Montemaggiore Belsito between heritage architecture, culinary culture and hiking trails

Montemaggiore Belsito lies on the northwestern slope of Monte Roccellito in the western Madonie.

Palazzi and the Basilica of Sant'Agata

The Palazzo del Principe di Baucina was built around 1866 according to a design by the architect Ignazio Greco. The Palazzo Saeli is an early 20th-century building in the Liberty style and borders Piazza Basilica on one side. The Basilica of Sant'Agata has been a minor basilica since 1802 and is the mother church of Montemaggiore Belsito. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Latin cross; it also has three naves and a large central dome. The basilica houses a painting by Vincenzo La Barbera from 1628 depicting the crucified Christ with the holy souls in Purgatory.

Virginieddi and communal meals in honor of Saint Joseph

The local food culture includes the tradition of Virginieddi. It consists of an elaborate communal meal that, according to historical customs, is first served to children and then to adults at long tables in the homes. At the head of the table stands a carefully decorated altar dedicated to Saint Joseph. The traditional meal in honor of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of craftsmen and workers, is also held again on May 1. For several years now, the traditional communal meal has been organized in Piazza Roma for everyone who would like to sample the typical dishes prepared for this occasion.

Stages and trails through the forest and Madonie

For hikers, stage SI V14 of the Sentiero Italia leads from Montemaggiore Belsito through the Bosco del Cardellino, over the Selletto Fondo Soprano pass at an altitude of 823 meters and along the northern slope of Monte Roccelito. The Via Francigena Madonie includes a 16.7-kilometer stage from Caccamo to Montemaggiore Belsito. It then continues on a 22.7-kilometer stage from Montemaggiore Belsito to Caltavuturo. Montemaggiore Belsito is therefore both the destination of the stage from Caccamo and the starting point of the route to Caltavuturo on the Via Francigena Madonie. Just outside the town, hiking trail 501 leads from Provincial Road 7 between Montemaggiore Belsito and Alia along a footpath to the Case Granza; the reserve's visitor center is located there. Hiking trail 503 runs through the forest and reaches Lake Bomes. The different lengths and landscape settings provide a concrete basis for organizing your hiking days according to route and surroundings.

Arrival and local transport

For local transport in the wider area, Trasporti SAIS and AST are listed as bus services. In the arrival information for the area, Montemaggiore Belsito is listed as a railway station.

More destinations in the same area

For further orientation in the same area: Gangi, Villabate, Bompietro, Santa Cristina Gela, Bisacquino, Mezzojuso, Belmonte Mezzagno and Polizzi Generosa.

For the higher-level travel overview: Palermo.