Geraci Siculo, nominated the most beautiful village in Italy in 2021

Geraci Siculo

My name is Cristian and I’m in love!

This year I wanted to surprise my girlfriend on the most romantic weekend of the year by taking her into a fairy tale.

Geraci Siculo is counted, not surprisingly, among the most beautiful villages in Sicily and Italy, stands on the crest of a promontory, nestled between rocks like a place out of time.

A perfect place for my Valentine’s weekend.

Everything about Geraci Siculo is a fairytale set in the Middle Ages, starting with the narrow, winding streets that run high up to the ruins of the Ventimiglia Castle, which in turn overlooks a breathtakingly beautiful landscape.

The known history of the town begins around the 6th century when the Greeks began to colonise the Madonie territory. As early as 241 B.C. the village was described as flourishing by the historian Cantu. Islamic and Norman dominations followed until the 11th century.

From here onwards the historical events become turbulent but with the settlement of the Ventimiglia family, Geraci becomes the centre of the County thanks to the power of this family that gives it prestige and protection.

Today, all that remains of the Casato dei Ventimiglia are the ruins of the castle. Perched on a spur of basaltic rock, it offers a panoramic view of rare beauty and was once appreciated more for the possibility of sighting possible enemy attacks.

Unassailable as a fortress in the past, it had a rather austere appearance and lacked all luxury. The building, with an irregular plan, was perfectly adapted to the roughness of the rock on which it was built.

Another famous monument in the village is the Bevaio della SS Trinità, a building commissioned by Marquis Simone Ventimiglia. The bevaio has a rectangular base about 2 metres long, on either side of which are two stone fountains with elegant sandstone bowls that collect the water and pour it into the basin.

Among the religious buildings worth visiting is the small church of Sant’Anna, which stands right next to the castle ruins.

The Monument to Universal Peace, a work by the sculptor Tommaso Geraci, depicts the fathers of universal peace: Gandhi, Salvo d’Acquisto, Massimiliano Kolbe, for example.

From the top of the Ventimiglia Castle, you can also admire the Madonie Park.

In this beautiful location in central-northern Sicily, you can spend a relaxing holiday, discovering historical traditions and lush nature. My girlfriend Marika and I love long walks, hand in hand, surrounded by nature.

There are several well-equipped areas where you can spend a pleasant day, but there are also several attractions including guided trails, bridle paths, entertainment areas and various sports facilities for those who, even on holiday, don’t give up physical fitness like us.

Geraci Siculo is also a strategic point from which to visit the coast and surrounding area; we rented a 500X from Sicily Rent Car, which is very convenient and easy to get to nearby villages such as Castelbuono and to the coast where there is a beautiful Cefalù (read the article here to find out more).

Most importantly, Geraci Siculo offers a tranquil environment ideal for those seeking a regenerating escape away from the lights and noise of the big cities and to dedicate some time to yourself and your partner.

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