook, a good map of the province of Ragusa (car
rentals with GPS are highly recommended), comfortable
walking shoes and a bag that can be worn across the body.
High
low
January
57°F
14°C
45°F
7°C
February
57°F
14°C
45°F
7°C
March
63°F
17°C
48°F
9°C
April
68°F
20°C
52°F 11°C
May
73°F
23°C
59°F 15°C
June
84°F
29°C
66°F 19°C
July
88°F
31°C
72°F 22°C
August
88°F
31°C
72°F 22°C
September
82°F
28°C
68°F 20°C
October
75°F
24°C
61°F 16°C
November
68°F
20°C
55°F 15°C
December
61°F
16°C
48°F
9°C
Directions from the Catania Airport
Driving Time: approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Take the SS 194 up to Vizzini; then get on the SS 514 heading towards
Ragusa Catania-Ragusa.
Take the Marina di Ragusa exit.
Merge onto Strada Provinciale Marina di Ragusa/SP25.
Continue to follow Strada Provinciale Marina di Ragusa.
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Via Ammiragluio Luigi Rizzo.
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Via Sebastiano Caboto
Go through 1 traffic circle.
Turn right at Via Amerigo Gomez.
Turn left at Via Salvatore Tomaselli.
Take the 1st right onto Via Caucana.
Take the 2nd right onto Via Dandolo
La Moresca will be on your left, Via Dandolo 63.
Enna
Caltanissetta
Catania
E 45
Lentini
Grammichele
Chiaramonte
Gulfi
Ragusa
Santa Croce
Camerina
Marina di Ragusa
Pozzallo
Siracusa
Directions from Palermo
Driving time: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
Take Highway A29 towards Palermo.
After passing the city's bypass, take the A19 towards Catania,
exit at Caltanissetta.
Take the SS-626 heading towards Gela.
Stay on the SS -115 towards Ragusa.
Take the exit toward Marina di Ragusa.
Merge onto Strada Provinciale Marina di Ragusa/SP25.
Continue to follow Strada Provinciale towards Marina di Ragusa.
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Via Ammiragluio Luigi Rizzo.
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Via Sebastiano Caboto.
Go through 1 traffic circle.
Turn right at Via Amerigo Gomez.
Turn left at Via Salvatore Tomaselli.
Take the 1st right onto Via Caucana.
Take the 2nd right onto Via Dandolo.
La Moresca will be on your left, Via Dandolo 63.
Palermo
Termini
Imerese
A 19
E932
Caltanissetta
Enna
Riesi
Gela
Niscemi
Vittoria
Santa Croce
Camerina
Marina di Ragusa
Directions from the Port of Pozzallo
Driving time: approximately 45 minutes
Follow the SP66 Sampieri Pozzallo, and continue on the SP65
Sampieri Cava D'Aliga.
Take the SP64 heading towards Donnalucata-Marina di Ragusa.
Continue to follow SP89 towards Marina di Ragusa.
Continue onto SP63 towards Marina di Ragusa.
Turn right at Via Portovenere.
At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto Via Sebastiano Caboto.
Turn right at Via Amerigo Gomez.
Turn left at Via Salvatore Tomaselli.
Take the 1st right onto Via Caucana.
Take the 2nd right onto Via Dandolo.
La Moresca will be on your left, Via Dandolo 63.
On Your Doorstep, the Wonders of Sicily
Beyond the oasis of La Moresca you will discover the splendours of
Baroque and neo-classical architecture, the remains of the Siculi,
Greek, Roman, and Byzantine peoples, and the intoxicating flavours
of Sicily. Itineraries can be designed around art and culture, cuisine,
archeology, and even nature.
Highlights near La Moresca
The three cities of Ragusa, Modica, and Scicli are striking examples of
Baroque architecture. Featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list,
these towns will captivate you with their characteristic lanes and
golden churches.
A scuba-diving excursion can expose you to underwater archeology
including Roman and Byzantine shipwrecks. The coast between
Kamarina and Kaucana is rich in these ancient artifacts and
breathtaking marine fauna.
Along the ‘Road of Gold’ you will discover local cheese-making
traditions and sample caciocavallo ragusano, a local cheese made
from Modica cow’s milk. The tasting trail will continue with other
temptations including olive oil, red wine, and chocolate.
The natural landscape of Ragusa is an attraction in itself. Gaze into
the Cava d’Ispica, a deep gorge not far from Modica, explore over 55
miles of coastline, or peer down at the island from 2,290 feet above
sea level in the town of Monterosso.
Elegance, refinement, exclusivity to satisfy even the more demanding
guests. Within walking distance, two 18-hole Golf courses designed
respectively by Gary Player (Par 72 and 6.666 metres) and Franco
Piras (one PAR 72 and 6.650 metres).
The tourist port of Marina di Ragusa, a few meters from the La
Moresca, grant an exclusive area reserved for those who love to move
in boat.
Feast Your Eyes on Fine Examples of the
Baroque
Ragusa and Ragusa Ibla: These two splendid Baroque
towns are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are full of historic
attractions. The Church of San Giorgio, a Baroque masterpiece
that dominates the Ibla district with its neo-classical dome,
must be seen. Approximate driving time 30 minutes.
Modica: Take a stroll through the ‘town of a hundred
churches’ to explore another Baroque gem. There are two
original areas to Modica: Modica Alta, which climbs up the
slopes of the mountain with its buildings and lanes, and Modica
Bassa, lying in the valley on what was once the bed of two rivers.
Here you will see architecture ranging from the 14th to the 18th
century. Approximate driving time 40 minutes.
Scicli: Located in the hills of San Matteo, the elegant town of
Scicli is famous for castle ruins, a triangular tower, and the
sepulchres. Beautiful 18th century palazzi and numerous
churches rich in history and art will be seen on a walk through
this Baroque town. Approximate driving time 30 minutes.
enchanted art baroque
Be Mesmerized by Local Archeology
The Greek Colony Kamarina: The remains of the celebrated
Greek Colony Kamarina are located behind the Scoglitti seaside
resort. This archeological site also has its own museum to
showcase traces of different ancient civilizations. Approximate
driving time 35 minutes.
influence archeology
Kaukana: Further along the coast from Kamarina, the
Byzantine anchorage of Kaukana can be visited where the
remains of a small basilica still survives. Approximate driving
time 20 minutes.
Feed Your Soul with the Nourishing Flavours
of Sicily
The power of Sicily is its ability to awaken your senses. This
land enfolds you with its feelings, providing wonders for your
eyes, enchanting sounds for your ears, stimulating your sense
of smell, arousing your sense of taste.
The Road of Gold: The route that leads to Ragusa is a
renowned cradle of dairy and cheese-making traditions. Here
you will taste caciocavallo ragusano, a niche product dating
back to the 1500s. Approximate driving time 30 minutes.
Liquid Gold: Up the slopes of the Iblei Mountains, visitors
chase a different type of gold: olive oil. Olives are harvested by
hand from September through January in Chiaramonte Gulfi.
The flavourful oil is known for its green/gold colour.
Approximate driving time 45 minutes.
The Colours of the Night: Another prized Iblean
product is wine. Continuing towards the valley until you reach
Piana di Vittoria, you will discover the pleasure of the local red
wine Cerasuolo di Vittoria. Approximate driving time 40
minutes.
Fragrant Temptations: The culinary trail of this
Sicilian province wouldn’t be complete without visiting
Modica, where the fragrance of chocolate is intoxicating. The
air will also be rich with the fragrance of local sweetmeats.
Approximate driving time 35 minutes.
Catch the Festival Fever in Sicily A local festival will dramatically immerse you in
Sicilian culture. These spectacles feature celebration and demonstrations of faith and
folklore. To experience the culture and traditions of the Iblean territory even more
completely, take part in one of the numerous events throughout the year.
Spring celebrations: Easter is a particularly beloved festival in Sicily. March and April
are full of feast days. One of the most compelling is the celebration in honor of San Giuseppe.
There is a famous torch-lit cavalcade through the streets of Scicli and feasts are held in
Scoglitti, Comiso, and Santa Croce Camerina.
Summer celebrations: The summer is enriched by a series of religious, artistic, and
culinary events. Starting with the patron saint feast day festivities for San Giovanni Battista
on June 24th in Chiaramonte Gulfi, followed by the feast of San Pietro on June 29th in Modica,
followed by the festival of San Giovanni Battista in Pozzallo.
Fall and Winter celebrations: The summer season is brought to a close with the
Goodbye Summer Festival (Addio all’Estate) held in Marina di Ragusa. The celebrations
aren’t over with this festival, as the autumn is vitalised by a variety of festivals leading up to
December and the Christmas celebrations. One of the most enchanting traditions during this
season is the living nativity scenes held in Monterosso Almo.
The olive harvest also takes place from September to January.
During these months, olives are harvested by hand and taken to the olive mills. Participating
in the olive harvest will transport you to a different moment in time.
Mission Statement of La Moresca Maison de
Charme
The skillful restoration of La Moresca portrays the essence of a family
home, each space reminiscent of the next, but not the same. Each
area is designed to divulge the enchantment and poetry typical of
Sicily, where old and new come together in harmony.
The dominant theme, or Leitmotiv, of La Moresca is
authenticity.
The creators of La Moresca seek to respect, preserve, and promote
Sicilian history and culture with this elegant hotel.
Here in this place, you will experience the ancient artifacts, sounds,
perfumes, light, and colours of Sicily. This journey invites you into the
heart of an island that will stimulate all your senses, an experience
you will long for after you have gone.
Welcome to the soul of Sicily. We can’t wait for you to be our guest.
T here are places that remain in memory
It contains the sounds, colors, scents
La Moresca Maison de Charme
Via Dandolo 63 - 97010 Marina di Ragusa (RG) Italy
Tel. +39 0932 239 495
Fax +39 0932 18 56 250
www.lamorescahotel.it
cm.grassi@lamorescahotel.it
info@lamorescahotel.it
Credit Cards accepted:
American Express, Mastercard, Visa