San Giuseppe Jato – Monte Jato, History and Festivals

Landscape around Monte Jato

San Giuseppe Jato lies at the foot of the 852-metre-high Monte Jato. In the Jato Valley, broad, gently undulating clay plains shape the landscape; they are used intensively for arable farming and winegrowing.

The Ancient City of Iaitas

From the visitor centre of the Monte Jato archaeological area, a footpath leads to the ancient city of Iaitas in about 40 minutes. Visitors to Iaitas should allow not only time for the ancient city area itself but also the approximately 40-minute walk as a separate period of time. The ancient city is also known by the names Ietas, Giato and Jato. Its theatre was 68 metres wide overall and had 35 rows of seats for approximately 4,400 spectators. For travellers interested in cultural history, both the route and the dimensions of the theatre are key aspects.

Madonna della Provvidenza

The Madonna della Provvidenza is associated with several fixed dates throughout the year. The annual pilgrimage takes place on 21 July. The multi-day patronal festival cycle includes a horse parade on 13 August and a livestock fair on 15 August. For the procession, the painting is carried each year to the sanctuary in the former Feudo Dammusi and subsequently returned to the church. It is kept there until the following year. The original painting was found at Feudo Dammusi on 21 July 1784.

Giardino della Memoria and Grotta Mirabella

The Giardino della Memoria in the Contrada Giambascio district commemorates Giuseppe Di Matteo and is located at the place where he was murdered in 1996. Over several years, numerous educational and cultural initiatives promoting legality and anti-mafia work were held there. Local associations, school classes, tourists and visitors took part. The Giardino della Memoria is open by telephone appointment at 0917718793.

Another cultural-historical highlight is Grotta Mirabella. The only cave, approximately 25 metres long, contains rock paintings probably dating from the Neolithic period, depicting animals and women.

Dammusi, Winegrowing and the Spring Festival

The Masseria Dammusi includes a Jesuit casale that Prince Giuseppe Beccadelli converted into his summer residence. San Giuseppe Jato takes part in a tourist tour that brings visitors to wineries and other production sites every year on 2 April. The annual Festa di Primavera features wine and product tastings, market exhibitions and folkloric performances.

Getting There from Palermo

From Palermo, San Giuseppe Jato can be reached via the SS624 in about half an hour. When travelling from Palermo, allow approximately half an hour for the journey via the SS624; this time applies to San Giuseppe Jato and not to the subsequent walk to Iaitas.

More Destinations

You can also explore Palazzo Adriano, Gibilmanna, Ventimiglia Di Sicilia, Godrano, Cefalù, Piana Degli Albanesi, Petralia Sottana and Camporeale.

For the higher-level travel overview: Palermo.