Villaseta
Villaseta: the history of a district of Agrigento
Villaseta is a district of the municipality of Agrigento, located halfway between the Marina (now Porto Empedocle) and the city center. Its foundation dates back to 1853 when its streets were important stopping points for carters crossing southwestern Sicily to reach the city of Girgenti. In the area, important silk mills were built for the processing of silk coming from the countryside around the village of Montaperto (Agrigento). One of the most famous inhabitants of Villaseta was the playwright Luigi Pirandello, who in many novellas tells of the small village with its church and the simple homes of local farmers. Following the terrible landslide that hit Agrigento in 1966, Villaseta expanded further with the construction of new housing projects for the displaced families.
Monuments and places of interest
The district of Villaseta boasts several churches of great architectural importance, such as the Church of Madonna della Catena and the Church of Santa Croce. Moreover, in the district of Caos stands the birthplace of Luigi Pirandello, now home to the "Pirandello Documentation Center". Another important infrastructure project in the area is the Akragas viaduct that connects the district to Monserrato (Agrigento).
Culture
Villaseta has been described by Andrea Camilleri in his story as an example of an ancient village that grew disproportionately during the years of the Italian Economic Miracle, but above all due to the disastrous landslide that hit Agrigento. In reality, the district constitutes a link between the city and its port, Porto Empedocle, and together they form a single urban agglomeration.
Notes
Related voices
The district of Villaseta is closely related to the city of Agrigento, with which it shares its history and cultural and artistic heritage.
External links
The district of Villaseta does not have an official website, but more information can be found on the website of the Municipality of Agrigento.
