Near Agrigento, in Palma di Montechiaro, it is possible to enjoy various experiences to remember. Among these, the Monastery of the Mysteries is a perfect choice.
Here, in the territory of Pirandello, Camilleri and Tomasi di Lampedusa, it is possible to experience a holiday full of charm, full of strong emotions.
Here's what to know about a truly one-of-a-kind structure.
The legends of the Monastery of the Mysteries
The Monastery of Mysteries is surrounded by several legends. It is said, for example, that there is a letter written directly by the Devil and left within the ancient walls of the structure. It is not the only anecdote regarding the famous Monastery, but many other chilling stories have been handed down. For example, in the summer of 1676, Sister Maria Crocifissa received an incomprehensible letter, attributed to the devil himself. The nun was thus forced to sign the letter with her own hand to obey her diabolical will, but the woman was much stronger than the Devil and she only wrote the term Ohimé, ordering him to leave immediately.
The story also intrigued two Sicilian celebrities such as Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa e Andrea Camilleri, who began investigating the letter. The latter is still kept inside the monastery and is impossible to decipher, with the exception of some words written in the Greek and Arabic languages. There are many questions that hover around such a complicated story. What language is it? How did she manage to be delivered to the convent if it has always been closed to the public? Who wrote it? The author of The Leopard was shocked by such an investigation.
At the same time, several unsolved mysteries are attributed to the town of Palma di Montechiaro. For example, in the XNUMXth century, the important scientist Giovan Battista Odierna lived here. Upon his death, he was buried in this land, but once exhumed it was learned that the tomb and body were intact with the exception of the skull, which was completely collapsed in a completely inexplicable way.
The origins of the town of Palma di Montechiaro
Those who love secrets must certainly visit the town of Palma di Montechiaro. At first glance, it does not seem like a place capable of hiding particular mysteries, but the essence of its ancient splendor is immediately understood. This is an area of Sicily already inhabited times of the Sicans, with an essential role in Roman times. However, the village thus called was built only starting from the XNUMXth century, coinciding with the birth of the homonymous Montechiaro Castle.
As the years passed, the fiefdom acquired greater importance thanks to a strategic position, capable of connecting the cities of Syracuse, Ragusa and Agrigento. 1637 was the year of the arrival in the city of the Tomasi family, ancestors of the writer de The Leopard in 1958. It was a period of high status, thanks to a dynasty that began to build churches, convents and works of art of various kinds. All the constructions beautified the city and consecrated it as the new Jerusalem.
The history and characteristics of the Palma di Montechiaro Monastery
As regards the Monastery of the Mysteries, its birth can be dated between 1653 and 1659, according to the will of the Holy Duke, Giulio Tomasi. After living a happy marriage and having six children, the latter became a hermit. He sold everything and became poor. In the meantime, his wife and two daughters also entered the convent. The Holy Duke gave his palace to the Benedictine nuns, which was annexed to the convent itself.
Today the Monastery sports a simple white facade. Its interior is embellished with sculptures and stuccoes Baroque, in addition to a garden well cared for and enriched by the presence of medicinal plants and trees. Even today, it is not possible to access the place without a written request and a special permit, which is often not granted. Among the most important figures of the Monastery, Isabella Tomasi should be noted, who later became Sister Maria Crocifissa after her vows. Today she is considered venerable and her remains rest within the walls of the Monastery.
A truly enchanting place
Overall, the Monastery of the Mysteries can be considered as an authentic symbol of the town of Palma di Montechiaro, with many stories and legends capable of enhancing it. There is nothing left to do but visit it and immerse yourself in secrets yet to be revealed.
