Vizzini, located on the slopes of Monte Lauro, is known for being the birthplace of Giovanni Verga, father of Italian verismo. Its origins are ancient, the first settlements date back to the late Bronze Age. Several historians such as Thucydides, Cicero and Pliny tell us about the existence of the city, then called Bidis, in Greek and Roman times. Later the city fell under Byzantine domination, first, and Arab, later. The current inhabited area dates back to the Middle Ages, when the original nucleus developed around the castle. Its historic center is full of valuable buildings and monuments which, among other things, form the backdrop for many Verga stories.
What is the best time to visit Vizzini?
Vizzini 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 Vizzini 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 heart of the city of Vizzini is Piazza Umberto I where the eighteenth-century palace of the Verga family stands, the Palazzo di Città and the artistic staircase. Numerous religious buildings enrich the city: the Cathedral of San Gregorio Magno, the main religious building in the city; the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its rich facade and carved stone bell tower; the Church of Sant'Agata, destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, rebuilt and merged with the nearby church of San Pietro, also destroyed; the Church of Santa Maria di Gesù, rebuilt following the earthquake of 1693, preserves two chapels, on the sides of the main entrance, probably belonging to the naves of the ancient building; the complex consisting of the Church of Santa Lucia and the ancient Franciscan convent of the SS. Annunziata; The Church of San Sebastiano, communicating with the ancient monastery of the Benedictine nuns; the Capuchin Convent and the Church of Santa Barbara; The Church of Santa Teresa with its eighteenth-century façade; the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista built on the ruins of two pagan temples dedicated to Minerva and Bacchus, destroyed in 1693 by the earthquake and rebuilt. The buildings that enrich the streets of the center are of fine workmanship and of great literary interest: Palazzo Verga ; La Gurna Palace; Palazzo Sganci; Rubiera Palace; Trao Palace; and the House of Mastro Don Gesualdo. Of particular interest are also the Museum of the Verghian Imaginary, House of Memory and the Arts. Outside the town stands la cunziria, a historic neighborhood inhabited by the tanners we find in Verga's novels; the valley of the mills which preserves remains of these ancient structures; the Granvilla forest, an ideal place for excursions and nature walks.
Traditional Festivals, Events, Live Show,... Vizzini
Among the festivals that take place in the city of Vizzini, the Festival of Flavors and Knowledge is of particular importance - Ricotta and cheese festival, which celebrates the history, culture and culinary excellence of the city. Among the religious festivals we remember the Festival of San Gregorio Magno, saint of the city, the feast of the Madonna dei Campi and the celebrations of Holy Week.
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Vizzini
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.
In the countryside of Vizzini, sheep farming and the connected dairy activity are highly developed with the production, first and foremost, of ricotta. The typical dessert of Vizzini is the nucàtola, a dessert made with almonds, cinnamon, cocoa and sugar.
Nearby Places
Below you will find a list of the most beautiful places to visit in the surroundings of Vizzini. The places are located at a maximum distance of about an half hour by car. Good fun!
