The city that amazed a prince is waiting to be discovered and welcomes you! The beautiful town of Roccamena, in the province of Palermo, today has about 1600 inhabitants, but its history and origins date back to a few centuries ago.
Her economy is based on agriculture, with its typical products such as cereals, vegetables, grapes and yellow melon. Also noteworthy is the breeding of sheep and cattle, which has always played a significant role, but also the more recent one of purebred horses.
Although Roccamena has origins nearby in the past, the whole surrounding area and included between the branches of the Belice river (or Crimiso for those who are experts in history) actually has a much more ancient life, having been the host of encounters and clashes between civilizations. The battle between the Greeks and the Carthaginians in 339 BC took place right on the banks of the river. territories since the prehistoric age.
Origins of the name Roccamena
The name Roccamena is said to have been conceived after theexclamation of the Prince of Camporeale and Marquis of Sambuca, Giuseppe Beccadelli Bologna, who, seeing the landscape so characteristic and special, managed only to say: "What a pleasant rock".
The center of the town began to develop around the nucleus of the Four Houses, which are probably to be identified with the houses located in the neighborhood that bears the same name.
The modern urban center is founded on one of the estates of the Sparacia fiefdom, which fiefdom was owned by the Collegio Massimo dei Gesuiti. With the reforms of Bernardo Tanucci, who was minister during the reign of Ferdinand IV, king of Naples and Sicily, however, it was removed from Jesuit possessions in 1767.
Only thanks to Beccadelli and the licentia populandi of 1779, the real foundation of the village of Roccamena began between 1796 and 1797. According to tradition and according to the first parish register, the birthplace of Roccamena can be traced back to 1798. Only on May 1, 1848, thanks to the royal decree, the village of Roccamena became a Municipality.
Roccamena today
The years pass and the Municipality of Roccamena has expanded, but its characteristic residence on the hill and the original checkerboard plan have remained. The breathtaking view and unique of its kind, it is still the pride of Roccamena.
What has changed is its urban structure: unfortunately few original stone structures remain from its foundation, many streets and roads have been paved to make city traffic easier.
The great attractions of Roccamena
The reasons why visit Roccamena they are many and all have a cultural background!
In the list of places not to be missed appear the Mother Church of the Holy Savior, Calatrasi Bridge and TheAncient Mill. First on the list though is theexcursion on Mount Maranfusa, where you can visit the archaeological site and castle: a large fortress with sloping walls on all four sides. On the top it is possible to admire the ruins of the castle of Calatrasi.
Downstream, the Calatrasi Bridge, or Devil's Bridge, immersed in a spectacular natural landscape, dates back to the XNUMXth century AD, has a pointed arch and is considered one of the best preserved and most important examples of medieval architecture in the area.
Roccamena awaits you with all its cultural wonders. Don't miss the opportunity to spend a day in this historic town!
