Collesano is a charming village immersed in the Madonie park. Located along the slope of a wide valley, bordered by two streams, and placed at the foot of the Poggio Grotta del Signore relief, it is surrounded by majestic reliefs. The ancient remains of the castle tell its story: the first urban settlement it developed on Monte D'Oro in the Islamic age in the X century; after the Norman conquest Collesano became the center of a vast feud, finally Roger II, king of Sicily, ordered the destruction of the fortified center, which was then rebuilt on the current site. Its name is inextricably linked to the Targa Florio car race, of which it was one of the main steps. Its museum preserves its memory. It boasts a centuries-old tradition in woodworking and in the creation of inlays.
Where is Collesano located? Collesano is a municipality in the province of Palermo. It rises at 470 meters above sea level, 10 km from the Tyrrhenian coast. It is 67 km from the city of Palermo and 16 km from the city of Cefalù. Part of its territory falls within the Madonie Park.
How to reach Collesano? The simplest way to reach Collesano is to use your own car and take the motorway A20 Messina-Palermo, exit at the junction for Cefalù, continue on the SS113 towards Palermo, take the junction for Campofelice di Roccella and continue towards Collesano. Collesano is about 23 km from the Cefalù motorway junction. If you come from Catania or central Sicily you need to take the A19 Catania - Palermo motorway, exit at the junction for Scillato, continue on SS643 until the junction for Collesano, then take the SP9bis. Collesano is about 15 km from the Scillato motorway junction. It is also possible to reach Collesano by train: you need to get off at Cefalù station and from there take a bus or shuttle direct to Collesano.
What is the best time to visit Collesano?
Collesano can be visited all year round: the welcome and warmth of the Sicilians will amaze you.
But for an unforgettable experience, admiring the colors, tasting the flavors and fully experiencing the traditions, it is advisable to plan a visit on the days of one of the festivals that take place in Collesano during the year.
If you want to know about upcoming festivals and events Click here and you will find a list of the most important ones.
What to see
The village developed following the orography of the area, marked by the presence of two streams. The oldest part of the town, Borgo Bagherino, is dominated by the ruins of the ancient medieval castle. The influence of the religious power determined, with the location of churches and monastic orders, the main road axes of the village. In fact, there are numerous buildings of a religious nature present in the town: the Chiesa Madre, which dominates the entire town and houses works of notable artistic and historical value; the Church of Santa Maria La Vecchia, which it is located in the heart of the old quarter; the Church of San Sebastiano and Fabiano, known as the Church of the College being annexed to the Institute of the Daughters of the Cross; the Church of San Giacomo, which with its portal Gothic-Catalan is one of the most important in the country; the Watchtower, which once its military function was completed was used bell tower; Abbey of Santa Maria del Pedale, one of the oldest abbeys in Sicily; the Church of San Domenico, which houses works of particular value; the Church of Santa Maria di Gesù and the annexed former convent of the Reformed Friars Minor; the Town Hall, which was the seat of the Dominican convent. Collesano is home to the Museo Targa Florio, dedicated to the well-known car competition of which it was one of the main passages. Among other things to see in Collesano, we remember: the Baroni Fatta del Bosco Palace, important building in Sicilian Baroque style; the Fornaci dello Stazzone, a fine example of industrial architecture; the Fontana Mora, the most important of the numerous fountains present in the territory.
Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show,... Collesano
The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles, Patroness and Advocate of the people of Collesano, is of great importance; it is celebrated in the month of May with a suggestive procession through the streets of the town. In the month of July, on the occasion of the Feast of San Giacomo, at the conclusion of the religious rites, traditionally takes place the Sausage Festival. Among the rites of the Holy Week in Collesano, rich in faith and folklore, is A Cerca, a procession of the Mystery of the Passion of Jesus Christ. During the Christmas period, the Living Nativity Scene is organised, an evocative religious and food and wine itinerary. Among the food and wine events we remember the Cheese Festival and the Oil and Herbs Festival aromatic. Among the events in Collesano, an important event full of tradition and fun is the Carnival.
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Collesano
You can obviously taste all the typical products of Sicilian cuisine, the most well-known ones, such as
cannoli,
Sicilian cassata, arancini, etc.
But there are some specialties typical of this area that are more difficult to find in other areas of Sicily.
The food product par excellence is the Cucciddatu, a dessert prepared with figs, pumpkin and cocoa.
To view a list of business activity within tourism in CollesanoClick here
Nearby Places
Below you will find a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the surroundings of Collesano. The places are located at a maximum distance of about an half hour by car. Good fun!
