Ragusa Foto Festival
The international contemporary photography festival in the heart of Baroque Ragusa Ibla
About Ragusa Foto Festival
A photography festival in the Baroque heart of Ibla
The Ragusa Foto Festival is one of Southern Italy's most significant photographic events and the first Sicilian festival entirely dedicated to contemporary photography and the discovery of new talent. Established in 2012 by Stefania Paxhia and organized by the Antiruggine APS association, the festival brings the Baroque district of Ragusa Ibla—located in the municipality of Ragusa, Sicily—to life every year between late August and September.
Venues: Palaces and churches of the historic center
Exhibitions are hosted in some of the most evocative locations in Ragusa Ibla, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its extraordinary late Baroque architecture. The main exhibition spaces include Palazzo Cosentini, Palazzo La Rocca, the auditorium of the deconsecrated church of San Vincenzo Ferreri, and the Giardino Ibleo. The dialogue between contemporary images and Baroque architecture has always been a hallmark of the festival.
An international program
In addition to exhibitions by renowned Italian and international photographers, the Ragusa Foto Festival offers a packed calendar of portfolio reviews, talks, seminars, workshops, screenings, awards, and an artist residency. The opening days bring together photographers, critics, curators, and editors from across Europe, while the OFF circuit showcases dozens of projects in both formal and informal city spaces, engaging the entire community.
A showcase for new talent
The festival has built its identity by launching open calls for emerging photographers and championing new generations, placing the freshest perspectives of the contemporary scene alongside established masters. For the city of Ragusa, it is an internationally renowned cultural event that transforms Ibla into a true open-air art gallery every end of summer.
Ragusa Foto Festival — edition 2026
Ragusa Foto Festival 2026 — "Mediterranean Archetypes"
The 14th edition of the Ragusa Foto Festival, scheduled in Ragusa Ibla with opening days from August 27th to 30th, 2026 and exhibitions open until September 27th, revolves around the theme of "Mediterranean Archetypes": an investigation into social transformations and collective identities of Southern territories within the Mediterranean context. The artistic direction is entrusted to Alessandra Mauro, alongside founder and director Stefania Paxhia.
Exhibitions and artists
The program includes a dozen exhibitions set up between Palazzo Cosentini, Palazzo La Rocca, San Vincenzo Ferreri, and the Giardino Ibleo. Announced projects include: a tribute to Massimo Vitali with "Spiagge d'Italia", Alessio Mamo's work "Niscemi. Un racconto", the collective exhibition "Piazza Bella Piazza" featuring masters like Enzo Sellerio and Gianni Berengo Gardin, and international projects by Mous Lamrabat, Zied Ben Romdhane, and Evangelia Kranioti.
Artist residency and OFF circuit
The artist residency, dedicated to the figure of Cesare Zipelli, is entrusted to Anna Di Prospero, who reinterprets the industrial areas of the Iblei region. Alongside the main program, the OFF call on "Mediterranean Archetypes" brings numerous projects from the emerging photographic scene to the city.
Admission to the exhibitions is paid (full price €10, reduced €5).
Programme Ragusa Foto Festival 2026
Highlights Ragusa Foto Festival 2026
Prices Ragusa Foto Festival 2026
Practical information — Ragusa Foto Festival
Getting there
Ragusa Ibla is located in the historic center of Ragusa, Sicily. By car, it can be reached via the SS115; the Ragusa train station is connected to the regional network. The nearest airports are Comiso (approx. 20 km) and Catania-Fontanarossa (approx. 100 km).
Tickets
Admission to the exhibitions requires a ticket: full price €10, reduced €5. Talks, portfolio reviews, and workshops may require booking. It is recommended to check updated times and prices on the official website.
Tips
Exhibitions remain open for about a month, allowing visitors to explore the festival at their leisure even after the opening days. Ibla offers numerous accommodations and traditional local restaurants.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Ragusa Foto Festival
Ragusa Ibla (Palazzo Cosentini, Palazzo La Rocca, San Vincenzo Ferreri, Giardino Ibleo)