Geraci Siculo and the Lords of the Woods
In Gerci Siculo the reigning family of Ventimiglia was known with the nickname of Lords of the Selves .
This appellation highlights the undisputed dominion that the Ventimiglia family had in the Madonie, since Guglielmo Ventimiglia married Emma, who belonged to the Swabian house then reigning in Sicily. On many occasions the history of the Ventimiglia family is the protagonist of legendary tales that highlight how strong the bond was between the Ventimiglia family and their lands. A Geraci Siculo is linked to the tragic death of Count Francesco I Ventimiglia who, according to legend, committed suicide by falling from the cliff of the fortress of Geraci Siculo with his horse in order not to fall into the hands of King Pietro D'Aragona, who had besieged the village in 1138.
