Geraci Siculo is a small village with clear medieval origins, a symbol of a Sicily that continues to keep its charm intact.
Located at the gates of Madonie Park, represents a reality with just 2000 inhabitants, immersed in a truly unique scenario.
Here's what you need to know about medieval village Geraci Siculo to admire it in all its immense splendour.
The origins of the town of Geraci Siculo
Il medieval village Geraci Siculo in ancient times it took its name from the Greek Jerax, which means vulture. Not surprisingly, in ancient times, birds of prey swarmed on the rock of the town. The village is very precious, as human remains dating back to prehistory have been found. The era of greatest prominence this town lived in the medieval period. In any case, its existence is known as early as the year 840 AD, during which Sicily was subject to domination of the Arabs.
Medieval village of Geraci Siculo, a constantly evolving story
The artifacts found in the area of Geraci Siculo are currently exhibited at the Archaeological Museum of Palermo, while others are kept in the pole dedicated to Mina Palumbo, in nearby Castelbuono. Around the year XNUMX, the County of Geraci, founded by Normans. In 1252, the village came into the possession of the Ventimiglia family.
Then, the County of Geraci became a Marquisate starting from 1435. Subsequently, the medieval village experienced a long phase of decline. A real shame, given the beauty of the place and its importance in the history of humanity. Although it has had to know the suffering of abandonment, this beautiful village has managed to maintain its ancient medieval beauty.
The most recent years of the village of Geraci Siculo
Over the past few years, the medieval village Geraci Siculo has undergone a major redevelopment. In 2019, it was included in the prestigious list of most beautiful villages in Italy. The good news for Geraci Siculo did not end here, given that in the same year he was awarded a very important prize by the Asproflor association, with the achievement of quality mark of life.
This recognition underlined the strong commitment on the part of the citizens to make this place one of the best places to live in Sicily. In fact, the local population takes great care of the common spaces and greenery, making the local atmosphere healthier and more welcoming. In 2021, Geraci Siculo managed to get to third place in the list reserved for Villages of villages, after Tropea in Calabria and Baunei in Sardinia.
What to see in the medieval village of Geraci Siculo
What can you do if you live a vacation in the parts of Geraci Siculo for a few days? The town includes numerous very old churches and worthy of being visited. The most beautiful is undoubtedly the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Another very interesting structure in the area is the Drinker of the Holy Trinity, built at the behest of the Marquis Simone Ventimiglia.
A more recent construction to be discovered absolutely coincides with the Jump of Ventimiglia, built in 2014. It is an emotional sculpture made of steel and glass, which allows visitors to admire the beautiful landscape below from a state-of-the-art platform. It is located at the end of a medieval road and immerses you in a unique panorama. The transparent bridge is in honor of the story of Count Francesco I Ventimiglia, who leapt off the cliff with his horse to escape the troops of Peter II of Sicily.
Geraci Siculo, so many wonders not to be missed
Who has the privilege of being able to spend a few days of vacation in the metropolitan city of Palermo cannot leave the hypothesis of immersing oneself in the wonders of the background in the background medieval village Geraci Siculo. The latter does not feel the weight of the centuries and maintains a unique and inimitable charm.
© Image by David Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
