Palio dell'Alemanna of Gela

Religion and history, spirituality and entertainment meet in Gela, a town in southern Sicily overlooking the Mediterranean Sea; it is here that, on the occasion of Feast of the Patron Saint, the faithful can in fact attend another special event, an event with ancient origins, but still full of charm today: the Palio dell'Alemanna of Gela, attended by faithful and history buffs, musicians and jugglers, and many other artists from all over Sicily.

The program of the Palio dell'Alemanna in Gela is divided into two days full of events, from the opening of historic village al flight of the eagle, from the historical procession to the concerts in the square, we move on to the flag-waving competition, whose awards at the end of the evening close the Palio dell'Alemanna. And in the meantime, fires, music, dances and tastings cheer the two up medieval evenings in Gela.

The history of the Palio dell'Alemanna of Gela

The Palio dell'Alemanna di Gela is a historical event with processions and medieval reenactments: during the two days of the Palio, history is relived in the Sicilian town, in the presence of jugglers and other typical figures that existed at the time of the foundation of the municipality, in the XIII century.

To revive the ancient traditions and make everyone aware of the mythical medieval atmospheres, the Palio dell'Alemanna di Gela was born in 2016, thanks to the collaboration between the Sicilian Historical Federation, the Municipality of Gela and local associations such as the Geloi Archaeological Group and the Paternò Nocte Tempore Association.

All the appointments of the Palio di Gela are organized in the two days preceding the festivity in honour of Maria Santissima d'Alemanna, Patron Saint of Gela.

When the Palio dell'Alemanna of Gela takes place

The Palio dell'Alemanna of Gela takes place on 3 and the 4 September, starting from 18:30 until midnight.

Where the Palio dell'Alemanna of Gela takes place

The Palio dell'Alemanna di Gela takes place in the historic village, set up next to the Mother Church of Gela in Piazza Umberto I; other places to reach during the Palio are Piazza Matrice and the Church of Sant'Agostino.

What to do during the Palio dell'Alemanna in Gela

During the Palio dell'Alemanna di Gela, even visitors and tourists immerse themselves in that medieval atmosphere capable of taking everyone back in time: amid dances and fires, we witness the Palio, in which the flag-wavers who represent the four gates of the city. Attend the awards ceremony and then get ready to visit the whole centre!

Gela is a large town, populated by over 70.000 inhabitants and full of attractions for tourists, from accommodation facilities to clubs, one naturally arrives at the most beautiful churches in the historic centre, squares and palaces.

It starts from Piazza Umberto I, where in addition to the Mother asked seventeenth-century, you will also find the beautiful fountain with the statue of Ceres; there Church of Sant'Agostino it was built in 1439 and is therefore one of the oldest in the whole city. Among the many other religious buildings in the historic centre, we advise you not to miss the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi, Church of the Capuchin Friars Minor, Church of SS. Savior , Church of Maria Santissima d'Alemanna, very ancient and renovated several times.

In Gela there are also many palaces, some very ancient and witnesses of history, others more modern and symbols of Liberty style which until the middle of the last century dominated the architecture of the centre: Palazzo Rosso, Palazzo Nocera and Palazzo Guccione are among the old buildings in the centre, while Palazzo S. Maria di Gesù, the Palazzina della Dogana, the Palazzo di Città and the Nuovo Palace of Justice, are modern buildings, built or renovated in the XNUMXth century.

Finally, do not miss the opportunity to take a wonderful walk in the open air on the Frederick II waterfront, or relax for a few hours at the Manfria beach or again, discover the history linked to the city's past through a visit to theBosco Littorio archaeological area.

If you spend a few days holiday in Gela, let yourself be conquered by its cuisine, with dishes such as eggplant caponata, ricotta meatballs and sweet couscous.

How is it possible to get to the Palio dell'Alemanna in Gela

Gela, in the Free Municipal Consortium of Caltanissetta, can be easily reached by car and train.

By car:, you arrive in Gela via the SS 117, while on the train, get off at Ragusa station (44 km away) and continue by bus or shuttle.