Altofonte
- Church of San Giuseppe.
- Church of San Benedetto Abate.
The Church of Santa Maria is the main church of the town, built in the 18th century on the site of a previous church dating back to the 11th century. The interior is decorated with precious stuccoes. The Church of San Giuseppe, built at the same time, features an elegant Baroque facade. Inside, there is an altar dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie, the patron saint of Altofonte. Finally, the Church of San Benedetto Abate, built in the 20th century, houses a wooden crucifix dating back to the 17th century.
Civil architecture
The Town Hall is a 19th-century building located in Piazza Europa. It has recently been renovated and now houses the municipal library. Nearby is the "Palazzo Vernaci", where Garibaldi stayed in 1860 during his trip to Sicily. In recent years, it has been restored and hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
The forest of Monte Moarda
The Monte Moarda, which overlooks the town of Altofonte, is covered with dense vegetation. The natural landscape is particularly suggestive, and the path leading to the top offers breathtaking views of the valley below. There are numerous scenic spots from which you can admire the Gulf of Palermo and the surrounding villages. The forest is the ideal place for outdoor picnics or for walks in nature.
Events and traditions
Several events take place in Altofonte throughout the year. Among the most important is the Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie, celebrated on the first weekend of September. On this occasion, the statue of the Madonna is carried in procession through the streets of the town, followed by a procession of the faithful. The celebration ends with a fireworks display. Another much-awaited event is the Cherry Festival, which takes place in June. During the festival, you can taste the excellent local cherries and participate in numerous activities and shows.
Gastronomy
The traditional cuisine of Altofonte is based on simple and genuine dishes that use local products. Among the specialties of the town are:
"Manzato" Bread
"Manzato" bread is a typical Sicilian bread made with flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil. The particularity lies in the kneading, which must be done by hand for at least an hour. "Manzato" bread is usually consumed with local cheeses and cured meats.
Candied Cherries
Candied cherries from Altofonte are famous throughout Sicily. The cherries are harvested in June and are candied by hand. They are excellent to taste as a dessert or a sweet.
Pasta with sardines
Pasta with sardines is a typical Sicilian dish. In Altofonte, it is prepared with fresh sardines, breadcrumbs, raisins, pine nuts, and orange zest.
Tourism
Altofonte is a place that offers many opportunities for tourism. In addition to natural attractions and gastronomic traditions, the town boasts numerous outdoor sports activities such as trekking, cycling, and horse riding. Moreover, the proximity to Palermo, one of the major art cities in Sicily, offers the possibility of organizing cultural excursions to discover the treasures of the city.
Conclusions
Altofonte is a small town in the province of Palermo that offers many opportunities for visitors. The hilly landscape, the natural beauty, and the delicious local cuisine are just some of the attractions that make the town magical and suggestive. The courtesy and friendliness of its inhabitants also contribute to making the visiting experience unforgettable.
