Sicily is seen worldwide as an escapist's dream; set apart from the rest of Italy by merit of being an island, with a distinct culture, beautiful scenery and a different pace of life. For the past two years, the island has also been home to the Best Borgo, or Borgo dei Borghi D'Italia. Last year's winner, the town of Gangi, was awarded the title by “Alle Falde del Kilimangiaro”, a famous television show broadcasted by Italy’s national public broadcasting company, RAI. Over 134,000 people voted for the town of Gangi, in the Madonie Mountains, sealing its place as winner. This makes the town just one of the ninety such historic comunes to be awarded this honour, making it part of a rather exclusive club.
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Gangi has a population of less than 8,000 people and is the most picturesque town, perched overlooking valleys, and made up of stepped rows of red roofed little houses. The town may have Greek roots but these have yet to be confirmed. Roman traces, however, have been discovered. The town as it appears today traces its roots to the 14th century when it was rebuilt after destruction in war. In the 18th century, the town became a cultural and literary centre and it is still recognised for its artistic qualities, culture, local craftsmanship, traditions and food.
Gangi has a population of less than 8,000 people and is the most picturesque town, perched overlooking valleys, and made up of stepped rows of red roofed little houses. The town may have Greek roots but these have yet to be confirmed. Roman traces, however, have been discovered. The town as it appears today traces its roots to the 14th century when it was rebuilt after destruction in war. In the 18th century, the town became a cultural and literary centre and it is still recognised for its artistic qualities, culture, local craftsmanship, traditions and food.
Important buildings in the town include the Castle Ventimiglia, built in the 14th century, one-time home to the county lords and still in the family, and Palazzo Sgadari and Palazzo Bongiorno which also served as residences to local nobles. The Palazzo Bongiorno features frescoed ceilings by Roman painter, Gaspare Fumagalli and Palazzo Sgadari is now home to the town’s museum and art gallery.
The Mother church of San Nicolò di Bari, another 14th century building, is famous for its Judgement Day painting by Giuseppe Salerno, sculptures by Filippo Quattrocchi, 18th century frescoes and its crypt filled with the mummies of former priests.
The patron saint of the town, San Cataldo is celebrated each year with a festival on the tenth of May, if eating and drinking is more your thing. Another major festival, characteristic of the area, Sagra della Spiga (Harvest Festival), takes place over a week in August during which the farmers and locals celebrate the fruits of the land and their labour. One of the ways they do this is with intricate bread sculptures that parade through the streets by oxen pulled carts.
Really though, its the way of life and the people that make this town so special. It needs to be experienced to be understood, like the rest of Sicily.
The Mother church of San Nicolò di Bari, another 14th century building, is famous for its Judgement Day painting by Giuseppe Salerno, sculptures by Filippo Quattrocchi, 18th century frescoes and its crypt filled with the mummies of former priests.
The patron saint of the town, San Cataldo is celebrated each year with a festival on the tenth of May, if eating and drinking is more your thing. Another major festival, characteristic of the area, Sagra della Spiga (Harvest Festival), takes place over a week in August during which the farmers and locals celebrate the fruits of the land and their labour. One of the ways they do this is with intricate bread sculptures that parade through the streets by oxen pulled carts.
Really though, its the way of life and the people that make this town so special. It needs to be experienced to be understood, like the rest of Sicily.
Photo credits
picture 1: Lovecchio Laura / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Azotoliquido / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Mariac1986 / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Lovecchio Laura / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Azotoliquido / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: Mariac1986 / CC BY-SA 3.0
