Belmonte
Welcome to Belmonte Mezzagno
Are you ready to discover the wonders of this small Sicilian town? Belmonte Mezzagno, or "U Minzagnu" in Palermo dialect, is a municipality with a population of around 11,000 inhabitants located at the foot of the Belmonte peak in the metropolitan city of Palermo.
Physical geography
Territory
Belmonte Mezzagno is surrounded by the Mountains of Palermo, the Montagnole hill, and the elevation of Monte Santa Caterina, which form a sort of natural amphitheater. The only access to Belmonte was once provided by a mule track that ran through the valley known as "la Scala" and connected Belmonte to Palermo. The territory is crossed by the Landro or Oleandro stream, which flows further downstream into the Eleuterio river.
Climate
The climate of Belmonte Mezzagno is typically Mediterranean, with a hot and dry summer season and a cool and rainy winter. The average annual maximum and minimum temperatures are reported in a table, and the average annual precipitation is around 741 mm.
Origin of the name
Until 1776, the name of the municipality was Mezzagno, but at that time it took on the name Belmonte. In 1864, the name Mezzagno was added again.
History
Belmonte Mezzagno was founded by Giuseppe Ventimiglia in 1752 in the 18th century. The city has seen Arab, Norman, Swabian, and Angevin conquests, but it was under the Bourbons that Belmonte achieved greater prosperity. During the fascist period, Belmonte became an important Center of youth and leisure.
Monuments and places of interest
The historic center of Belmonte Mezzagno is a mix of architectural styles and religious monuments. The parish church stands on the main square of the town and was built in the neoclassical style at the end of the 19th century. A few meters from the church, we find the Clock Tower, a symbol of the town that was built in 1778. Inside the historic center, we also find the birthplace of the Palermo actor Francesco Saverio Nitti.
Cultural events and traditions
Belmonte Mezzagno is rich in traditions and folklore. Among the most important events, we find the feast of the patron saint, San Giuseppe, which is held every year on the last Sunday of August, and the feast of San Domenico, which is celebrated on August 4th. During the feast of San Giuseppe, the famous "gare delle carrettiere" are also organized, which consist of a race between allegorical carts representing the different neighborhoods of the town.
Local cuisine
The cuisine of Belmonte Mezzagno is typical of Sicilian cuisine. Among the typical dishes, we find caponata, fish couscous, cannoli, and Sicilian granita. Moreover, Belmonte is famous for the wine "Vino sereno," a red wine produced with Nero d'Avola and Syrah grapes.
Conclusions
Belmonte Mezzagno is a charming town that is definitely worth a visit. Between its history, monuments, traditions, and cuisine, this town offers an authentic experience of Sicilian culture.
