Going back several centuries in time, it is possible to trace the origins of Castronovo di Sicilia, the village in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, which rises near Lake Fanaco.
In this valley between prehistoric settlements and necropolises, myths and legends, we can still read the history of Castronovo, while visiting the village, it is possible to discover today's atmospheres and flavours: get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Where is Castronovo di Sicilia
Castronovo di Sicilia, at 660 meters above sea level, rises on the plateau of Monti-Sicani which, like a sort of natural border, marks the transition from the western to the eastern part of the island.
from Monte Carcaci Nature Reserve to the Plàtani river, fromEquipped area of Santa Caterina to Lake Fanaco, up to Savochello, the area is fertile and full of attractions to explore; furthermore, here it is easy to come across dairies, farmhouses and restaurants, to taste the most genuine flavors of the typical products.
In the surroundings of the town, there are also several fascinating and ancient villages, all to be discovered, such as Cammarata, Bivona, Roccapalumba and Vicari.
The origins and history of Castronovo di Sicilia
Before arriving in the centre, the presence of archaeological sites which constitute the oldest nuclei of the settlement of Castronovo: the Capelvenere necropolis, with the little one natural swimming pool and nymphaeum, is one of the first signs of human presence at the foot of the Kassar plateau, followed by the Byzantine fortress along the course of the Plàtani; however, the discoveries made in this area led to the discovery of even more ancient settlements, dating back to the XNUMXth century BC
Subsequently, the area was conquered by the Arabs, until the arrival of the Normans, who took power by exploiting, according to legend, the resentment of a local miller towards the Saracens and thus managing to conquer the impregnable fortress of San Vitale. In the XNUMXth century the ancient citadel was destroyed and the population migrated to the foot of the hill, creating two distinct villages.
Castronovo became known in the XNUMXth century as the First Sicilian Parliament, when four vicars of the Kingdom of Sicily swore at the Church of St. Peter to oppose the dominion of Martin I of Aragon and even if the league did not obtain the effects it had imposed, it went down in history as the Castronovo Oath.
During the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, the town became depopulated, following a fate common to many small villages on the island. However, Castronovo di Sicilia regained some popularity when it was discovered to be the birthplace of San Vitale, a XNUMXth century hermit saint.
What to see in Castronovo di Sicilia
A history so full of intricate events and fearless characters has left traces in Castronovo di Sicilia that are still very evident today: in addition to the Necropolis and the Magna Via Francigena which are located around the village, in Castronovo there are also the Castle in the south-western area of the town, reachable from Via Piedimonte and the Church of San Vitale, not far from the Colle San Vitale, another point of reference for those who want to discover the most ancient buildings of Castronovo.
Another of the attractions in the area is the Church of St. Peter where the Oath of Castronovo took place, which can be reached by following the course of the Plàtani river, passing the Landolina Castle and Maidenhair Caves , Mother Church of the village, dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
Traditions and typical dishes of Castronovo di Sicilia
The encounter between man and the territory, in Castronovo, has not only given rise to magnificent buildings and captivating stories, but also to delicious culinary traditions based on the use of local and genuine ingredients. The food product which best symbolizes Castronovo at the regional level, but not only, it's the oil. How to grow and prune olive trees, harvesting the fruit and extracting the delicious and healthy olive oil it is an ancient tradition, which is handed down among local families; furthermore, here in Castronovo, you can still meet many artisans, from blacksmiths to carpenters and embroiderers.
After discovering all the secrets of Castronovo di Sicilia, treat yourself to a tasty break at the restaurant: there are many in the area, ready to offer you the best dishes of the traditional cuisine. Then try the classic pasta with sardines, or try the pasta with mountain fennel; ask for the broad bean maccu or the asparagus meatballs, try the sardines with beccafico or sweet and sour. You will also find fried bread and orange salad on the menu, up to the desserts, where between sfinci and taralle, the Sicilian cannoli naturally triumphs.
How to get to Castronovo di Sicilia
Castronovo di Sicilia is located about 78 km from Palermo; You can reach the town by car or train.
If you arrive in the car, take the Palermo-Agrigento expressway; if you prefer instead the train, get off at Agrigento Central Station and continue by bus or shuttle to the centre.
