Piazza Vecchia is one of the oldest and most charming spots in Casalvecchio Siculo. In medieval times, it was the true heart of the village, a bustling space where the community’s main craft and commercial activities were concentrated. Here stood the shops and small workshops that punctuated the daily life of the village: carpenters’ workshops, food shops, taverns and warehouses for storing silkworms – activities that sustained the local economy for a long time.

The square was therefore a meeting place and hub of exchange, where the inhabitants gathered to work, trade and share moments of social life. The original architecture reflected this function: the space was surrounded by buildings characterised by arches and covered passageways that gave the square a typically medieval appearance.

Over time, Piazza Vecchia has undergone various urban transformations. One of the most significant changes took place in the 20th century with the demolition of the arches, which until the 1970s still helped to define the historic character of the place. Despite these changes, the square still retains traces of its ancient identity.

Among the most interesting features that can be admired today is an elegant sandstone portal, a testament to the village’s traditional architecture and the skill of the local craftsmen. This architectural detail, together with the narrow streets branching out in all directions, serves as a reminder of the central role that Piazza Vecchia played in the historical development of Casalvecchio Siculo.

Today, the square is a quieter place than in the past, but it continues to evoke the memory of the medieval village, when the economic and social life of the Casalvecchio community unfolded amongst these stones.