The story of Ficarazzi, a village located in the province of Palermo,
It is a sort of summary of the various dominations that have followed one another in the village. However, these numerous colonizations have also given the village the appearance it shows today to all its visitors, thanks to the many beautiful monuments that are present on its territory.
Here, then, is the story of Ficarazzi and all that is important to know in order to better plan a visit to this enchanting area of Sicily.
The origins of Ficarazzi
The name of ficarazzi derives from the Latin: Ficaratium was in fact the name of a farmhouse that was located near the Eleuterio river, a very short distance from what is now the inhabited center of the village. The name was then transformed into the term Fakarazz by the Arabs who in this way wanted to indicate the excellence of an area rich in natural resources. The creation of the village, however, is undoubtedly due to Pietro Speciale, viceroy of the period, who understood that the fertility of the lands of the village could be the natural habitat for the luxuriant growth of sugar cane. So it was that he decided to give life to the first crops and then had the necessary structures built for the plantation workers, so that they could have everything close at hand. The construction of the building also dates back to this period sighting tower.
The story of Ficarazzi
From the XNUMXth century on village of Ficarazzi it begins to pass from hand to hand, until it becomes part of the fiefdom of the Chiaramonte family. In 1648, however, the land was sold and passed into the ownership of the Theatine Fathers who maintained their power for about a century, until in 1733 when the area came under the control of the family of Prince Giardina who worked hard to boost the urbanization of the town and attract new citizens. The dominion of the Giardinas lasted until the unification of Italy was proclaimed. A few years later it was officially proclaimed a municipality. During the following centuries, then, the urban fabric underwent a considerable development also thanks to its proximity to the capital Palermo.
What to see in Ficarazzi
Such a rich history has obviously left many marks regarding the monuments that can be admired in the village, so it is worth organizing a visit. The sightseeing tour can start from Church of Sant'Atanasio, whose construction dates back to 1722 and is therefore the oldest religious structure in the village: inside there is a precious wooden crucifix from the XNUMXth century. Also there Church of San Girolamo it is from the eighteenth century but underwent a complete makeover in the early twentieth century. From the point of view of civil architecture, it is definitely not to be missed Garden Palace which the locals simply call the Castle as it was originally a XNUMXth century watchtower, then enlarged and made into a noble palace. Finally they are worth a visit too Cordova Tower, from the XNUMXth century, and the two aqueducts that date back to the XNUMXth century.
Things to do in Ficarazzi
There are many events that are held throughout the year in the area of ficarazzi and which make a visit to this area of Sicily even more interesting. Surely the most heartfelt event is the one held in September in honor of Most Holy Crucifix, who is the patron saint of the village: in addition to a solemn procession, there are food and wine stands and many other activities. Perfect for the sweet tooth, however, is the Sfincione festival, a typical regional dish that is prepared in many different ways, both sweet and savory. It is an occasion during which you can also take part in folk activities, to discover the true essence of the village and its inhabitants.
How to get to Ficarazzi
Those who want to get to the village to discover the origins and history of Ficarazzi more closely can leave by car from Palermo and take the SS113 while from Catania and Enna it is advisable to choose the A19.
From Messina, on the other hand, the shortest route is the one that involves first taking the A20 and then the E90. For visitors departing from Agrigento, however, the best route is the one that passes first along the SS189 and then the SS121, from Trapani the A29 and then the E933, finally from Syracuse first the A19 and then the E932. Great news for those who prefer to travel on the train, given that the village of Ficarazzi has its own railway station which is located along the section that connects Palermo to Catania. Finally, there is the possibility of traveling by bus thanks to the lines made available by the AST company
