ARTISTIC TRAILS

Visit the towns of the Sicilian interior

The Madonie mountains are a real surprise from an artistic point of view. The towns, though small, have preserved intact the architectural wonders which speak of thousands of years of conquest, in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Strolling through their narrow streets, you can admire breathtaking views, small squares, fountains, churches, flights of steps carved from Madonian stone, and buildings of indescribable beauty.

Petralia Sottana

This enchanting town in the heart of the Madonie mountains, together with Petralia Soprana (Upper Petralia), has retained its original medieval atmosphere and character. Full of aristocratic residences and churches, it is home to many renaissance works, such as the ‘Retablo’ by Gagini, and the collections of the archaeologist Collisani, in the municipal museum.

Polizzi Generosa

This old state-owned town, surrounded by the buttresses of the Madonie mountains, dominates the two wide valleys of the Imera: Polizzi Generosa, rich in works of art and traditions, offers spectacular scenery. Here you can visit an old Jesuit convent, the archeological museum, the parish church and the Environmental Museum of the Madonie National Park.

Geraci Siculo

At 1000, above sea level, Geraci is renowned for its famous jousting competition, a historic cultural display of knights in costume. In addition, the Moorish window of the castle, the Byzantine frescoes, and the Madonnas carved from the marble of the churches are all must-see remnants of a historic past.

Gangi

Recognized in 2014 as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Gangi never fails to amaze and impress due to the perfection with which its houses are piled one upon the other up the sides of the mountain. Palazzo Buongiorno, the round Tower and the parish church are just some of the sights not to be missed.

Collesano

Besides the beauty of its historical monuments, such as the Watch Tower and the medieval castle, Collesano is famous for housing the Museum of the Targa Florio, the historic motoring competition which used to take place on A-road 120. The museum has a collection of photos and memorabilia of one of the most exciting road races of all time.

Castelbuono

Located on the slopes of Colle Milocca 20km from Cefalu, Castelbuono is famous for its ‘manna’, a rare, highly-prized sweet substance obtained from the bark of ash trees, and for its 13th century castle, the Castello dei Ventimiglia, built in three different styles: Arab, Norman and Swabian.