Campofelice di Roccella is one of the municipalities that make up the Metropolitan City of Palermo.
Here from the rolling hills of central-northern Sicily, which look out over the Tyrrhenian Sea and have the Madonie Park behind them, thethe town of Roccella overlooks crystal clear waters, rich in history and traditions that invite you to discover, welcoming you to the village with festivals and celebrations, tradition and innovation, unique flavors that you can only taste in Campofelice di Roccella!
If you want to plan your next vacation in Sicily, discover all that this village has in store for you!
The history of Campofelice di Roccella, from the Casale to the beach
La history of Campofelice di Roccella begins in the seventeenth century: at that time, a few steps from the beach, stood the Rocella Castle, a property of Prince La Grutta Guccio of Palermo. It was he who wanted the construction of the Casale on the hill, not far from the coastal fortress. It was 1699 and so, as a century ended, the history of the village began.
The nucleus of the country then counted, in addition to the Church of Santa Rosalia, a spring and several shops, plus a hundred houses built all around the center of Campofelice. The farmhouse thus founded was shortly afterwards sold to Count Marziani, who remained its owner throughout the XNUMXth century.
What appears even more surprising, however, is what we find in some old stories attributable to the era of Arab domination, where a fortress already appears on the coast of Roccella; and so, from the XNUMXth century we arrive at the XNUMXth, when the presence of the Normans is attested on the site. The Middle Ages was the era of the Swabians, the Angevins and the Aragonese, so Campofelice di Roccella shared its history with history, undergoing all the influences of foreign dominations.
From the fourteenth century, the feud passed into the hands of the Ventimiglias and became a royal possession, to be finally purchased in 1699 by Prince La Grutta.
Almost completely abandoned in the XNUMXth century and for a good part of the XNUMXth century, in recent years the village and the Castle of Roccella have rediscovered history and traditions, regaining their former glory.
What to see in Campofelice di Roccella and its surroundings
It is possible to start a visit to Campofelice di Roccella right from the remains of the ancient Castle on the beach. Imposing, the manor has watched the waves break at its feet since the XNUMXth century; here it is possible to admire the ancient structure, observe the sea and walk among the rocks, to rediscover an almost wild contact with nature. The coast of Roccella, where the water is transparent and the bottom pebbly, extends for almost 20 km, between Cape Playa , Mouth of the Imera: before returning to the centre, treat yourself to a walk on the shore or a very pleasant relaxing break under the sun, while admiring the Tyrrhenian Sea.
From the beach, heading towards the center you will arrive in Piazza Garibaldi, where the Mother Church consecrated to Santa rosalia, built in 1700 in the heart of the village. Of particular historical interest given its antiquity, the Church also houses remarkable works of sacred art in wood, such as the statues depicting the Saints, the Virgin and Christ.
Among the other attractions not to be missed in the vicinity, we undoubtedly point out the Lido Giglio for those looking for one well equipped beach and the Sky And Sand Club for those who want to have fun with disco on the beach, while those who prefer to taste the typical local flavors can book a table in the many restaurants in the area, to enjoy pizza and traditional desserts, grilled meat and fresh fish. Furthermore, in the village it is possible to take part in private cooking courses, to learn how to prepare the best local dishes, according to traditional recipes.
Traditions in Campofelice di Roccella
In Campofelice di Roccella there are unique traditions, such as those of Patron Saint and Beetle.
La Feast of Santa Rosalia, Patroness of the village, is celebrated on September 4th and all the faithful of the community participate with devotion in the solemn Masses in honor of the Saint and in the Procession through the streets of the town. Celebrated for over three hundred years, the one in honor of Santa Rosalia is now a great festival that can also boast the participation of artists, civil and military authorities.
La Beetle is instead a event's audience unique that is repeated every year in Campofelice di Roccella on the first day of May: on this occasion, all the inhabitants of Campofelice decorate the entrance of their houses with floral necklaces, made with petals of daisies, roses and geraniums. It seems that this custom originated even in the time of the ancient Romans, as a tribute to Goddess of Spring.
How to get to Campofelice di Roccella
Campofelice di Roccella, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, can be easily reached both by car and by train.
Who comes with the own car, can take the A19 Palermo-Catania and take the exit for Buonfornello, about 5 km from the town; who comes on the train, can get off at Cefalù Station, 12 km from the town, and continue the journey by bus or shuttle.
© Image by Macel Brilman (MacBr…, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
