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Sicily is best known for its architectural and archaeological assets that go round the Globe and stimulate the desire of personally meeting this wonderful corner of the world. Indeed, the sites are magnificent and surely unforgettable. Still, there are sides of the island that don’t involve solely historic remnants, but a contemporary suite of unique arts.

The idea of tasting an exquisite Ben Rye while indulging in a beautiful jazz session makes up quite a desirable frame. Arts pamper the spirit and they make it exceed known limits. But when you add up a delicious wine, the picture becomes perfect. Donnafugata offers this specific feeling. Wine-tasting is a powerful tradition of the area and so is music-making by local artists who discovered the gist of jazz music.

The combination is strengthened by Donnafugata’s other offerings amongst which resides the castle. The Donnafugata Castle is located 20 km from Ragusa. The extraordinary landscape has attracted various film-makers who immortalized the scenery by incorporating it in their stories. The beautiful scenery belongs to a city that bears quite an interesting name. It defines a transcription of Arabic Ayn as Jafat (Fountain of Health) which turned into Ronnafugata and subsequently into Donnafugata.

It was only in the 20th century that the castle was reinforced by Corrado Arezzo who recreated the façade into what can be presently seen. The façade is completed by a Venetian Gothic loggia. The interior is also fascinating as it showcases numerous two-light windows that bear the reiterated motif of trefoil arches.

Mediterranean vegetation decorates the gardens of the castle along with follies that don’t fail in mesmerizing visitors. The stone maze is one rare asset. The Donnafugata Castle enjoys one of this kind, joined by artificial caves which all together create quite a view. Neo-classicism is present by statues that adorn the first floor. The staircase leads to an impressive world of interiors decorated with trompe l’oeil painted ceilings that can be observed in Salone degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors), the Billiard Room, the Music Room and the bedroom of Princess of Navarre that is thought to have sheltered Princess Bianca during the segregation from Count Cabrera. The Fumoir displays beautiful decorations that integrate pipe motifs that end around the corners with peacock images.

Donnafugata is no ordinary place. Not only it preserves features of former ages, but the city itself is preserved through all movies that were filmed here, which makes a rather win-win situation for both the filmmakers and the touristic potential of Donnafugata.