What to see

In GIBILMANNA, the beautiful Sanctuarydedicated to the Virgin of Gibilmanna (deeply venerated in this area) is definitely a must-see. Other interesting sights are the Museum of Popular Traditions.

In ISNELLO the Cathedral and the ruins of the ancient Castle both deserve a visit.

In CASTELBUONO there are numerous artistic beauties and interesting monuments. We suggest visiting at least the Castle of Ventimiglia (ancient landowners and lords of the Madonie) where the recently restored Civic Museum is housed. Other interesting sights are the two churches ‘Matrice vecchia’ and ‘Matrice nuova’ and the fountain of Venere Ciprea.

In GERACI SICULO, built over solid basaltic rock, are the ruins of the ancient ‘Maniero’ (Manor) , considered the principal defence of this large county. The Manor used to house several garrisons and was kept in readiness to withstand lengthy assaults. Picturesque is also the Bevaio (Drinking place) della SS. Trinità, a rectangular basin measuring about 20 meters in length and receiving the water poured by two lateral fountains.

GANGI’S most interesting monuments are the Church of S. Nicola and the imposing Tower of the Ventimiglia, and the Church dedicated to S. Mary of the Angels, with its typical baroque features. You can also visit Palazzo Bongiorno-Li Destri dating back to the XVIII century.

In POLIZZI GENEROSA, we suggest you to visit the Church of S. Girolamo, spotting a peculiar octagonal plan, and the Church of S. Francesco, built around the XIV century and enclosing two chapels by famous Italian sculptor Antonello Gagini.

PETRALIA SOPRANA is the highest village on the Madonie – overlooking a wide area from the snowy tops of the Etna, to the city of Enna, to the mountains surrounding Palermo. Nowadays the village still keeps its medieval structure and churches and beautiful palaces belonging to ancient aristocracy line its crooked street – while small courtyards adorned with colourful flowers are hidden around every corner. We suggest you visit the Chiesa Madre dei SS. Apostoli Pietro e Paolo, whose external porch was decorated by the Serpotta family and whose interior contains numerous art works; the Church of SS. Salvatore, an Arab mosque later consecrated to the Catholic Church by Earl Ruggero. Also interesting are the boroughs of Miranti, Salinelle and Fiscelli. Finally, at the entrance of the village is the Villa Sgadari, one of the most interesting suburban residences in the Madonie.