Cisterna Square in Ragalna

Piazza Cisterna is the heart of Ragalna, a small town of Norman origins in the Metropolitan City of Catania, in Sicily.

Ragalna is a municipality from the ancient ones medieval origins , in fact, the first local sources that mention the town date back to the XNUMXth century and Piazza Cisterna is located right in the core of the town which has the most ancient origins.

Ragalna square owes its name to the great tank which was used to collect rainwater: the oldest and largest of the many that arose later, to make up for the local lack of spring sources. Today the cistern, preserved in excellent condition, welcomes tourists who arrive in the square witnessing a piece of island history, as well as reminding the inhabitants of Ragalna of a stage in their local history. The cistern then continues to perform an important function in the country's economy: if in the past it was necessary for the life of the country by serving the rural economy of the area, today it is one of the symbols of rebirth of Ragalna, a small town of just 4.000 souls in winter, which transforms itself in summer, welcoming a number of visitors close to 20.000.

The square, however, is not only known for its famous cistern: in Ragalna Piazza Cisterna is the heart of the town, where there is also the Mother Church , dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and built in the XNUMXth century.

Bars, restaurants and numerous receptive structures instead characterize the modern life of Ragalna, which welcomes its visitors in the elegant context of Piazza Cisterna.

Architecture of Piazza Cisterna in Ragalna and the beauties that overlook the square

Elegant and at the same time original, the architecture of Piazza Cisterna manages to enchant visitors who arrive in the town at first glance: arranged on several levels, the square consists of a widening that rises on several steps. On the roofs of the surrounding buildings stands the bell tower of the Mother Church.

Situated in a central and elevated position, the square is the heart of the town: from here various roads start, which descend towards the outskirts of the historic centre. One of these streets is Via Neghelli, which starting from Piazza Cisterna enters the oldest district of Ragalna.

Piazza Cisterna is defined as the Terrace on Etna , because from its privileged position it gives passers-by a wonderful view of the Etna Park.

In addition to the Cisterna and the Mother Church, symbols of the past, in Piazza Cisterna there are many meeting places of the present: bars, restaurants, B&Bs, elegant apartments where the life of the town is concentrated.

What you can do in Piazza Cisterna in Ragalna and in the surrounding area

Visiting Ragalna in the summer is an excellent opportunity to fully enjoy all the artistic and natural beauties of the area, without forgetting the gastronomic richness of the Sicilian cuisine that delights inhabitants and guests at all times in Ragalna.

A few days in the village will offer visitors the opportunity to stop in Piazza Cisterna at different times of the day, to discover the excellent bars and restaurants in the centre, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After one culinary stop , it is always a good idea to take a walk outdoors: in Piazza Cisterna you will already have a preview of the town, by visiting the Mother Church, and then walk along the streets that descend into the surrounding districts.

The Church, from the Charming Gothic style , stands imposing on the square, with a view of the cistern.

Naturally, from the Terrace on Etna you can enjoy a fantastic view of the surroundings of Ragalna: why not visit some of the wonderful sites seen from above in person?

First stop, Grotta d'Angelo, just one kilometer from the town and in the territory of the district of Belpasso: a small tour of the area will take you from the natural beauties of the caves to the village of Belpasso, where there are numerous churches such as the Mother Church or buildings historic such as Palazzo Bufalo; the tour can continue until it reaches the Mud Volcanoes, and then return to Ragalna.

A longer holiday will give you the opportunity to visit the Etna park , where it is also possible to make some excursions adventurous. Furthermore, from Ragalna you can book guided tours of the park, to discover all its secrets, conducted by local guides who will reveal the beauties and riches of the area to you.

From Ragalna you can reach Catania with less than 30 km: here, in the big city, there are countless tourist attractions to visit, but in a day in Catania a stop in Piazza del Duomo or a visit to the Basilica of Maria Santissima dell 'Alms.

How to get to Piazza Cisterna in Ragalna

Ragalna, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, is easily reachable from the big city, thanks to the A19 motorway, from which you enter the Catania West Ring Road (E45). From the ring road, go in the direction of Messina, until the exit for Misterbianco, and then take the SS 121 towards Paternò, continuing up to Ragalna.

Even in train , reaching Ragalna is easy: passengers can get off at Catania Central Station and continue by bus to the town.