Donnafugata – fairytale castle, located 20 km from Ragusa in the middle of a fantastic landscape and surrounded by thickets of carob trees. The total area of the estate is greater than 2, 5 thousand sq. m. Sand-colored walls reflect the sun's rays, so visitors have to squint to enjoy views of the castle. Refreshing scent of lavender surrounds travelers and involuntarily drew their thoughts to the distant past...

Over 700 years ago this place was built a tower, then a simple lock, and each subsequent owner has left traces of its influence on the majestic building. Knowing a few flashy and impulsive disposition of the Sicilians, it is a mistake to assume that the name of the castle derives from the word "Donna" is a woman, and "reject water" - escaped. In fact, everything is much more prosaic: next to the castle is a source whose Arabic name – "InAs-caviat" time has been transformed in the Rønne of Fuat, and later in Donnafugata. However, this castle, like many others, have a few heartbreaking love stories.

One of them talks about Bianca di Navarra, which, after the death of her husband Martin I, king of Sicily, came to the throne in 1410. It started to take care of an elderly gentleman from Ragusa Bernardo Cabrera, who wanted to gain power, and with it a young, beautiful wife. However, Bianca remained indifferent to the suitor. In the end, Cabrera luck would have locked her up in the walls of Donnafugata, but, thanks to his faithful servant, the Queen managed to escape in Palermo and with the help of the king of Spain have arrested Bernardo.

A different story unfolded in the late 19th century, when the Frenchman Gaetano Lestrade during his visit to the castle fell in love with the niece of the then owner of Donnafugata Baron Corrado Arezzo. A girl named Clementine responded, and one day the pair escaped. The enraged Baron has made every effort to catch the fugitive before she set sail on the ship to France. Fortunately, in the end, all was resolved safely, and soon young sounded the wedding bells – Clementine and Gaetano lived happily ever after. Their daughter Clara married count Testasecca, and, in turn, the son of Clara – Gaetano Jr. was the last owner of the castle before he became the property of the commune.

Rich Baron Corrado Arezzo was very creative and loved to entertain guests. Traces of this can still be found in the castle with its stone labyrinth in a spacious Park, with colorful butterflies painted on the mirror in the main hall and pavilion in the garden. The castle consists of 144 luxuriously furnished rooms, but not all of them are open to tourists. The main hall with his coat of arms reminds of the times of the knights, Bishop chambers decorations abound, and each guest bedroom is furnished in its own style. Each room has at least two entrances – one for owners and one for staff.