The Borgo di Regalbuto develops on a gentle hill in the province of Enna. It is a small town that offers one of the most spectacular and captivating views of Mount Etna in all of Sicily.
A sort of natural balcony which, in addition to its fortunate geographical position, attracts tourists from all over the region every year for the typical neighborhood festivals. Dances, celebrations and tastings of typical products throughout the summer, events that actively involve the community and offer tourists a dip into the Regalbutese tradition.
The history and origins of the village of Regalbuto
The village of Regalbuto has very ancient origins and this is evidenced by the fact that already Pliny the Elder in Roman times, brought this city back to the salaried list. With the arrival of the Arabs in Sicily, the town did not lose its importance, indeed the name Regalbuto probably comes from the way in which the Muslims indicated this farmhouse which was located halfway between Palermo and Cataniai.e. Rahl Bayt.
During the Middle Ages the territory was occupied and populated by Saracens and unfortunately in 1261 due to the rebellion of the centurupini, it was completely razed to the ground. But it didn't take long before the Borgo di Regalbuto was rebuilt, in fact already the year following the destruction, the town began to be built again on the western part of Monte San Calogero.
Over the years the Arabs retreated more and more and left the Christians larger portions of Sicilian territory and as a sign of conquest the latter built the Church of Santa Maria dell'Auxilio, which is still the symbol of Regalbuto today.
The festival of the districts of the Borgo di Regalbuto
The Regalbuto neighborhood party is not a single event, but rather a series of events that enliven the whole summer. Usually organized between May and August, they have become the symbol of the Borgo di Regalbuto and the means by which local communities tell their history and traditions to future generations. Thanks to the hard work of some local associations and through the Patronage of the Municipality, every year it is possible to attend some of the most beautiful festivals in the whole of Enna.
The neighborhood festival begins with the blessing by the parish priest of the church of San Basilio di Regalbuto and after the religious break, we move on to folklore between traditional dances and songs. Dance schools carefully prepare for these celebrations and with their choreographies and costumes of the time, they color the streets of the districts of the village.
The Municipality also organizes a complete entertainment program to involve children as much as adults and for those with a sweet tooth, the tasting of typical products cannot be missed. Each neighborhood has a large table on which every lady of the village can offer to neighbors and tourists their own dish and so between a ballroom dance, a Latin American or a dance in the square it is possible to taste the most famous dishes of the village of Regalbuto.
What to see during a visit to Borgo di Regalbuto
Those who go to Regalbuto for the neighborhood festival cannot miss the opportunity to admire what this town has to offer from a naturalistic and historical point of view.
A good idea would be to start your experience starting with a walk along the banks of the lake Pozzillo.
An artificial water basin fed by the Salso river and by the various streams coming from the nearby mountains. The lake with its clear waters perfectly reflects the profiles of the Nebrodi mountains and Erei mountains, offering the most attentive explorer the possibility of taking very interesting shots. A forest has developed near the lake, mainly made up of eucalyptus trees which, especially during the summer season, allow you to practice a bit of trekking or simply take a pleasant walk.
Those who are more interested in the historic part of the Borgo di Regalbuto will certainly appreciate the central station of the town. Inaugurated in the early 50s, it is currently in disuse, but the charm of this place is still important. Many travel to Regalbuto only for taking pictures or filming with the background of this station in which some locomotives, a water tower and the coal depot were also preserved.
The historic center in addition to the Mother Church of San Basilio, preserves a religious building with a very interesting history, we are talking about the church of Sant'Ignazio. However, it is currently not possible to access the interior, given that the structure was damaged by a landslide which damaged the church and the entire neighborhood in 1972. According to legend, a woman who lived in the place where the religious building now stands had an image of Saint Ignatius and when she pricked the liturgical figure with a needle, it began to bleed.
Because of this prodigious event, the local community decided to demolish the house of the lady in question and build a church in the same place.
Also very interesting is the Convent of Sant'Agostino which develops at the foot of the Santa Lucia district. Inside it is possible to visit and admire two large cloisters which were built between 1300 and 1400.
How to get to the village of Regalbuto
Regalbuto is a 40-minute drive from Enna and about an hour from Catania. The route that allows you to reach the village faster is via the A19 motorway which connects Palermo to Catania and then the state road 121 which leads to Regalbuto.
Anyone wishing to reach the Borgo di Regalbuto by plane can land at Catania Fontanarossa airport which is about 60 km from the town centre, obviously then from there you will have to continue the journey by taxi or by renting a car.
