Piana degli Albanesi: Arbëreshë Culture, Churches and Lakeside Routes

Arbëreshë Tradition and Byzantine Rite

Piana degli Albanesi has preserved its ethnic and linguistic Arbëreshë identity for over five centuries. During Holy Week, the town hosts moving celebrations of the Byzantine rite, attended by residents wearing traditional Albanian costumes. The Byzantine rite is also reflected in the architecture and sacred art of the churches of Piana degli Albanesi.

Landscape Between Mountains and Lake

The town lies in a landscape of high mountains and abundant greenery and is reflected in a lake. In the Piana degli Albanesi area, the Serre della Pizzuta Nature Reserve covers 414 hectares and has held protected status since 1998. The landscape, nature reserve and lake thus represent different sides of the same destination.

For hiking enthusiasts, Serre della Pizzuta is crossed by six hiking trails. The Sentiero del Ladrone is part of the CAI Sentiero Italia system and begins above Piana degli Albanesi next to the small church of Santa Maria Odigitria. It leads to the Grotta del Garrone, with notable limestone formations and a rare bat species, the greater horseshoe bat.

Churches, Museums and Shesci

The Church of S. Demetrio, also known as Chiesa Madre, is a Greek-rite church originating in the late 16th century. Giorgio Megalomartire is considered the oldest church in the town. Both represent the religious and architectural character that distinguishes the town alongside its landscapes.

MUSARB presents the Arbëreshë culture and the unique cultural identity of Piana degli Albanesi through an immersive museum experience. The tour includes sections on icons, the local area, peasant civilization and natural heritage. It also features a herbarium with tree species from the Serre della Pizzuta Nature Reserve.

The Museo Collegio di Maria houses a collection of icons and 17th-century paintings, including the Madonna Odigitria by Ioannikios Ieromonaco. It also preserves a significant collection of Byzantine-rite liturgical vestments, created by the nuns of the college and carefully preserved over the centuries. A visit to the Museo Collegio di Maria also includes a visit to the Santuario di Maria SS. Odigitria.

The historic Shesci district is home to an open-air museum featuring urban art works by international artists. The works interpret the cultural identity of Piana degli Albanesi and provide a contemporary accent alongside churches, icons and liturgical vestments.

Cannolo and Routes at Lake Oasis

The traditional Cannolo di Piana degli Albanesi e Santa Cristina Gela – Kannolli i Horës se Arbëreshëvet e i Sëndastinës – is produced in the administrative areas of the municipalities of Piana degli Albanesi and Santa Cristina Gela in the province of Palermo. The Cannolo MasterClass in Piana degli Albanesi offers the opportunity to meet producers in the supply chain, learn about the selection of ingredients and make your own traditional Cannolo from Piana degli Albanesi.

In the Lake Oasis area, paths run along the shore of Lake Piana degli Albanesi. The area also includes a picnic site where barbecuing is permitted during periods allowed by law. When choosing a hotel or other accommodation, you can weigh your focus between churches and museums, hiking trails, nature observation, lakeside routes and a culinary experience.

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