Geraci Siculo

Geraci Siculo is a charming village located in the heart of Sicily, in the wonderful province of Palermo. Famous for its fascinating natural beauty and rich cultural and historical heritage, Geraci Siculo is a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered.

Nestled among the Madonie mountains, Geraci Siculo boasts an unrivaled location, offering panoramic views of unimaginable beauty. This town perched some 1,000 meters above sea level offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Madonie Park.

With its rich history, Geraci Siculo expertly wields tradition and culture, offering an unparalleled experience to all who wish to explore Sicilian authenticity. Of ancient origins, this Sicilian gem has played a significant role in the various historical eras, from the Byzantines, to the Arabs, to the Normans up to the Ventimiglia family, who elected it as the capital of their fiefdom.

The charm of Geraci Siculo, however, is not limited to its history. In fact, this village is renowned for its castle, its religious architecture, its traditional events and its culinary products.

History of Geraci Siculo: A canopy of ancient secrets

Geraci Siculo is an ancient Sicilian village whose roots go back to the 6th century B.C. during the era of Greek colonization of Sicily. This charming town, then called "Jerax" (vulture in Greek), owes its name to the assiduous presence of such magnificent predatory birds in its vicinity.

In the 9th century A.D., during the Muslim expansion, Geraci Siculo, thanks to its strategic location, became one of the most important centers of inland Sicily. The arrival of the Normans in the 11th century and the conquest of Roger I infused a new cultural and political dynamism into the village.

The real revolution in the history of Geraci Siculo occurred with the advent of the dynasty of the Counts of Ventimiglia in 1252. The "County of Geraci" gained prestige and popularity under their leadership, eventually becoming a Marquisate in 1438. Despite being divided in 1391 between Henry and Antonio, sons of Francis II of Ventimiglia, and despite the gradual loss of political and economic importance to Castelbuono, Geraci Siculo retained a key role in the management of the territory.

However, at the end of the 16th century, the decline of the Ventimiglias, overwhelmed by debts and in economic difficulty, inevitably marked the decline of Geraci. From the 18th century to the present day, Geraci Siculo has followed the fortunes of Sicily, participating in all the most significant historical events, from the world wars to Italy's independence.

Discover the points of interest of Geraci Siculo

Walking through its medieval alleys and small squares allows visitors to discover it in all its splendor.

One of the unmissable points of interest in Geraci Siculo is the majestic "bevaio" of the Holy Trinity, a work commissioned by Marquis Simone Ventimiglia, which welcomes visitors just outside the town.

Reaching the heart of the village, you will find the remains of the castle, a building of probable Byzantine origin later transformed into a military fortress. Among the ruins of the castle is the ancient church of Sant'Anna, the former chapel of the Ventimiglia family, and the church of San Giacomo, where several valuable works are preserved, including a 14th-century Byzantine fresco.

Walking through the typical medieval alleys, we reach Piazza del Popolo, where the Church of the College of Mary and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore are located, custodians of numerous valuable works of art, including marble sculptures and Sicilian wooden works from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Continuing the tour of Geraci Siculo, one encounters the 17th-century church of Santo Stefano, with its characteristic bell tower, and the church of San Bartolomeo, where a polychrome inlaid wood depicting the saint, dated to the 18th century, stands out. The visit concludes with the small church of Santa Maria La Porta, which houses a splendid polychrome marble polyptych of the high altar, a masterpiece of the Gagini workshop.