Ventimiglia di Sicilia: ancient Calamigna
Things to do, attractions, interesting facts
State: PA - Area: Palermo surroundings
Ventimiglia di Sicilia rises in a hilly area in the Palermo hinterland.
It is believed that the first settlements in these lands date back to the 5th century BC: a residential nucleus has been identified on the slopes of Mount Cane, consisting of a castle and various scattered houses, surrounded by large fortified walls that still extend for a few kilometers around today's Ventimiglia. The current town dates back to 1625 and was founded at the behest of Beatrice Ventimiglia, in honor of which it takes its name.
Today Ventimiglia di Sicilia offers an artistic itinerary of interest thanks to its churches and the valuable works kept in them , and preserves a valuable naturalistic environmental heritage as part of its territory falls within the Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna and Grotta Mazzamuto oriented nature reserve, an ideal place for long excursions in uncontaminated nature.
What is the best time to visit Ventimiglia di Sicilia?
Ventimiglia di Sicilia 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 Ventimiglia di Sicilia during the year.
What to see
The most representative building of the village is the ancient Mother Church, the first building to be built after the foundation of the town. The building is flanked by the Oratory of the SS. Sacramento and the Oratory of the SS. Rosary. Among the other buildings we remember: the Church of San Vito, the ancient chapel of Palazzo Ventimiglia; the Church of Sant'Antonio del Collegio di Maria, custodian of valuable works of art; the Church of San Nicolò; the Church of the Madre della Grazie, better known Church of the Madonna della Rocca, located just outside the town and to which a miraculous event is linked; the Church of the Ritrovato Lord, whose history is also linked to a miraculous event; the Church of the Holy Mary of Fatima, recently built and having the particularity of being entirely covered in stones of changing colours.
The Mountain Museum is also of particular interest.
The town of Ventimiglia di Sicilia rises on the slopes of the Monte Cane which falls within the Natural Reserve of Pizzo Cane, Pizzo Trigna and Grotta Mazzamuto, of great naturalistic interest, a destination for trekking enthusiasts.
What to eat
Typical food, local wines and drinks, traditional dish to taste in Ventimiglia di Sicilia
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.
Ventimiglia di Sicilia boasts an ancient agricultural and pastoral tradition. There are many typical products of these lands: oil, wine, citrus fruits, wheat, prickly pears and almonds. The production of cheeses and meats is excellent.Among the typical specialties of the village we remember: Sursameli, almond-based desserts with sugar icing; raffielini or raffiellini, almond biscuits with icing and pistachio grains.
