Geraci-Siculo, Sicily; one of the most beautiful villages of Italy

Visit Geraci-Siculo

The village of Geraci Siculo is situated to the south-east of Cefalu, and falls within the Parco delle Madonie (Regional Nature Park) at more than 1000 metres above sea-level.

With its narrow alleys and small churches a visit to the town is a true step backwards in time.

Explore Geraci-Siculo

It really is the position of Geraci-Siculo on the side of a rocky hill surrounded by the valleys and hills of the Parco delle Madonie regional park that is its main attraction: the views of the village as you approach and from the village as you explore are stupendous. The buildings hug the top of the hillside looking like outcrops of rock jutting upwards from the hill.

The narrow winding roads lead you past charming small stone houses, courtyards and cobblestone paths. Wandering up the paths eventually leads to the ruins of a small 11th century castle (the Castle of Ventimiglia) above the village.

The castle dates back to the Byzantine period and was transformed by the Normans for their defences. The ruins of the castle still survive and with them the church of Saint Anna which dominate the ruins. The scull of Saint Anna was said to have been kept here until the 13th century.

Nearby is the church of Saint Giacomo which contains a 14th century wooden crucifix and Byzantine frescoes.

Although a small village with only a couple of thousand residents Geraci-Siculo has quite a large number of churches whose architecture and treasures add to the charms of the village.

Another interesting building is the Bevaio which is a watering place built by the Marquis Simone Ventimiglia and has two stone fountains pouring water into a central basin. The fountains are topped by stone pyramids each decorated with a coat of arms.

This is Italy and as always food is important. In Geraci-Siculo ricotta cheese, olives and sun-dried tomatoes are all specialities. There are a number of restaurants allowing you to sample these and other specialities.

Geraci Siculo is one of seven beautiful Sicily villages which are listed as 'most beautiful towns and villages of Italy'.

Places to visit nearby

Polizzi Generosa is another lovely village located in the beautiful Natural Park of Madonie.

The other 'most beautiful villages of Italy' that can be found in Sicily are Cefalu, Castelmola, Montalbano Elicona, Novara di Sicilia, Savoca and San Marco d'Alunsio. Of these Cefalu is close and is a very popular seaside resort and one of the top destinations in Sicily.

You can find more local travel ideas in the North Sicily guide,