Poggioreale: Piazza, History and Mountainous Sicily

Poggioreale between the new piazza and the old town

Poggioreale has two clearly distinct sides: In Poggioreale Nuova, the Nuova Piazza Elimo is the centre of urban life. In Poggioreale Antica, by contrast, a still recognisable urban fabric has been preserved, although it was damaged by the 1968 Belice earthquake and subsequently abandoned. This combination of architecture, history and landscape makes the town interesting for travellers who want to discover a distinctive Sicilian destination.

Architecture at the Nuova Piazza Elimo

The spacious, circular architecture of the Nuova Piazza Elimo follows the neoclassical style and is intended to recreate an ancient agora. Artistically decorated colonnades define the complex; they include four caryatids by Paolo Borghi. The Nuova Piazza Elimo was designed in 1988 by architect Paolo Portoghesi. Anyone interested in Italian town squares, architectural forms and the deliberate design of public spaces will find a particularly striking focal point of Poggioreale Nuova here.

Poggioreale Antica and its architectural history

Despite the damage caused by the 1968 Belice earthquake and its subsequent abandonment, Poggioreale Antica preserves a still recognisable urban fabric. The Chiesa di Sant'Antonio da Padova is dedicated to the town's patron saint and dates from 1860. The Chiesa Madre was previously the Chiesa del Purgatorio; the latter dates from 1540. On 24 November 1697, the Chiesa Madre was solemnly consecrated. Palazzo Morso Principe was Poggioreale's first settlement nucleus, belonged to Marquis Francesco Morso di Gibellina and dates from the 17th century. After being closed for years due to unsafe conditions, Poggioreale storica was reopened to visitors on 10 June 2026.

Everyday history at the Museo Etno-antropologico

Poggioreale's Museo Etno-antropologico is affiliated with the municipal library. It documents the predominantly agricultural character of the population through tools, equipment and objects from fields, workshops and domestic life. It also preserves the local “vertuli” and “gerle”, as well as some of the archaeological material from Monte Castellazzo, which has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The museum complements the historic buildings with insights into the work and everyday life of the population.

Mountain landscapes and archaeological excursions

The Poggioreale area is predominantly mountainous and offers spectacular panoramas with hills and landscapes typical of inland Sicily. The countryside around Poggioreale is suitable for rural tourism and hiking. The Area Archeologica di Monte Castellazzo is located in Poggioreale and is an archaeological excursion destination. It can be visited free of charge by appointment. Poggioreale therefore also appeals to you if you want to combine cultural sightseeing with landscape experiences and a more leisurely pace of travel.

Getting to Poggioreale from Palermo

From Palermo, Poggioreale can be reached via the A29 towards Mazara del Vallo, taking the Gallitello exit. Another route leads via the Palermo–Sciacca expressway and the Poggioreale exit. If you choose a hotel or other accommodation in Poggioreale, you can use these routes as practical guidance for planning your own trip. Once there, the Nuova Piazza Elimo, Poggioreale Antica, the churches, the museum and the mountainous surroundings offer points of interest for different preferences.

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