Gangi was recently crowned Borgo dei Borghi, those who know its urban fabric and history are certainly not surprised by this award, given that it is a small architectural pearl in which history, art and culture intertwine.
It is therefore worth organizing a visit to this area of the Northern Sicily, so that he can discover more closely all that the country has to offer and which has allowed him to obtain this coveted award. If, then, you manage to organize your trip also in conjunction with one of the numerous events that are organized every year, then you will really be able to get the best out of the country.
So here's everything you need to know to find out Gangi.
What to see in Gangi
The monument that most distinguishes the village of Gangi it is certainly his Castle of the Ventimiglias. Its construction dates back to the fifteenth century and the summit of the was chosen Mount Marone, near a precipice, to make the place inaccessible: after passing through the centuries becoming from time to time a military fortress, prison and school, today it is a private residence. Very nice too Palace Good morning, an eighteenth-century noble residence which is located a short distance from Piazza del Popolo, center of Gangi: inside is the Fountain of the Lions, built in 1913 to symbolize the fight against the countryside mafia. The Mother Churchdedicated to the patron saint San Nicolò: in addition to a beautiful internal fresco of the Judgement, the church is also famous because its bell tower is actually an old watchtower, Ventimiglia Tower, near which the church was later built. Finally, it should be noted Sgadari Palace, Church of San Cataldo , Abbey Church.
What are the symbols of Gangi
Another symbol of Gangi, which makes the village extremely spiritual, is certainly the Church of the Holy Spirit. It is a religious construction within which man wanted to celebrate his faith through art, given that there are numerous works of art of various kinds. However, what makes the sanctuary so important is also a legend linked to its construction: in its place in ancient times there was a votive aedicule dedicated to the Holy Spirit which was then buried so as not to be plundered by the pagans. Years later a farmer found it and, seeing the blood flow from the Holy Face, it was decided to build the sanctuary right there.
Things to do in Gangi
There are many events, both religious and folkloristic, which are organized every year in the area of Gangi and which make the village even more alive. Certainly one of the most important ones is the Feast of the Holy Spirit, figure to which the inhabitants of the village are very close, but there are also celebrations related to Holy Week, especially what is known by the name of 'A Casazza in Gangi, which recalls the events of Calvary. From the point of view of food and wine, however, there are many festivals to taste the typical local products, in particular that of Spiga, a typical product of the area, or the Festival of Smells, dedicated to the aromatic plants that grow wild throughout the village.
What to eat in Gangi
As can be seen from the many festivals that are organized in Gangi, food and wine is a deeply felt theme, one of the aspects most appreciated by visitors. Here you can taste one typical Sicilian cuisine, made of poor products from the earth. In particular, among the recipes that cannot be missed is the 'ncaciata pasta, but also the bread-making products, given the abundant production of wheat. From the point of view of pastry, then, in addition to the classic cassata and cannoli, you can also taste the cucchie, which are typical sweets of the holidays.
How to get to Gangi
Those who want to discover Gangi more closely can reach the village by starting by car from Palermo or from Trapani and along the E90, while from Catania the most suitable road is the one that passes through the A19.
Travelers coming from Messina can first choose the A20 and then the E90 while from Agrigento the shortest road is the SS640.
From Enna it is advisable to choose the Sp39, finally from Syracuse the shortest road is the one that involves traveling along the E45.
The village of Gangi does not have its own railway station, so those who decide to move on the train they can refer to the nearby stations of Enna, or Pollina and Tusa and then continue with the bus lines made available by the AST company.
© Image by Ephems, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
