Polizzi Generosa: Madonie, history and Sicilian lifestyle

A distinctive Madonie landscape

Polizzi Generosa combines a town steeped in history with the landscape of the Madonie. The municipality’s territory lies within the Parco delle Madonie, established in 1989, an area of exceptional scientific, naturalistic and geological value. Numerous trails can be explored on foot, horseback or by mountain bike.

In the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli near Polizzi Generosa, 25 specimens of Abies nebrodensis have been preserved in their original habitat. The easy Sentiero dell’aquila reale leads through the prairie of Piano Farina to the canyon of Fosso Canna, which is designated as a nesting site. The MAN_Museo Abiens Nebrodensis offers an immersive sensory exhibition across five thematic areas.

Historic centre and visible history

A tour of the historic centre leads to preserved corners, squares, alleys and neighbourhoods of the town. The Chiesa Madre dates back to Norman times and is the main church of Polizzi Generosa. The Civico Museo Archeologico Amedeo Tullio houses finds from the 2nd to the 4th century BC, discovered in a Hellenistic necropolis above the town. The exhibits include terracotta figurines, bronze objects, terracotta lamps and ceramic amphorae in the style of Magna Graecia. The Museo Etnoantropologico displays historical objects, tools and everyday items in reconstructed work and living areas.

The Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie (Badia Nuova) was built in 1499 and completely remodelled in the 18th century. It houses Sicily’s largest sacred Custodia, created in the 17th century by Pietro Bencivinni from gilded wood in the style of Spanish altarpieces. Palazzo Gagliardo was built in the 16th century by the La Farina family and preserves the Mannerist style typical of eastern Sicily; on Via Carlo V, its portal stands out with carved masks and floral or animal motifs. Palazzo Carpinello has a monumental staircase from Via Garibaldi with majolica vases depicting figures from the history of Polizzi.

Festivals, customs and the annual cycle

The Festa del Santissimo Crocifisso is celebrated every year in Polizzi Generosa from 1 May to 4 May and includes processions through the cobbled streets. The Festa di San Gandolfo is celebrated every year on the third Sunday in September and combines traditional music, concerts and fireworks. During these celebrations, the complete Sulle tracce di San Gandolfo route can be followed on the third weekend of September. The Festa della Neve takes place every year on the third Sunday in July and includes the ascent to the high peaks of the Madonie. The Festa di Santa Lucia follows on 12 and 13 December; on the eve, Cuccìa is traditionally prepared, a soup made with wheat, chickpeas and dried Badda beans, which are typical of the Polizzi area. The Sagra delle nocciole takes place in the second half of August and recreates rural and village scenes from everyday life.

Ceramics and local specialities

Polizzi Generosa is considered the oldest ceramic production centre in the Madonie. A former pottery has been converted into an artistic ceramics workshop where young female decorators work. The Delizie nobiliari experience combines a visit to a palace with a tasting of local foods.

Collections for in-depth visits

A visit to the Palazzo della Cultura includes part of the historic Biblioteca Duca Lancia di Brolo, with 40,000 volumes, including old incunabula, Cinquecentine, Seicentine and numerous manuscripts. At Casa Fondazione Giuseppe Antonio Borgese, you can explore an archive containing several editions of his works, first editions in various languages, manuscripts, correspondence, rare postcards and photographs. The building stands on the ruins of a 15th-century Dominican monastery. Visits for school classes and groups are available daily on request and subject to availability.

Also: Montelepre, Ginestra, Pioppo, Parrini, Mondello, Cefalù, Lercara Friddi, Termini Imerese.

Palermo.