Campofranco: Churches, Monte Conca and Sicilian Traditions

Campofranco between history and karst

Campofranco was founded in 1573 by Baron Giovanni Del Campo as a small hamlet, with royal approval. Its earlier history includes the Serra del Palco Archaeological Area, a Neolithic settlement, and the archaeological area on the summit of Monte Conca with a Bronze Age necropolis.

Churches and museum

The Museo di Storia Locale preserves more than 500 documents in its display cases. On view are original religious, historical and geographical documents dating from the 15th to the 20th century. The Museo di Storia Locale is listed as being open Monday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – a detail you can take into account when planning your day.

The Church of Santa Maria dell'Itria was originally the chapel of the baronial palace. Among its distinctive details is a precious floor made of glazed tiles bearing the coat of arms of the Lucchesi Palli family from 1836. The Chiesa Madre was founded in 1575 by Giovanni Dei Campo and dedicated to the patron saint bearing the same name. It preserves a coat of arms of the Del Campo family carved in stone and dated 1575, as well as a commemorative plaque from 1580. The Church of San Francesco, popularly known as San Calogero, was founded in 1573 by Francesco Del Campo and houses the 17th-century painting “Andata al Calvario”.

Monte Conca and historic routes

The Riserva Naturale Monte Conca nature reserve was established to protect significant caves in Messinian gypsum and karst formations on the surface that are of considerable scientific and naturalistic importance. The Monte Conca karst system is one of the most extensive and deepest karst systems in the gypsum of Sicily. Its total spatial extent is 1,869 metres, with an elevation difference of approximately 130 metres. The Inghiottitoio di Monte Conca has a cave development of 520 metres, a negative elevation difference of 108 metres and four vertical shafts.

The route to the Riserva Naturale Monte Conca is 1.5 kilometres long and runs from kilometre 11.2 of Strada Provinciale 24 to the Inghiottitoio di Monte Conca. The historic Regia Trazzera Borbonica from Campofranco to Grotte is still partially visible west of the SP 115 and Monte Campanella. The pilgrimage route begins at the Riserva Naturale Monte Conca nature reserve and ends at the Brecciafiorata of Acquaviva Platani. On the first day, short, continuously uphill stages lead from the Gallo d’Oro River to Campofranco.

Festa di San Calogero

The Festa di San Calogero in Campofranco takes place on the last Sunday in July. On this occasion, the residents of Campofranco walk barefoot at least once in their lives from their homes to the Church of San Francesco. The Sagra dei Pupi di Pane also takes place as part of the Festa di San Calogero. Large loaves of bread are baked in the shape of body parts that are said to have been healed through the intercession of the saint.

When choosing a hotel or other accommodation for a trip focusing on culture and nature, the Museo di Storia Locale, the churches, Monte Conca and the Festa di San Calogero provide different points of reference for your personal planning.

More destinations

Bompensiere, Montedoro, Ciolino, Butera, Villalba, Vallelunga Pratameno, Sommatino, Serradifalco

To the higher-level travel overview: Caltanissetta.